SALTY OLIVE,
our story
Where it all started! Susannah Stewart, owner of Salty Olive, has been a frequent visitor to Spain for well over 40 years and fell in love with the Spanish informal and social approach to dining.
In 2003, Calau Restaurant opened in the picturesque, beachside town of Calella de Palafrugell, offering it’s customers delicious miniature bites with huge, exploding flavours, displayed on the bar for all to see.
Calau’s reputation grew and very quickly there were queues of people up and down the street, every day; so much so they expanded to a larger premises within their first year. Calau is now #1 restaurant in Calella on trip advisor.
It has been Susannah’s dream to bring this style of dining home to the UK, and in spring 2023, she realised that dream when Salty Olive opened its doors for the first time, to the community of Wokingham.
Pinchos (pintxos) In the 1940’s , a bar owner in San Sebastian, Northern Spain, decided to serve small snacks such as olives, anchovies, & pickles, skewered with a toothpick, to keep the ingredients together.
The owner displayed these snacks so everyone passing could see them. This was such a huge success, other bars copied to approach and first pinchos was born.
Soon after, the movie “Gilda” was released. The movie raised a controversy worldwide for its sexiness, making actress Rita Hayworth one of the biggest sex symbols of the moment.
Some residents of San Sebastian saw similarities between the character played by Rita and this newly born pintxo: both were ”green, salty, and a little spicy”.
As such, they decided to name the pinchos ‘Gilda’ and soon all the bars in San Sebastian were serving Gilda’s; quickly expanding throughout the entire Basque Country and eventually to most of Spain.
experiences
& vouchers
Treat someone to an authentic Spanish pinchos experience; whether it’s a delicious lunch or dinner, our La Fiesta Brunch or join one of our music events, you can be sure they’ll have a great time!
With the Salty Olive gift card, they can pop in for a relaxing meal or simply a drink with friends. Voucher valid for 1 year.
"What a fantastic find. Great food. Excellent service. Lovely atmosphere"
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