For lovers of seriously good tapas the new Taperia at Thornton Heath Pond is a must try and the secret to the success of its Spanish dishes are 30 years of experience.

Kisho Peter who works in the education sector owns Taperia with his wife Sunali, a trainee solicitor, set up the restaurant with the help of their friend and business partner – a  co-owner of the Spanish restaurant chain  Jamon Jamon, which has outlets in Soho and Belsize Park.

He helped with the menu, which includes 25 tasty tapas dishes, and with the restaurant concept.

The Spanish restaurant which opened five weeks ago was quickly followed by the opening of the Peter’s second sister restaurant Tomatino serving up traditional Italian pizzas including takeaways.

The restaurants at  785-787 London Road which used to be Malaysian restaurant and karaoke bar, Bunga Raya, has been leases to the couple by the previous owner.

Taperia was packed on Valentines Day and at weekends both restaurants are starting to get busy with lunch menus available Thursday to Sunday.

Both eateries are offering discounts on meals Monday to Thursday 10 per cent off tapas and two for one on pizzas along with Happy Hour from 5-7pm.

Every day new customers are arriving along with a steady flow of regulars said general manager Amman Abraham adding: “Come and visit ..we offer good food in a nice friendly environment.”

For more information: www.tomatinospizza.com; contact@tomatinospizza.com or call us on 020 3935 5932 www.taperiatapas.com; contact@taperiatapas.com or call us 0203 935 5928

*Meanwhile The Chronicle has learned that part of the former HSBC will be leased to a firm of solicitors after it was purchased for £ at auction by Alphachem Limited based in South Croydon which is owned by the Bharwani family.