Sol Y Sombra
Jamie and Gemma’s Ruddington tapas venture, hosting kitchen takeovers, market pop-ups, and private events around Nottingham.
About Sol Y Sombra
Sol Y Sombra brings its interpretation of Andalusian tapas to the Nottingham area through temporary dining events. Founded in Ruddington, the venture is run by Jamie and Gemma, a couple who connect their cooking with travels in Andalusia, particularly Seville. Their offering takes place in cafés, restaurants, pubs, and markets, as well as at private events.
Its identity centers on shared food and an informal pace of service. Dishes arrive as they are ready, encouraging the table to try several preparations. The founders describe their cooking as their own Nottinghamshire version of the generosity and flavors they encountered in Andalusian bars and markets.
The kitchen takeover format allows the venture to change settings. A tapas evening may take place inside a café or pub hosting the event, while markets provide another way to encounter the food. It is therefore useful to distinguish the culinary brand from its host venue: Sol Y Sombra does not present itself as a single restaurant with one permanent address.
The published calendar included a tapas evening at Jules Café & Deli in Ruddington on October 10, 2026. The event illustrates how these gatherings work: a specific date and venue, with reservations opening for that occasion. A waiting list and email updates provide information about new events and market appearances.
Private events round out this mobile operation. For diners, the appeal lies in food prepared for sharing and the opportunity to encounter the venture in different local spaces. Sol Y Sombra is best understood through this pattern of scheduled gatherings, which shapes its presence in Ruddington and the area around Nottingham.