Having popped up at Pamela’s, had a stint taking over the kitchen of a proper east end boozer and toured the country making appearances at the UK’s biggest festivals, Club Mexicana founder Meriel is on the move again, setting up shop at Kingly Court with the brand’s very first restaurant.
The team had originally planned to open in Spring (thanks Covid!) but we reckon it’s been well worth the wait. In true Club Mexicana spirit, their neon pink corner spot takes its inspiration from the lively roadside stalls of Los Angeles and Mexico City, with an open kitchen and doors flung wide onto more seating in the centre of the buzzy, fully covered court.
It’s absolutely imperative you kick things off with a frozen margarita (make ours a Paloma!) and a round of fully loaded nachos whilst you make some difficult decisions over the tasty new tacos and burritos. Will it be the much-loved vegan fried chick’n & avocado with corn salsa, pink onions and lashings of hot sauce, or the ‘chorizo’ with salsa roja and pickled jalapenos. Best get both just to be sure.
As you’d expect, the fully vegan offering is just as strong as ever, with all of our old favourites still making an appearance, however, even the Baja tofish taco has been given a new look, with an even more convincing panko crust. Our new favourite has to be the BBQ short ‘rib’ tacos smothered with hickory-smoked BBQ sauce, topped with pickled cucumber, slaw and garlic mayo. Not afraid to get messy? The jam-packed burritos will hit the spot. On the side, expect shoestring fries seasoned with chilli lime salt and Club Mexicana’s take on the classic Mexican-style street food snack of elote – a corn and black bean salad with tangy lime-jalapeno dressing.
Fun surprises include the sizzling al pastor spit containing a shawarma-style, house-made seitan dish smothered in Meriel’s top-secret marinade, with fresh pineapple sitting atop. And keep your eyes peeled for a Wheel of Fortune where you might just win yourself some merch.
There was no way we could manage dessert after that feast but raspberry sorbet spiked with a frozen margarita and rich dark chocolate mousse topped with salted caramel popcorn is on offer for those that can.
We’re sad you’re no longer at the end of our road in East London but we couldn’t be happier to see you shining in Soho – big congrats Club Mexicana!
For more information on Club Mexicana Kingly Court visit: clubmexicana.com
