Our story began long before the first tapas ever left the pass.
Back when we were still The Boardwalk, the team spent months trying to figure out who we wanted to become. We knew we didn’t just want to be another restaurant. We wanted a place where people could settle in for hours, not rush in and out. A place that felt sociable and relaxed. Somewhere you could walk into and instantly hear conversation, clinking glasses, and the kind of background noise that only comes from people genuinely enjoying themselves.
We kept coming back to one idea.
Sharing.
Tapas felt like the perfect fit. Plates designed to be passed around. Food that encourages conversation. A way of eating that feels natural, warm and fun. We imagined friends reaching over the table, swapping dishes, tasting new things and sharing stories from their day. We imagined families gathering for dinner in Derby, colleagues catching up after work, and people discovering that feeling of being together again.
That was when the idea for Compamigos really formed.
Inspired by the phrase compartir con amigos, meaning to share with friends.
A Year of Community and Connection
Over the past 12 months, that idea has come to life in the most special way.
Compamigos has grown into a place where people come to celebrate the big things and the everyday things. We have seen communities gather for quizzes, crafts, make and mingle groups, live music and open mic nights. We have watched tables fill with friends, families and colleagues all sharing food and sharing moments.
It has been everything we hoped for and more.
A proper hub.
A place people can rely on for lunch Derby, dinner Derby, birthday plans, midweek meetups and everything in between.
A place that locals now happily count among their favourite places to eat in Derby.
Recognition We Are Proud Of
This year Compamigos was voted Best Casual Dining Spot in Derby and Nottinghamshire by Muddy Stilettos. We were also finalists in the Derby Food and Drink Awards 2025 for Best Newcomer. For a restaurant that has not even reached its first birthday until now, these moments have meant the world to us.
They reflect the hard work of our team, the support of our guests and the warmth of the community here at Mercia Marina.
“Something Really Special”
Richard, our General Manager, summed up this year perfectly:
“It has been an unbelievable first year. What started as a dream to create a place where people come together over great food, drinks and laughter has grown into something really special. We are so grateful to our team, our customers and the Mercia Marina community who have supported us every step of the way.”
– Richard Petitjean
We feel exactly the same.
Here’s to Year Two
We opened Compamigos with the hope of building something warm and welcoming. Something rooted in people, flavour and connection. Thanks to you, that vision has become a reality.
Thank you for choosing us for your moments. Thank you for the birthdays, the spontaneous dinners, the long lunches, the late-night tapas, the date nights and the family gatherings. Thank you for every review, every shared photo, every recommendation and every time you’ve walked through our door with a smile.
Here’s to more memories, more tapas, more cocktails, more weekends full of laughter and more time shared with friends.
Happy Birthday Compamigos.
And thank you, seriously.
💛 Compartir con amigos. To share with friends.
