There’s something magical about stumbling upon a culinary secret, and that’s exactly what happened when we discovered Maricarmen, a pop-up tapas bar tucked inside Cocoa Cabana on Murray Street, Ancoats. Though it had been quietly delighting diners for most of 2023, we only uncovered its charm in November—and what a revelation it was.
First Encounter: A Quiet Thursday Night
Our inaugural visit was on a crisp Thursday evening. The space was intimate, almost hushed, with just one other table occupied. Pedro, our gracious host, welcomed us warmly and encouraged us to choose any table we fancied—a small gesture that set the tone for the night.
Menus in hand, we quickly realised this wasn’t your standard tapas affair. Yes, the classics were present, but the selection brimmed with intriguing dishes we’d never encountered before.
Drinks to Begin
I opted for the Marianito Special Cocktail, a golden-hued blend of Vermouth, Cointreau, Gin, and Angostura, crowned with a slice of orange. Sweet, aromatic, and with a whisper of whisky warmth, it was the perfect prelude. My husband chose the Alhambra Reserva Lager, smooth and effortlessly drinkable. Later, we shared a bottle of Aquitania Albariño Bernon, a crisp white wine with notes of apple and citrus—a flawless partner for the tapas to come.
A Parade of Plates
The evening unfolded like a symphony of flavours:
- Pan con Tomate – Soft-crusted bread topped with fresh tomato and a zing of garlic. Simple, yet sublime.
- Gambas al Ajillo – Prawns bathed in olive oil, garlic, and a hint of chilli. Cooked to perfection, though we secretly wished for a touch more heat.
- Patatas Bravas – Crispy new potatoes with a fruity tomato sauce and creamy alioli. Comfort in every bite.
- Castellana Meatballs – Lamb mince in a white wine sauce with crispy onions. Pleasant, though leaning more Greek than Spanish.
- Iberico Pork Cheek – The showstopper. Tender, melt-in-the-mouth pork in a silky vino tinto sauce, paired with salty kale. Our only regret? Not saving bread to mop up that divine sauce.
As the night wound down, Pedro and chef Jose shared stories behind the dishes, adding a personal touch that made the experience unforgettable.
Second Visit: A Bustling Friday in February
Our return in February was a different scene—buzzing with energy and nearly full. The menu had evolved slightly, but the spirit remained.
- Pan con Tomate – Just as splendid as before
- Las Croquetas del Día – Creamy cheese and bread filling, topped with Spanish ham and parsley. A revelation.
- Lagarto – Tender Iberico pork on truffled cassava puree. Pure indulgence.
- Cachopo (Special) – Matured sirloin stuffed with Serrano ham and Payoyo cheese, breaded and fried, served with potatoes and Padron peppers. Rich, hearty, and unapologetically meaty—a dish for the bold.
By the end, we were gloriously full, grateful the Cachopo had been downsized from its original 400g. It was a fitting finale to a night of culinary adventure.
Final Thoughts
Maricarmen is more than a tapas bar—it’s a love letter to Spanish flavours, crafted with care and served with warmth. Both visits left us eager for the next. If you find yourself in Ancoats, seek out this hidden gem before it disappears. Trust us: it’s worth every bite.