London’s vibrant culinary landscape is set to welcome a new, authentic taste of Spain with the highly anticipated opening of Pintxito. The latest venture from the Camino Group, known for its popular Spanish bars and restaurants, Pintxito will bring the lively tradition of Basque pintxos to Covent Garden’s iconic piazza. This announcement comes as part of a significant expansion strategy for Camino, reinforcing its strong presence in the capital’s competitive food scene.
A Taste of the Basque Country in Covent Garden
Pintxito, pronounced “pin-cheat-oh,” is slated to open its doors on August 26, 2025, nestled under the historic arches of Covent Garden Piazza at 34 The Market, London WC2E 8RF. The new bar aims to faithfully recreate the informal and sociable atmosphere found in the renowned pintxos bars of Bilbao and San Sebastián. With an intimate setting designed to accommodate 40 guests – 30 inside and an additional 10 al fresco – Pintxito promises a bustling experience from 11 am to 11 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 9 pm on Sundays. Bookings will be available only for groups of four to eight, encouraging a lively walk-in culture that mirrors its Spanish inspirations.
The menu at Pintxito is expertly crafted by Camino Group’s Executive Chef Nacho del Campo, a native of the Basque Country. Guests can anticipate a rotating selection of 15 to 20 hot and ambient pintxos displayed enticingly on a central counter. Highlights from the offering include traditional delights such as baby squid in squid ink, classic anchovy gildas, and more adventurous options like crispy pig’s ears and king oyster mushrooms with piquillo and salsa verde. Complementing the small plates will be a concise and exclusively Basque drinks list, featuring white, rosé, and sparkling txakoli, Rioja Alavesa wines, local beer, cider, and gin, all sourced directly from the region.
Camino Group’s Strategic Expansion Across London
Pintxito’s debut is a cornerstone of the Camino Group’s ambitious growth plans for 2025. The expansion follows Camino’s recent strategic acquisition of two former Iberica restaurants in London. In December 2024, the upmarket tapas chain Iberica entered administration, a consequence of challenging post-pandemic conditions including staff shortages and increased operational costs. Camino Group, led by co-founder Richard Bigg, successfully acquired the Iberica sites in Farringdon and Victoria, saving a portion of the business and transferring approximately 40 staff members.
The Farringdon location was swiftly rebranded and reopened as a Camino restaurant on January 22, 2025, with the Victoria site following in mid-February after refurbishments. These acquisitions mark the end of the Iberica brand on the high street and significantly boost Camino’s portfolio, bringing its total number of establishments to five, alongside its existing Bar Rioja, Big Chill King’s Cross, and Outpost (Stratford joint venture). Richard Bigg noted that these new sites are expected to provide considerable administrative advantages and dilute central office expenses, signaling a robust start to the year for the group.
The Trending Allure of Basque Food
The launch of Pintxito arrives at a time when Basque cuisine is increasingly trending in London. The capital has seen a growing appreciation for the region’s distinct culinary philosophy, characterized by a focus on exceptional ingredients, simple preparations, and open-fire cooking techniques. High-profile openings and critical acclaim for Basque-inspired restaurants like Tomos Parry’s Mountain and Ibai underscore this burgeoning interest. Londoners are increasingly drawn to the bold flavors and convivial dining experiences that Basque food offers, making Pintxito a timely addition to the city’s diverse food news.
Covent Garden’s Dynamic Restaurant Scene
Covent Garden, a bustling hub often described as “tourist central,” presents both opportunities and challenges for new restaurant ventures. While its high footfall is undeniable, the area has also witnessed closures, with some establishments citing rising business rates and operational costs. Pintxito aims to differentiate itself by offering an informal yet authentic Basque experience that appeals to both international visitors and Londoners seeking genuine Spanish food. This new restaurant reflects Camino Group’s confidence in the enduring appeal of quality Spanish food and its commitment to contributing to London’s dynamic and ever-evolving restaurant landscape.
