Mexican group Wahaca to open in Islington

Mexican restaurant group Wahaca is to open its eight London site in Islington this spring.

The group, headed up by former MasterChef winner Thomasina Miers and her business partner Mark Selby, has taken on a 4,000sq ft site on Islington Green in north London, which was previously a Pitcher & Piano. Wahaca has taken on a 20-year lease from Marstons, which owns the freehold.

Since opening their first Wahaca in London's Covent Garden in 2007, Selby and Miers have taken their Mexican street food concept across the capital and have opened an average of two restaurants a year, one of which is at Bluewater in Kent and another a temporary structure on London's Southbank. They also operate a street food van which tours festivals and street food parties.

Nick Weir, director at Shelley Sandzer, who advised on the deal, said: "Wahaca's growth has been a real success story. They've got a great brand and popular concept of delicious, fresh food served in an informal and buzzy environment. This latest location in Islington fits well with the brand and I am sure will soon become very popular with the locals in north London."

Caterer and Hotelkeeper 100: Mark Selby and Thomasina Miers, Wahaca >>

>>