José Pizarro reveals plans for second restaurant

The restaurant, on 194 Bermondsey Street, will continue to trade until September when it will close for a re-fit, re-opening as Pizarro in early October.
Pizarro, a co-founder of Spanish produce supplier Brindisa’s restaurant arm, intends to retain all current staff. The refit will create an 80-cover dining space and London’s first Cava bar. Decor will have a similar feel to José (white tiles, open kitchen) but with a more luxurious feel.
“It’s not fine dining, just very simple high quality food. I’m going to be taking inspiration from all over Spain for my dishes and food will be highly seasonal. It’s not tapas but the menu will be flexible with a good selection of sharing dishes,” said Pizarro.
The chef - who also has a second cookbook and Spanish produce import business in the works - announced his intention to open a more formal restaurant close to José earlier this year.
Also on Bermondsey Street, the informal tapas restaurant José, features a daily changing menu depending on supplies, many of which will be sourced from Borough market, alongside a wine and sherry list created by Tim Atkin and Jo Ahearne.