This fourth London branch of Club Mexicana (and first permanent site of the brand) brings zingy vegan flavours to the heart of Soho. The new addition to Kingly Court fits in well to the surrounding foodie scene of international cuisines, striking a balance between casual eatery and food truck.
Founder Meriel Armitage’s Club Mexicana started out as a successful street-food concept, inspired by the LA food scene and traditional Mexican taquerias, and already has residencies and kitchens in Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Hackney. The vegan haven offers plant-based versions of meaty classics, promising a more environmentally friendly taco, nacho and burrito, but still delivering on huge flavour.
The interior is vibrant and buzzy, with neon pink signs and bold colour pop artwork making it a fun option for grabbing a quick bite with friends, even if they aren’t vegan. Think health-conscious LA meets carnivorous Mexican tacos, only without the meat.
Plant-based versions of pork, beef and chorizo are paired up with the likes of guacamole, pico de gallo, pink onions and pickled chillies. Customer favourites from the restaurant’s previous residencies, such as the beer-battered Tofish and MFC (Mexican fried chicken) burritos loaded with pickled cabbage and jalapenos, are all on the menu too.
In true Mexican style, the bar is a carefree, boozy affair replete with frozen grapefruit Paloma margaritas, pickle juice-spiked Micheladas and glasses of natural wine that pair very nicely with a plate of spicy tacos or nachos. On hotter days, punters can cool down outside with a colourful cocktail or kick back with a chilled Mexican beer and there are Square Root sodas for non-drinkers, too.
For dessert there are sweet pumpkin empanadas and a chilli chocolate mousse topped with salted caramel popcorn to round off the vegan feasting. Club Mexicana is a welcome West End addition to London’s fast-expanding and ever-more-interesting vegan food scene.