"All too often, hotel restaurants lack character both from a design and gastronomic perspective. Trying to please an international clientele with different tastes and expectations, and to make sure that all generations and food preferences are catered for, often leads to bland, identikit menus built around classic crowd-pleasers. I don't know why the management at the Cumberland decided to create Lírica, an unexpectedly good tapas restaurant in their hotel, but I'm pleased they did."
"Lírica is high-ceilinged and airy with a scenic mountain mural mitigating the lack of daylight. The floor is white stone tiled, with the room being decorated in Mediterranean colours. There are upholstered chairs in terracotta and sage green with a featured bar and geometric mirrored panels adding character. It's not quite the Andalusian plains, but you get the idea. Talking of the bar, the restaurant has an exclusively Spanish wine list and a good-looking cocktail list."
"My favourite Gordal olives were big and meaty, already pitted and served in a piquant marinade. Chiperones, baby squid, came hot from the fryer, served with a poky aioli and lemon to make a crisp and dainty mouthful. I'm a big fan of boquerones, marinated fresh anchovies. These were beautifully plated and served with crunchy baby fennel, radishes and good olive oil, creating a fresh and tasty dish."
Lírica occupies a high-ceilinged, airy space with a scenic mountain mural, white stone floor tiles and Mediterranean colours, complemented by terracotta and sage-upholstered chairs and geometric mirrored panels. The drinks selection emphasizes Spanish wines and cocktails alongside beers and non-alcoholic options. The menu is arranged into small plates (tapas), large plates (raciones), sides and desserts, with familiar Spanish dishes presented confidently. Notable small plates include meaty Gordal olives in a piquant marinade, fried chiperones with aioli and lemon, and marinated boquerones served with fennel and radish. The Tortillango potato and onion omelette is described as light and proper.
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