Hart bros to open taco joint in London

Sam and Eddie Hart, the Anglo-Spanish brothers behind Barrafina and Quo Vadis, are to open a taco specialist restaurant close to London’s Borough Market.

As reported by The Caterer, the new taqueria will be called El Pastór and is due to open in early November on Stoney Street close to Borough Market. El Pastór is a joint venture with Crispin Somerville, who ran Mexico City nightclub El Colmillo in the noughties, and the Hart’s youngest brother James.

Taking pride of place at El Pastór, which means shepherd in Spanish, will be an upright grill that will be used to make meat, fish and vegetarian tacos. In addition to the Mexican staple, the restaurant will serve seafood tostadas, chicharrón del queso and chargrilled esquites.

Mezcal will be given top billing on the drinks list and will be served in the traditional Mexican way – neat with a slice of orange to sweeten the blow. Tequila, Mexican beer and Margaritas will form the remainder of the drinks offering.

Architecture and design for the 60-cover restaurant will be care of Michaelis Boyd and Irving and Co, with the site aiming to emulate a buzzy Mexican taqueria. The mezzanine level of the restaurant will be run as a tortilla factory.