Located on the former Shoryu Ramen site, the opening marks the first step in the brand’s global expansion through a multiunit franchise agreement with Velvet Taco UK.
Known for its variety of global flavours, Velvet Taco’s menu includes spicy tikka chicken with buttered coriander basmati rice, raita crema and Thai basil; and fish ‘n chips - beer battered cod, curry aioli, French fries, malt vinegar and napa slaw.
It also serves a new taco each week (announced on social media), with flavours such as chicken fried oyster; paneer hash; BBQ ranch pork; and mango kerki-churri.
“Opening our first UK restaurant in the heart of London is the perfect way to kick off our global expansion,” says Clay Dover, CEO of Velvet Taco.
“Velvet Taco’s menu is inspired by flavours from around the world so London, known for its international food scene, was naturally at the top of our list for our first location outside of the US.
“We’ve always been inspired by UK flavours and featured them on our menu, so to have our global debut in London feels like a real full circle moment. We can’t wait for Brits to get their first taste of our bold, unexpected tacos starting this November.”
Velvet Taco launched in Dallas, Texas, in 2011 and has now grown to nearly 50 locations across the US.
The brand announced last year that it would be coming to the UK, initially saying it would open a site in Piccadilly Circus in the spring.