London’s Spanish food lovers will be thrilled to learn that there’s an exciting month ahead courtesy of chef-patron and all-round foodie hero, José Pizarro. February sees Señor Pizarro light up Piccadilly’s Royal Academy of Arts with his informal Pintxos Fridays, as well as a full-on 9-course extravaganza celebrating the launch of the RA’s new blockbuster exhibition, Spain and the Hispanic World.

Friday evening visitors will want to make their way as quickly as modesty allows to José’s Poster Bar on the first floor. It’s a fun, buzzing space – a little taste of Spanish café culture in the heart of the Academy’s Palladian splendour. Pop in for a glass from his carefully curated drinks menu and you’ll be rewarded with a complimentary pintxo, available every Friday from 5.30 to 8.30 pm (no booking necessary). Think elegant Cava Gran Reserva, glorious Fino sherrys “en rama” (unfiltered) and chilled Estrella on tap. And the pintxos? Tapas’ lesser-known cousins, these little gems hail from the Basque region in northern Spain. They are glorious little bites, usually piled on bread and secured with a cocktail stick ready to munch greedily.

The RA is also home to Chef Pizarro’s more formal dining experience, set in the regal surroundings of the Senate Room. Focusing on classic tapas and seasonal small plates, it will play host to a unique 9-course lunch on 28 February. Inspired by the RA’s new exhibition of masterpieces from the Hispanic world, each course has been designed to have a special connection to Spain and Latin American culinary traditions. Tickets, on sale now, include the opportunity to get to know JP and his team before tucking in, as well as the offer of special discounted entry to the exhibition itself.

So throw off the scarves and hats of frozen February in favour of the capes and mantillas of the warm south. Get yourself down to Piccadilly and feed your soul on the sensory delights of 100% Acorn-fed Ibérico pork, followed by the peerless art of El Greco, Velázquez and Goya.