London chef José Pizarro (pictured) has announced that is taking over The Swan Inn, in Esher, combining José’s family cooking values with a British Pub feel. It will re-open in March.
The menu will include José tapas favourites to share, such as his croquetas, tortilla and 100% 5J Jamón Ibérico.
The a la carte menu will feature classic pub favourites that have been given a José twist, alongside signature regional Spanish dishes using locally-sourced produce.
Pizarro said: “Esher has made my dream come true. For years I have dreamed of opening a pub, but this is the first time it has been the right building in the right place. I love Esher!
“This is a special year for me. We call it 20:25 — 20 years since I came to England, and 25 since I became a chef. To start the year in this spectacular fashion is my best possible New Year present. Forget No Way José, I’m a Yes Way José!”
He and his team have spent weeks walking around Esher talking to as many local residents and visitors as possible, to learn about the area and the people who live there, to really understand what will work.
He added: “We found amazing enthusiasm for a Spanish restaurant to come into Esher. So we will essentially be bringing a mixture of the best of my London restaurants as a basis for the food we will serve here.”
