The Best Mexican Eats in Town

Mexican food is my all time favourite type of food. Being engaged to a Mexican and having lived in Mexico for a number of years, I have become a bit of a Mexican food snob as most of my friends know, and I have been known to turn my nose up at some of the increasingly popular Mexican food chains that have come to London over the past few years. People are always asking us what the best Mexican restaurants are in London so here goes…..

1. Mestizo, Euston

Mestizo is probably the only place in London that reminds my fiance, Alejandro, of home. Everything from the ingredients used to the typical dishes on the menu, such as tamales, flautas and panuchos,  sets it apart from all other Mexican restaurants in London and provides a truly authentic experience. The best thing about it is the downstairs bar on Thursday nights with fresh tacos for £1 and Corona for £2.50. Also don’t miss the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet every Sunday 12pm – 4pm for £20 a head – amazing!

 2. Cafe Chula, Camden

Not too far behind Mestizo, Cafe Chula is another favourite that serves authentic cuisine made by Mexican chefs. Located on Camden Lock just underneath the Lockside Lounge. it is a cute little cafe with canal views and fantastic flavoured margaritas. Understated and relatively unknown, but definitely one of the best.  I recommend the tacos de carnitas and enchiladas suizas. 

3. Taqueria, Westbourne Grove

A small, relaxed independent restaurant, Taqueria is another place that serves the real deal when it comes to Mexican food. Simple, colourful, reasonable food served with Mexican warmth and charm…just how it should be. A great selection of tequilas, mezcals and beer too.

4. Lupita, Embankment (and Lupita East, Spitalfields)

Serving traditional dishes from Mexico City, this restaurant is a long-standing favourite among Londoners in search of real Mexican food. The menu spans  burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, soups and salads as well as their famous charcoal-grilled tacos, and there is also now a second branch on Commercial Street.

5. Breddo’s Tacos

Unfortunately, these guys still aren’t a permanent fixture yet and instead can be seen popping up from place to place at various food markets and temporary venues. We have tried the tacos at a number of places and they really are good. At the moment, they can be found at Tripspace, a restaurant in Haggerston where they will be for around 6 months, and also at StreetFeast on Friday’s and Saturday’s. Can’t wait for them to set up permanently one day!

Top 10 Beer Gardens

On the first warm day of the year, Londoners can be seen flocking to their nearest beer garden to maximise time in the sun. There are not many things I enjoy doing more than wasting away a warm afternoon in a London beer garden and here are my top 10 picks of where enjoy a drink this summer (in no particular order):

1. The Garden Gate, Hampstead Heath

With it’s outdoor bar, The Garden Shed, regular BBQs, lush greenery and covered dining area, it’s no surprise that it’s known as one of the best beer gardens in London. Situated just a minute’s walk from Hampstead Heath station, it is one of my favourite spots to go when the sun’s out.

Ps. One of London’s best Indian restaurants, Paradise, is just opposite so if you are feeling peckish after a long afternoon drinking, I highly recommend trying it out.

2. Edinboro Castle, Camden

On a leafy residential street off the noisy Camden High Street (and a stroll away from Regents Park), the sun-blessed, picnic-benched beer garden is a nice alfresco place to enjoy a glass of rose with a group of friends.

3. The Water Poet, Shoreditch

Hidden away on a cobbled corner, close to Spitalfields and Liverpool St Station, the Water Poet is a multi-tasking gem with a bar, restaurant, cool pool parlour, a downstairs theatre and a fab sun-trap of a beer garden. One of my favourite pubs in London!

4. The Windmill on the Common, Clapham

Situated on the south side of the Common, this long-standing local favourite is a friendly pub with a decent menu and a lovely outside area. Perfect for lunch after a long walk across the Common.

5. Pub on the Park, London Fields

I only discovered this pub recently and it definitely deserves to be on this list. Perched on overlooking London Fields, it is one of the finest pubs in the East to spend a summer’s day. Outside there’s a large selection of decking and plenty of tables where you can catch some rays, and if there’s no room the bar staff are happy to pop your drink in plastic so you can wander off into the park.

6. The Union Tavern, Westbourne Park

A two minute walk from Westbourne Park station, this  pub has a great outdoor seating terrace with a picturesque view overlooking the canal. It serves a variety of Modern British and meze style, and also provides catering for private parties.

7. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

This historic pub, located between Hampstead and Highgate, lies on the edge of Hampstead Heath and has one of the most atmospheric beer gardens in London. A great place to refuel after a long walk on the Heath. 

8. Grand Union Brixton

This 300-seater beer garden is one of the largest in London. Voted in the Metro’s Top 10 London Beer Gardens, Timeout’s Top Ten Best BBQs & nominated for numerous other awards, Grand Union Brixton is a real gem of a pub situated half way between Brixton & Clapham. It is famous for its four Thai-style tree houses, enormous 25sqm outdoor film screen and delicious food.

9. The Stag, Hampstead

Another fantastic gastro pub serving great quality British food, with BBQs in the summer months. The covered cabana booths with their own decor and heating are perfect for birthdays and big groups. They often have live music which is an added bonus.

10. The Albion, Islington

Tucked away off north London’s bustling Upper Street, this place is a bit of a hidden gem. You can choose from perching on the wooden benches at the front of the Victorian pub, covered in dramatic foliage, or the wonderland of a garden to the back, draped in lavender flowers – there’s always a place to relax al fresco in style.  

Others that didnt make the list but are still worthy of a mention include:

The Lock Tavern, Camden

The Anchor Bankside, London Bridge

The Ship, Wandsworth

The Junction Tavern, Tufnell Park

The Avalon, Balham

And I could go on and on…….

Maltby Street Market

Still relatively hidden and unknown, Maltby Street Market is becoming a popular alternative to Borough Market. Located under railway arches in Bermondsey (a 10 minute walk from London Bridge station), this laid back market is a fabulous foodie spot with quality fresh produce every Saturday and Sunday.

From Little Venice to Camden….

One of the nicest walks in London is the walk from Little Venice to Camden Lock along the towpath of Regents Canal. Start at The Waterway on Formosa Street in Maida Vale (above)and make your way along the canal through Little Venice, past Paddington, Regents Park and London Zoo, ending up at Camden Lock. The route is about 2 miles.

 

 

 

Street Feast

Last weekend we went to Street Feast London at its new venue, Dalston Yard. Last time we went, it was at Hawker House but I have to say this venue was a lot better, mainly because parts of it are outside….and it happened to be a hot sunny day last Saturday!

The concept is great. It is a night market (open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm until midnight) with some of London’s best food trucks, plus some onsite popup restaurants such as Pizza Pilgrims and Bob’s Lobster. There are also four bars  serving  cocktails,  craft beers and wine. I highly recommend going for some great grub and drinks over the summer. It is just next to Dalston Junction station too, so very easy to get there.