Very simply, tapas are little tasty morsels of food to be devoured with a cold drink. In Spain they are a way of life. In any village, town or city in Spain, if you see the locals gathering around long bars before their dinner, you can be pretty sure it is because of the quality of tapas. The origin of Tapas is hotly debated! The word comes from the verb Tapar, meaning “to cover”. There are three main theories:
1) One theory is that Castilian King Alfonso X was a bit keen on his food and drink, so his personal cooks served him up very small portions to keep his weight down, but also to soak up the alcohol!!
2) However the Andalucians laugh at this theory. In their minds tapas originated in the sunny south, by covering their glass of sherry with a piece of bread, cheese or Jamon to keep the flies out!
3) The Moors also lay a claim as it has always been customary in their hospitality to serve lots of tiny dishes as a sign of refinement.
However Tapas originated, it has evolved so much that today you can go into a bar and receive anything from a slice of basic cheese or ham, to a Michelin starred array of culinary delights. Every Tapas bar has its own style and specialities, and no ingredient is off limits, Spanish or not!
Here at Bar 44, our Tapas is served at the table or the bar, the eating experience is intended to be sociable and relaxing. We focus heavily on high quality Spanish and Welsh produce on our menu. We recommend between 4 and 6 dishes per couple wanting to be filled up, or just one if you fancy a nibble with your drink. Our menu style is a mix of classic Spanish dishes and more contemporary Tapas. We endeavour to source many of our ingredients from independent artisan Spanish producers, and mix them with the best of local produce. Many are organic and free range. If you would like any information about any of our dishes or ingredients, please do not hesitate to ask.
Should you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, please let a member of staff know; we prepare all food on site everyday and are able to accommodate most requests.
Charcuterie Cheese – Served with Accompaniments
Chorizo Iberico £3.95 Manchego – Ewes Milk Cheese. (2 types given) £3.50
Salchichòn Iberico - Spanish Salami £3.95 Perl Wen – Welsh Brie £4.50
Lomo - Cured Pork Loin £4.50 Mahon – Mature Cows £3.90
Cecina - Wind Dried Beef £5.25 Picos - Tangy Blue £4.25
Jamon Serrano - 16 month Cured, hand carved £6.00 Monte Enebro – Goats £4.50
Selección - Selection all of the above £9.50 Selección – Selection of all of the above £6.95
Please note that most of these meats and cheeses as well as our fantastic olives are for sale for you to take home in our deli at 31 High Street – just over the road!
vegetable
Almendra Salted Marcona Almonds £2.50
Pan Breads with Balsamic Sherry Vinegar and Spanish Olive Oil £2.95
Acietunas Bar 44 giant marinated Spanish Gordal Olives £2.95
Pa amb oli Toasted Bread rubbed with Garlic, Tomato, Sea Salt and Olive Oil £2.95
Patatas Bravas Fried Potatoes tossed with Chilli and Garlic served with a Spicy Tomato Sauce on the side £3.00
Tortilla Individual traditional, Spanish Potato Omelette, served with home-made Alioli £3.50
Champiñón Baked Field Mushroom topped with Tomato, Basil and Mahon Cheese £4.25
Berenjenas Crispy Aubergine drizzled with Spanish Blossom Honey £3.50
Monte Enebro Monte Enebro Goats’ Cheese, Beetroot and toasted Pinenuts with fresh Rocket £4.25
Fundido de Queso Oven Baked Welsh Perl Wen Brie with toasted Bread for dipping £4.75
Espárragos Char-grilled Asparagus drizzled with homemade Vinaigrette £3.95
Habas Broad Beans and Spinach with Mint and Black Olive Dressing £3.95
Pimentos de Padron Padron Peppers pan-fried in Olive Oil and Sea Salt £4.20
The World famous Baby green peppers, a highly prized delicacy throughout Spain
Ensalada Mixed Leaf Salad £2.00
meat
Datiles con Bacon Dates wrapped in crispy Welsh Bacon. A firm 44 favorite! £2.75
Chorizo con Sidra Chorizo poached in Cider £3.95
Tostados de Ternera Seared Sirloin of Beef on toasted Ciabatta with sticky Onion Marmalade £5.25
Morcilla Pan-fried Smoked Spanish Black Pudding, served with Balsamic reduction £3.95
Albondigas Bar 44 Lamb and Mint Meatballs in a rich Tomato Sauce £3.95
Higado Calves Liver with a Pedro Ximenez Sauce and crispy Pancetta £4.75
Pollo Char-grilled Chicken Skewers marinated in Garlic, Lemon and Herbs £4.95
Cerdo Slow roast Pork Belly marinated in Cumin and Thyme with an Apple purée £4.95
Sobrasada Mallorcan Chorizo, sliced for spreading and served with toasted Bread £3.75
fish
Calamares Fresh crispy Squid with Sea Salt and home-made Alioli £4.25
Boquerones Marinated White Spanish Anchovies and Beach Smoked Anchovies £3.95
Croquetas Crab, Spring Onion and Chilli Croquettes £3.95
Gambas Pan-fried Tiger Prawns with Garlic and Olive Oil £5.95
Platija Plaice Tempura with Smoked Paprika and Lemon Mayonnaise £4.95
Sardinas Char-grilled Sardines with Olive Oil and fresh Lemon £4.25
Caballa Smoked Mackeral, Leek and Horseradish Tostados £3.95
Salmon Wye Smoked Salmon with deep-fried three Cheese Ravioli £4.95
Extras
Selection of Nuts from the bar £2.00
Bar 44 Chips with Alioli £2.75
Nachos with melted Cheese, Soured Cream, Guacamole and Salsa (enough to share) £4.95
Extra Dip (Salsa, Soured Cream, Guacamole, Alioli) £0.75