The Big Apple and the Big Smoke have a fair few things in common, I suppose, but nothing unites the two nations quite like their mutual love of tacos. An abundance of tasty Tex Mex chains have hopped across the pond in recent years (sharing is caring, and all that), but it seems as though the generosity doesn’t stop there, because there’s soon to be another mouthwatering Mexican spot to add to the list. Late night taco tycoon, Velvet Tacois gearing up to open its first branch outside of the USA next year – and where do they plan on opening it, I hear you ask? Londonbaby!
Ready to well-and-truly level up London’s late night dining sceneVelvet Taco has set its sights on Piccadilly Circus as the backdrop for their first international locale. Renowned for their pretty hefty (and ever-so delicious) taco menu and being open ‘like really late’; the restaurant is hoping to fling open its London-based doors in Spring of 2025.
Credit: @velvettaco via Instagram
On the menu
No specific details have been revealed about the new London menu, but we’re pretty sure that diners can expect to find tacos made with globally-inspired flavours, the freshest ingredients, and a whole lotta love. Velvet Taco is pretty well-known for its unique and creative fillings, with favourites including a fish and chips taco, a spicy tikka chicken taco, a chicken and waffle taco, and a Korean fried rice taco. Over in the states, an ever-changing ‘WTF’ option is always available, too, so we’re pretty much guaranteed to be kept on our toes.
Although the tacos are (of course) the main event; the chain’s double-layer red velvet cake is expected to also make it across the pond – and it’s served with a homemade cajeta drizzle that I’m already salivating at the thought of. The London branch is also set to have its own bar, serving up palomas, sangritas (which are exactly what you think they are), and Velvet Taco’s signature ‘Kiss Ass Margarita‘ (made with Lunazul tequila and orange liqueur). We’ll certainly drink to that.
Credit: @velvettaco via Instagram
Since opening the very first branch in Dallas, Texas back in 2011, Velvet Taco has spread across the states like guacamole, and now boasts a whopping 50 branches in the USA. The opening of the London branch will mark the first stage of the brand’s global expansion, and more UK sites are in the pipeline, too. It seems as though Velvet Taco is planning on taco-ing over the world…
President and CEO of Velvet Taco, Clay Doversaid: “This is an exciting time for Velvet Taco. When I joined the brand, we had just four locations. To be a part of not only Velvet Taco’s growth to 50 locations in the U.S. but also our incredible international expansion into London is nothing short of remarkable. We’re thrilled to select Piccadilly Circus as our first location, knowing that Velvet Taco will feel right at home in the vibrant, bustling area filled with global influences. This growth reflects our commitment to reimagining the humble taco and our dedication to delivering global culinary experiences – now literally on an international scale!”
Velvet Taco will be opening its London store in Spring 2025. No official opening date has been confirmed yet, but we’ll keep you posted as and when we know more (of course).
