There was only one place in Bristol to watch the Spain vs Germany World Cup semi-final match last night, El Rincon in Southville, the most authentic tapas bar this side of San Sebastian.

On a chalk board outside the bar was a sign, ‘Honk for Spain’, which got drivers on North Street very excited, far more so than that old lady on the centre who since time immemorial has held up the sign ‘Hoot for peace’.

There was a hive of activity as I arrived at El Rincon early to save seats for a group of friends. The BBC were filming live for Points West and I was persuaded to be interviewed live on the show, prompting a flurry of texts afterwards about me being a fraud pretending to be Spanish.

Enough of those 15 seconds of fame, however. Securing a table was a wise move as it was standing room only in El Rincon as the game kicked-off, with a few diners who had booked meals having to squeeze their way through excitable fans.

Free tapas was handed around, but sadly drinks prices remained steep. The wine is very good here as owner David used to be a wine importer, but I still cannot see justification for charging £5 a pint, even though the Spanish way is to drink by the half.

When Spain won, El Rincon erupted. Spanish band Vamos! are playing on Sunday before the final. Get there early to watch the match and soak up the authentic Spanish atmosphere.

El Rincon, 298 North Street, Southville. 0117 939 3457.