A top North East restaurant is bringing a taste of Spain to Tyneside this month (September) with a special event for foodies and wine lovers.

Inspired by a recent visit to Rioja, Kleo Tabaku, chef patron at Osters, Gosforth High Street, is holding a Spanish wine pairing evening on Thursday 26 September.

Like its sister restaurant, Lovage, at Jesmond’s St George’s Terrace, Osters – which opened last year – rapidly gained a place in the acclaimed Michelin Guide, receiving rave reviews for its imaginative menu.

Now Kleo and his team will not only showcase their Spanish culinary skills but also the breadth and diversity of Spanish wines.

Customers will be greeted with Vilarnau Cava Brut Reserva sparkling wine and canapés of padrons, parros and cured ham before sitting down to a five-course feast of Spanish dishes, matched with wines from the Rioja region.

The first course, of leeks with olive oil and vinegar, will be paired with a Monopole Unoaked Blanco, while the second – a delicate dish of crab, pimento, brioche roll and egg yolk – will be matched with Godello, Pagos de Galir from the Valdeorras region of Galicia.

A third course of trout poached in olive oil with grapes and pickled wild strawberries,

will be complemented by Riojan Rosado, while a fourth, of pork belly, pork cheek, secreto pork steak, garlic mushrooms and salsa verde, will be paired with a robust

Reserva Rioja Tinto, Marques de Murrieta 2018.

And the meal will be rounded off with a Basque-style cheesecake matched with sweet sherry.

Osters has been widely recognised for its commitment to using seasonal ingredients with a strong emphasis on fish and seafood.

But, while its menu routinely draws inspiration from across the globe this the first time Kleo and his team – led by co-owner and partner, Lisa Hide, who runs the front of house – have turned their sights specifically on Spain.

“The idea came about after we spent time in Rioja this summer,” said Kleo. “Because, while we were very aware of the area’s culinary reputation, we didn’t realise what a broad variety of wines it offered.

“We hope our event will be a great reintroduction to those who already know and love Spanish cuisine and a wonderfully new experience for those who don’t.”

The Spanish food and wine pairing event, priced at £120pp, will begin at 7pm and tables can be reserved at www.osters.co.uk