A CULT US taco chain that fast food fans rave about is opening its first ever UK restaurant this autumn.
Velvet Taco will be opening in London‘s Piccadilly in November this year, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
The chain is known for its fusion tacos including the Spicy Tikka Chicken and Fish ‘n Chips, as well as its popular red velvet cake.
The Spicy Tikka Chicken features crisp chicken tenders, house-made spicy tikka sauce, buttered coriander basmati rice, raita crema and thai basil.
Meanwhile the Fish ‘n Chips taco has beer battered cod, curry aioli, french fries, malt vinegar and napa slaw.
Velvet Taco is also famous for its weekly menu refreshes with brand new flavours, also known as WTF (Weekly Taco Features).
The flavours are inspired by cultures from around the world and past favourites have included Chicken Fried Oyster, Paneer Hash, BBQ Ranch Pork and Mango Kerki-Churri.
Customers have raved about its US locations, with one reviewer writing: “This place is the absolute best for creative, tasty, and unique tacos!”
Another said it has “some of the BEST tacos you’ll find ANYWHERE!!!”.
A third person added: “I’d heard great things – and it definitely lived up to the hype. “
The taco chain first started up in Dallas, Texas, in 2011 and now has more than 50 locations across the States.
The new restaurant in London’s Broadgate Circle will be the first location outside of the US.
It will also feature a full-fledged bar with classics like Velvet Taco’s famous Kick Ass Margarita.
The restaurant was originally slated to open in spring but it has now been pushed back.
In the US, the chain is known for its late-night opening hours.
But the UK restaurant will close much earlier.
It will be open between 11am and 10pm on Monday to Wednesday, 11am to 11pm on Thursday to Saturday, and 11am to 8pm on Sunday.
Clay Dover, CEO of Velvet Taco, said: “Opening our first UK restaurant in the heart of London is the perfect way to kick off our global expansion.
“Velvet Taco’s menu is inspired by flavours from around the world so London, known for its international food scene, was naturally at the top of our list for our first location outside of the US.
“We’ve always been inspired by UK flavours and featured them on our menu, so to have our global debut in London feels like a real full circle moment.
“We can’t wait for Brits to get their first taste of our bold, unexpected Tacos starting this November!”
More US restaurants expanding in the UK
It seems more and more popular US restaurant chains are making the leap across the pond now.
Iconic American diner chain Denny’s is gearing up for a major expansion in the UK.
Denny’s is best known for its all-day breakfast menu, including signature items like fluffy pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausages.
Wingstop, which currently has 72 sites across the UK, also revealed plans to open 20 more sites this year.
Carl’s Jr launched its first UK location in Cardiff this April, with space to serve up to 50 customers at a time.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has partnered with Azzurri Group, the company behind ASK, Zizzi, and Boojum, to open 180 restaurants across Europe, including in Portugal, Spain, and Germany.
Azzurri, which runs the UK and Ireland franchise, also plans to open another 57 Dave’s restaurants in Britain.
Tex-Mex brand Velvet Taco will make its UK at London’s Broadgate Circle in Liverpool Street within weeks.
The diner has also confirmed it will be opening more UK sites in the coming years.
Popeyes already opened 33 locations in the UK last year and it’s one of the fastest-growing chicken brands in the quick-service market.
It now plans to expand its presence in cities including Birmingham, Leeds and Bristol as well as opening further locations in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Scotland.
