Over the last few years, a number of restaurant chains and fast food businesses from the US have been setting up shop here in the UK.
From Chipotle, to Taco Bell, Little Caesars, Popeyes, and Wendy’s we’ve seen an influx of American food and it’s not stopping any time soon.
We already know that Chick-fil-A and Dave’s Hot Chicken are planning to open here in 2025, and now there’s another company heading overseas.
Velvet Taco, which has almost 50 restaurant locations across the US, will be opening in London’s Piccadilly Circus next Spring.
The brand is known for its tacos which are ‘infused with globally inspired flavours’, take for instance the Chicken Tikka Taco, which features crispy tenders, spicy tikka sauce, buttered cilantro basmati rice, raita crema, Thai basil, flour tortilla.
Also on the US menu are options such as the Chicken and Waffle Taco, made with chicken tenders, peppered bacon, peppercorn gravy, green apple slaw, maple syrup, red chile aioli, scallions, house made waffle tortilla. And for vegetarians there’s the Korean Fried Rice Taco that contains slow-roasted pulled pork, gochujang egg fried rice, red chile aioli, pickled red onion, jalapenos, grilled pineapple, cilantro, flour tortilla.
When the brand launches in the UK, they’ll be whipping up some British-inspired tacos, including a twist on our classic fish and chips. This taco will consist of beer-battered cod, curry aioli, French fries, malt vinegar and napa slaw.
As well as tacos, guests can expect chips and dips, nachos, and various other sides, as well as the brand’s signature Red Velvet Cake (its namesake) for dessert. This is a double-layered cake with cream cheese frosting, drizzled with a house-made cajeta sauce (thickened caramel made of sweetened caramelised goat’s milk).
If this weren’t enough you’ll also be able to take advantage of a full bar, and the menu will feature the brand’s infamous Kick Ass Margarita, as well as a drink known as ‘Sangrita’ which is a cross between Sangria and a Margarita.
Wondering what else to expect from the taco chain? Fans on Reddit say the food is ‘flavourful and delicious’. Some like to point out that it’s ‘not authentic’ Mexican food, but many don’t mind as the menu features ‘creative combos’.
u/DelMarYouKnow said: ‘Velvet Taco hits good after a night out.’ While u/NOCIANONSA commented: ‘They’re not authentic Tex-Mex or anything but it’s a damn good rotisserie chicken.’
Similarly u/thebombasticdotcom thought: ‘I mean yeah Tikka tacos are not authentic but they are delicious. Not really comparable to Mexican street tacos.’ And u/GodDamnJacob added: ‘From someone who also enjoys authentic tacos, Velvet Taco is dope. Sometimes you want a God damn Korean Fried Rice taco!’
Over on the Velvet Taco Instagram page, people were also very enthusiastic about the chain, with @littleboysandcurls branding the food ‘insanely good’. @yazzzyeatz thought it was ‘amazing’, and @wandering_foodie_ thought it was a ‘dream’.
This new London restaurant will be the chain’s first international site, and Clay Dover, the president and CEO of Velvet Taco says it’s an ‘exciting time’ for the company, with more UK restaurants planned for the future.
‘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!’
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