A NEW tapas restaurant has opened in Horsforth.

About 60 guests turned out to celebrate the launch of La Casita in Town Street last Thursday.

The Horsforth outlet – the Spanish business's third in the area, where it already has restaurants in Ilkley and Boston Spa – is owned by chef Simon Miller, Oliver Renton and Ben Riley.

They welcomed people attending the opening with a selection of tapas, which included pigs cheek with celeriac and truffle puree and seared tuna with ginger and soy.

A selection of drinks, including berry sling 'mocktails', were also served up at the venue, which has been renovated and fitted with furniture and memorabilia imported from Spain.

Mr Miller, who hails from Menston and was a quarter-finalist in the BBC's 2012 Masterchef series, said: "The launch was a great success and the feedback we've had already has been so positive.

"It was fantastic to be able to show people this venue, which we've worked so hard on.

"The bar is something we're very proud of as drink is such a massive part of Spanish culture.

"From sangria to gin to Rueda white wine, the list is endless, and our bar range is carefully selected."

All of the charcuterie served at La Casita, which means 'little house', and the majority of its wines and cavas come directly from Spain.

The restaurant is offering a wide range of dishes, ranging from octopus and chorizo stew to Manchego Spanish sheep's milk cheese.

It is open seven days a week, at lunchtime and in the evenings, and its courtyard and inside dining areas will also be available for private functions.