Sam and Eddie Hart to launch El Pastór taqueria
The brothers behind Barrafina and Quo Vadis, Sam and Eddie Hart, will launch taqueria El Pastór in London's Borough Market in November.
The Harts, who won the Restaurateur of the Year - Independent award at the Cateys this week, will be joined by Crispin Somerville, who owned and ran Mexico City nightclub El Colmillo in the 1990s and 2000s with Sam. The fraternity will be further expanded with the addition of the youngest Hart brother, James, who has thrown over a career in finance for his love of tacos.
Sam commented: "El Pastór is something we have been wanting to create ever since Crispin and I left Mexico, sharing some of the great flavours and all-round enjoyment of an authentic taco experience that delighted us so much during our time living there. It feels like the appetite, our team and the site have finally come together at the right time."
El Pastór is inspired by Sam and Crispin's 15 years in Mexico and the menu will have tacos at its heart. An upright grill, or trompo, will take pride of place at the 60-cover venue and will be used to make the Mexico City staple al pastor taco, from which the restaurant takes its name. Al pastor translates as "shepherd style" and apparently reflects the dish's Arabian origins.
The restaurant will also serve a small selection of meat, fish and vegetarian tacos with a selection of salsas, and a range of snacks, such as seafood tostadas, chicharrón de queso and chargrilled esquites. The drinks list will focus on mescal, served neat with orange slices, tequila, sangrita, Mexican beers, micheladas and margaritas. There will also be an authentic selection of non-alcoholic aguas; such as hibiscus flower, horchata and tamarind.
Architecture and design is by Michaelis Boyd and Irving and Co, and will reference Mexico's bustling street-side taquerias and lively cantina. The mezzanine floor of the restaurant is being turned into a tortilla factory.
Latest video from The Caterer
