Bucks &amp; Oxon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-4.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire" class="wp-image-158829" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-4-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Sick of the rain, wind and lack of spring? No need to jump on the next EasyJet flight to Barcelona, hotfoot it to Bourne End. More specifically the marina – where you&#8217;ll find El Cerdo Tapas Bar in the heart of the smart marina. It&#8217;s a bit of the beaten track, but judging by the full tables, word is spreading. Founded by restaurateur Lynne Moran, the first location opened in Maidenhead, followed by Bourne End. The two locations offer different vibes but similiar dishes inspired by Lynne&#8217;s family trips to Spain – and the menu hits the authenticity nail right on the head.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-5.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire" class="wp-image-158830" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-5-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The wood-clad restaurant has a boathouse vibe, with the restaurant occupying the first floor with a wall of glass sliding doors that open onto a terrace and the money shot – boats and river. It&#8217;s about three times the size of its Maidenhead tapas bar, has a large terrace and is offers escapism whether the sun is beating down and you&#8217;re hitting the chilled rosé hard or hunkering down during the chillier months.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/4-4.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire" class="wp-image-158832" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/4-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/4-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/4-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/4-4-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Welcoming and buzzy! It was a Friday night, and a full house with groups of friends and date night couples kicking back after a week of 9-5. My date (the husband) is a sucker for a tapas, the marina location – he longs to own a boat – was the icing on the cake. From the friendly greeting at the door to the glamorous bar that wraps around the space – once you cross the threshold, you&#8217;re not on a conveyor belt to get in and out. It takes the business of socialising seriously and you are to take your time</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire" class="wp-image-158834" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In terms of decor, the team’s done a fab job of making this place look and feel the part. Taking inspiration from Spanish style, the blue, white and yellow colour palette is woven into the design through tiles, soft furnishings, wood and paint. The bar is the focal point, clad in a bright turquoise painted wood and there are high seats so you can casually pull up a chair. The fact the seats at the bar cannot be booked is a nice touch and authentically Spanish.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-4.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire view of the marina" class="wp-image-158833" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-4-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s a people watcher&#8217;s paradise on sunny days. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a window into to a world of boat owners. It&#8217;s a space that comes into its own in the summer – just make sure you snag coveted terrace table. You&#8217;ll find the Muddy team perched on the terrace cooing over a motor cruiser as it sets off with Champagne and Fortnum &amp; Mason picnic hamper on board.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>Where to start! Well, a glass of fizz, of course. I opted for cava (the only bubbles by the glass) – beautifully balanced sparkling wine with green fruit aromas and a hint of elderflower and moved on to an authentic Basque white, Tzudugarai Antxiola, a spritzy number made outside San Sebastian.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-3.jpg" alt="El Cerdo tapas bar bourne end padron peppers and crystal bread" class="wp-image-158780" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/5-3-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The wine list isn&#8217;t extensive and it&#8217;s predominantly Spanish, which I really liked but if you&#8217;re not very adventurous, the staff will steer you in the right direction. Halfway through the meal, I was recommended a citrusy Gimlet cocktail – and it&#8217;s a game changer. Refreshing, cutting through the myriad of flavours to reset my tastebuds before we go again.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-2.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire gambas garlic and chilli" class="wp-image-158781" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/6-2-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Onto the main event, there are veggie, meat and fish options on offer – and do not discount the specials, they are seriously good. How many dishes should you order? You do you, bur three to four plates each are recommended, with 90% of ingredients imported from Spain. Some veg and their breads are sourced locally and the crystal bread with tomatoes (a must order) was certainly tasty and perfect with the Iberian ham.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/8.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire croquettes" class="wp-image-158783" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/8-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Nose in the trough, we ordered some classics Padron peppers (salty and sweet), garlic and chilli king prawns (an all time fave) and patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a tomato and aioli sauce)– all very good, although personally I prefer my spuds to have more crunch to them, but the rich sauce was had a lovely warming kick.. We also ordered a cheese and Iberian ham croquettes which were huge – and there were four of these great balls that wouldn&#8217;t have looked out on place on&nbsp;<em>Ninja Warrior UK</em>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/El-Cerdo-23AW-Arroz-Negro-5-scaled-1-e1712674799890.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Buckinghamshire" class="wp-image-158836"/></figure>



<p>I&#8217;m not gonna lie, the waistband was feeling the strain, but I&#8217;m a sucker for seafood and the marinated tempura monkfish sat on a black seafood rice and a spicy paprika aioli was a rich comforting dish with flavours that slapped you in the face. We also tried the pork special which was also served on a bed of rice. It as delicious but I&#8217;m kicking myself for now choosing El Cerdo&#8217;s Acorn fed Iberian pork Pluma, marinated and grilled in the charcoal oven with chargrilled baby gem, because I was eyeing it up one someone else&#8217;s table.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-5.jpg" alt="El Cerdo Tapas Bar Bourne End Basque cheescake and raspberry sorbet" class="wp-image-158839" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-5-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Digging deep, we loosened belts even more and reached for the dessert menu. There was absolutely no need, but the staff kindly showcased a morsel of each dessert they offered. Food coma imminent. Tarta de Santiago – the lightest almond cake you&#8217;ll put in your mouth and the Basque-style burnt cheesecake, with raspberry sorbet were knock out favourites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-6.jpg" alt="Stanley Spencer Gallery " class="wp-image-158838" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/2-6-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Hop in the car and zip three minutes down the road to Little Marlow for a mooch around Home Barn. It&#8217;s a very cool interiors store that has Londoners, influencers and glossy mag peeps flocking to the shires. Cliveden National Trust is a mere two miles, and the 376 acres of grounds are always showing some leg. From the carpets of bluebells and blossom trees to the colourful blooms in the formal beds, it&#8217;s a showstopper. Culture vultures should pop over the bridge to Cookham in Berkshire for a wander around the Stanley Spencer Gallery. Its current exhibition&nbsp;<em>The Cookham Brotherhood</em>(now &#8211; 3 Nov 2024) showcases the work of local artists of Eric Newton, Gilbert and Stanley and is well worth a visit. If you&#8217;re simply after a leg-stretcher to justify your indulgence there&#8217;s nice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/buckinghamshire/bourne-end-and-marlow-circular-via-thames-river" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">riverside walk from Bourne End Marina to Marlow</a>&nbsp;and back. Just make sure you have a change of shoes in the car!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY</h2>



<p>There is a kid’s menu and tapas is the perfect opportunity to broaden their culinary horizons. Being next to water, it&#8217;s not the sort of spot you would let young children wander off on their own.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility"><strong>ACCESSIBILITY</strong></h2>



<p>Surprisingly well thought out, with wheelchair and pushchair access via a lift.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-3.jpg" alt="el Cerdo Bourne End" class="wp-image-158776" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/1-3-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;tapas lovers who appreciate authentic Spanish fare. The food’s amazing, the wine is delicious, and the location is top notch</p>



<p><strong>Not good for:</strong>&nbsp;anyone who doesn’t like sharing or lacks a sense of adventure.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>&nbsp;it really depends on how hungry you are, but starters range from £3 to £5, veggie dishes are around £6.50, and hot and cold tapas plates are £8.50 to £18.50. It’s great value but the bill can soon stack up if you hit the spenny dishes hard.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://elcerdo.co.uk/bourne-end/">El Cerdo Tapas Bar</a>, Marina, Wharf Ln, Wooburn Green, Bourne End SL8 5RP</em></p>


Review: El Cerdo Tapas Bar, Bourne End

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