Harden's says
Harts Group have announced that a Soho El Pastor will open in June 2021, on the former HIX site; the menu will feature the dishes familiar to fans of the SE1 original, plus "new fiery seafood tostadas and crispy duck tacos" and a Mezcaleria basement bar.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“The tacos are still loaded and delicious and the frozen margaritas are exceptional” at the Hart Bros’ “lively” Latino haunts: particularly the original SE1 branch – a “fabulous Mexican street food venue under the arches in Borough Market”. (The newer Soho branch with its basement ‘Mezcaleria Colmillo’ bar inspires good marks but much less feedback). In April 2024, they launched a new, 90-cover site in Battersea Power Station, with adjoining 60-cover, open-all-year, outdoor riverside terrace.
Summary
“Properly authentic tortillas and tacos transport you to Mexico City” with their “spicy but very delicious” flavours, at this Mexican duo from the Hart Brothers, whose original venue in a “great location” on the edge of Borough Market is deservedly “very busy”. The Soho branch has a late-night basement bar, ‘Mezcaleria Colmillo’, while ‘big sister’ Casa Pastor at Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross (see also) features live music.
Summary
“The tacos are tasty and the margaritas are fab” at this “fun and feisty” Mexican duo – part of the Hart Bros’ empire (with the Borough Market original still being much more commented on than its Soho sibling, which opened in 2021 on the former site of Hix). “Sometimes the service is a little overwhelmed by how busy the place gets”, and the “cheerful” ambience can be a bit “chaotic” as a result.
Summary
“A fun spot in Borough Market” – the original “buzzing” branch of the Hart Bros’ Mexican duo wins praise for its “tasty tacos”, “packed with smoky flavour and a good punch of heat”, although even fans often note that it feels “a little pricey for what it is”. In June 2021 (after our survey had concluded), a striking new Soho flagship was launched using the space vacated by Hix (RIP), comprising an 86-cover ground floor (terrazzo tiles, muted walls, chandeliers and hanging plants) and 60-cover basement (‘Mezcaleria El Colmillo,’ named after the nightclub Sam and Crispin Hart ran in the ’90s and ’00s in Mexico City).
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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