Taste & Tipples: Jose's Tapas brings a taste of Spain to Wakefield

The Express is looking back at its Tastes & Tipples series where our reporters visited some of the best cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants in the city.

We are looking back now because the city needs your help to prosper again. This is what reporter what we had to say about Jose's Tapas in Wakefield.

With a slogan of 'where friends meet to eat’, the restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine in a homely and welcoming atmosphere similar to that of a rustic Iberian dining room. Situated on Cross Street, it is run by the Escribanos - and is a real family affair.

Chef Jose, who grew up in Madrid and boasts an impressive 48 years of catering experience, is at the helm.

He and his team lovingly serve up tapas sharing plates, four types of paella and a changing menu of authentic dishes with a fine-dining twist.

He said: "My idea is to produce rustic and homemade food with fresh and local products. I have a passion for cooking and I want to share with my friends my dishes."

Jose’s wife Sofia offers a welcoming front of house service, making a point to get to know customers by name, whilst the couple’s children do their share to keep the two-year-old restaurant ticking over.

Daughter Elizabeth designed the rustic bar, Maria’s job was creating the menus, Richard oversaw the start-up finances and Jonathan helped out with the renovations.

Their grandchildren and in-laws also get stuck in.

Sofia said: "There was nothing like this before in Wakefield. The tapas are the dishes that we have eaten in our home in Spain. It is true fresh, home-cooking.

"We wanted it to feel as though people were eating in our dining room. It’s nice to see generations of grandparents, parents and children enjoying traditional food together."

The restaurant blends a mix of authentic Spanish ingredients with locally-sourced produce including Ramsdens fish and meat from Binks Butchers.