Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 4412 THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Winter 2016 | C U L T U R E | 12 THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Winter 2016 12 THE RIVER MAGAZINE | Winter 2016 A lways centre stage and gently, smilingly, directing the traffic of customers to tables, José is a master ‘composer’of dining. He cuts a familiar figure to the people of Bermondsey Street, making his short walk between the small and ever-busy tapas bar José and his next equally popular venture Pizarro’s. This autumn he was discovered in a less expected place. Head east from Bermondsey and out past Greenwich, an hours drive or train ride into Kent, and you will find a bolt hole on the coast known to increasing numbers; Whitstable. With a reputation for oysters and fresh fish this small town is becoming a weekend destination for Londoners in search of a lifestyle reminiscent of times before globalisation that is gaining a reputation for simple, honest food. Perhaps then it’s not such a surprise to find a great chef there. Local restaurant Samphire had a take-over event and the guest chef/restaurateur was none other than José. Lunch and evening sittings were sold out and, though Whitstable has a pedigree of its own when it comes to food (the famous Whitstable Oyster Company, Wheelers fish restaurant and the Michelin-starred Sportsman included), José was definitely lending some extra Spanish elegance and flavour to the High Street. / / b e r m o n d s e y day Tripper | F O O D & D R I N K | It’s always a pleasure to see José Pizarro, a warm and embracive man who creates around him a delicious food experience wherever he goes. Samphire and the famous Wheelers Oyster Bar (pink) nearby José Pizarro at Samphire, Whitstable