Mexico Nouveau

It's not yet a revolution, perhaps, but a spate of new-style eateries suggest that Mexican could become a significant addition to the Italian, burger and pan-Asian formats currently dominating the  UK's chain foodservice scene. Add to that rumours that American ‘fresh-Mex' fast-casual chain Chipotle is planning three units in the UK. Current star is undoubtedly Wahaca (picture), a casual  ining concept which takes a fast-paced approach to Mexican street food at very keen prices (under £9-10 per head) well-suited to a young crowd. Guests can order 3, 4 or 5 tapas-like portions, suitable for sharing, from the ‘Market Food' menu or more substantial platters of things like chicken tinga tacos, tostadas and more unfamiliar fare like pork pibil. The first branch opened in 2007 in London's Covent Garden followed by large units at Westfield shopping mall (2008) and Canary Wharf (November 2009). Demonstrating the potential diversity of Mexican menus, two very different  xponents opened in September 2009 near the Spitalfields area of London: Poncho No.8, a jazzily decorated, mainly take-away unit majoring on ‘gourmet burritos' with a California twist, slowroasted meat and fresh on-site prep, and Boho Mexica, with Mexican food and drink in a Bohemian setting.
 
www.wahaca.co.uk
 
www.ponchono8.com
 
www.bohomexica.co.uk