Over the last few years many restaurant chains and fast food companies from the US have been setting up shop here in the UK.
From ChipotleTo Taco BellLittle Caesar, Popeye, and Wendy's, we've seen an influx of American food and it's not going to stop anytime soon.
We already know that Chick-fil-A and Dave's Hot Chicken plan to open here in 2025, and now another company is heading overseas.
Velvet Taco, which has nearly 50 restaurants across the United States, will open on Saturday at LondonPiccadilly Circus next spring.
The brand is known for tacos that are “infused with globally inspired flavors,” such as the Chicken Tikka Taco, which includes crispy tenderloins, spicy tikka sauce, basmati rice with butter, coriander, crema raita, Thai basil and flour tortilla.
The American menu also includes options such as the chicken and waffle taco, made with chicken tenders, peppercorn bacon, peppercorn sauce, green apple salad, maple syrup, red chili aioli, onion and house-made tortilla waffles. And for vegetarians, there's the Korean fried rice taco, which includes slow-roasted pulled pork, gochujang egg fried rice, red chili aioli, pickled red onion, jalapenos, grilled pineapple, cilantro and a flour tortilla.
When the brand launches in the UK, it will offer British-inspired tacos, including a version of our classic fish and chips. This taco will consist of beer-battered cod, curry aioli, fries, malt vinegar, and Beijing salad.
In addition to tacos, guests can expect chips and dips, nachos and various other toppings, and for dessert, the brand's signature Red Velvet Cake (its namesake). It's a two-layer cake with cream cheese frosting, topped with homemade cajeta sauce (condensed caramel made from sweetened caramelized goat's milk).
As if that wasn't enough, you will also be able to use the full bar, and the menu will include the famous Kick Ass Margarita brand, as well as a drink called “Sangrita”, which is a cross between Sangria and Margarita.
Wondering what else you can expect from the taco chain? Fans on Reddit say the food is “flavorful and delicious.” Some people like to point out that it's “inauthentic” Mexican food, but many don't mind because the menu features “creative combinations.”
u/DelMarYouKnow said: “Velvet Taco is good after a night out.” While u/NOCIANONSA commented: “It's not authentic Tex-Mex or anything, but it's damn good rotisserie chicken.”
Similarly, u/thebombasticdotcom thought: “I mean, yes, Tikka tacos aren't authentic, but they are delicious. Not to be compared to Mexican street tacos. And u/GodDamnJacob added: “Coming from someone who also enjoys authentic tacos, the Velvet Taco is amazing. Sometimes you just want a damn Korean fried rice taco!
On Velvet Taco's Instagram page, people were also very enthusiastic about the chain, with @littleboysandcurls calling the food “extremely good.” @yazzzyeatz thought it was “awesome” and @wandering_foodie_ thought it was “a dream.”
This new London restaurant will be the chain's first international outlet, and Clay Dover, president and CEO of Velvet Taco, says it's an “exciting time” for the company, with more British restaurants planned for the future.
“When I joined the brand, we only had four locations. To be a part of not only Velvet Taco's growth to 50 U.S. locations, but also our incredible international expansion in London is simply amazing.
“We are thrilled to have chosen Piccadilly Circus as our first location, knowing that Velvet Taco will feel right at home in a vibrant, vibrant neighborhood full of influences from around the world. This growth reflects our commitment to reimagining the humble taco and our commitment to delivering global dining experiences – now literally on an international scale!”
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