Tapas bar with Spanish-speaking monthly event opens in Redland

An “authentic” new Spanish tapas bar being opened by two Bristol friends has been granted an alcohol licence.

City councillors approved the application for Picaro in Chandos Road, Redland, which will be run by Monica Worsley and Maria Garro de Oro.

Five “relevant persons” made representations but none attended the licensing hearing at City Hall and the panel was told there were no objections from the police, while conditions had been agreed with trading standards.

Announcing the decision to approve the premises licence on Thursday, April 14, Bristol City Council licensing sub-committee chairman Cllr Richard Eddy said alcohol could only be served with a meal during opening hours from midday to 11pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Barcelona-born Monica was a social worker in Bristol for more than 25 years and runs the Cooking It cookery school for children and adults next door.

The licence application was made by Argentinian Maria who was married to a Spanish man for 20 years and lived in Madrid.

Picaro, which means ‘Bohemian’ or ‘vagabond’, will have a monthly tapas evening where staff will speak only Spanish.

The two friends share a love of authentic Spanish cuisine and each have four teenage children.