Midlands family-run company The Authentic Tapas Group have built on their loyal customer base, Michelin success and Best Mediterranean Establishment Award – by opening their fourth stylish Spanish restaurant – El Borracho de Oro – in Edgbaston.
The new venue, located in The Village on the Calthorpe Estate, is the new sister restaurant to the group’s Casa Ruiz, Don Diego and Casa Naranjo restaurants.
It marks a major investment for the young Spanish family and has created 20 full and part time jobs.
The restaurant, designed by owners Emma and Alfonso Yufera-Ruiz and boasting a warm, inviting and distinctly Spanish feel, has been created within what was a ground floor shell interior.
The main contractor for the project was Ian Morris.
Emma Yufera-Ruiz, who also project managed the scheme explained: “The space was a completely void unit when we took it over, so we had to start from scratch – including the installation of all building services such as gas, electricity and water, as well as plumbing and the construction of new internal walls to divide the space, which basically comprises a spacious bar, restaurant and open pass kitchen.
“The bar area includes a huge 14 metre long horseshoe-shaped bar where customers can either sit facing the restaurant or the bar. We are really proud of this area – especially the bar which is decorated in blue and gold hand-made tiles which we sourced ourselves, together with beautiful brightly coloured red and yellow pendant lights.
“We tried to make a distinct division between the bar and the restaurant, with the bar having a relaxed, informal feel and the restaurant having a more elegant, subdued atmosphere with white and cream lighting and a palette of colours including maroon, wine, golden yellow and neutral tones. The chairs are upholstered in golden coloured fabric and we also have gold coloured banquette seating in this area.”
Other design features include striking decorative floor tiling and many hand painted ceramic items such as plant pots, plates and other decorative items – all of which were specially sourced from Spain.
The works have been carried out within seven to eight weeks, with the project progressing fairly smoothly.
Emma continued: “It will be hard to find a more authentic Spanish experience than this. At the bar, customers are welcome for pre-dinner drinks, or to stay and relax with informal tapas such as Iberian, acorn fed Hams (Jamon Iberico de Bellota) and a visual feast of other informal tapas.
“The restaurant area offers hearty Spanish staples and stunning sharer dishes such as Arroz Caldosa de Bogovante (a dish similar to paella made with lobster and other seafood), Lechal Asado (suckling lamb), Chuleton De Buey (bone in rib steak), and Lubina a Sal (whole seabass packed in sea salt). We focus on an a la carte menu, with high quality dishes that show the best of Spanish Cuisine.
“There will also be Vegetarian dishes such as ‘Artichoke 3 Ways’ and ‘Broken Eggs with Asparagus’.
“Most of our team is Spanish and if our ingredients are not sourced locally they are selected from free range Spanish producers.
“Wines and beers will of course be authentically Spanish and only those that we drink ourselves.
“El Borracho de Oro translates as “the Golden Drunk” and refers to the person who drinks all the good wines.
“We love what we do – we adore everything about the restaurant world – cooking, serving, helping to make other peoples special occasions feel extra special. We couldn’t have expanded so quickly without the support of our existing customers.”
All of the group’s food is highly authentic, fresh and they have no problem at all in working around any dietary requirements or requests.
All of the restaurants have unique menus created by their chefs, ensuring the food is creative and seasonal.
Dynamic husband and wife team Alfonso and Emma Yufera-Ruiz worked and met at Michelin Star restaurant Simpsons in Birmingham.
“Alfonso or ‘Fonz’ to friends, family and customers, is from Gran Canaria and has also lived in Madrid and Granada for many years. He is passionate about Spanish food and creating a friendly environment in which to enjoy it.”
Pyramid Catering Equipment
Pyramid Catering Equipment specialise in the design, supply and installation of commercial kitchens and bars for all sectors of commercial catering. The firm were established in June 2015 and since their inception has worked with a number of clients including Middleton’s Steak Houses, Steak of the Art, City Pubs, Best Place Inns and BrewDog.
The firm have also supplied kitchens to a number of schools, colleges, churches and nursing homes. At El Borracho De Oro Pyramid designed the kitchen and bar working closely with the project architects and main contractors to deliver the scheme in line with the customers’ requirements.
Graeme Marshall from Pyramid commented:
“We worked with Andrew Davies to personally project managed the installations. It is only by working closely with all parties in the equation from the architect, the builder to the client that we can guarantee a smooth and stress free process.
“We pride ourselves on our commitment to meeting, and where possible exceeding, the customers’ expectations. We offer a complete service from conception through to installation and offer an excellent after-sales service. I personally spent many years working in the industry both as chef and manger and so have great insights into the needs of the operators. Andrew has over 30 years’ experience in the design and installation industry and so together we have a wealth of experience and know-how.”
