Thoughts, photos and other things.

By Christopher A. Hamer

Some restaurants try and send you into a relaxed state when you enter the establishment, with dimmed lighting and invisible staff. Wahaca goes for the opposite approach.

With loud colours and odd stylistic elements all over the place the restaurant is an attack on the senses at the very least.

Taking their Soho branch as an example, it was a bustling frenzy on a Thursday night with the queue stretching pretty much outside. Yet once you have got the waiter you are handed a buzzer which will go off when a table becomes free giving you time to go and sample the delights downstairs.

The Bar – which has only opened recently at the Soho restaurant is more of an adult playground. With table football and hanging-basket chairs it will easily keep people amused whilst waiting.

Of course the highlight of the downstairs area is the tequila bar, which is highlighting a different ‘unknown’ guest tequila every month. The drinks menu is nicely varied with something for everyone and the bar staff definitely know what they are doing although those in attendance for the purpose of celebration will be disappointed to note the lack of Champagne on the menu.

When you do get  to your table you are confronted with a varied menu with some intriguing soft-drinks such as ‘Aqua frescas’ a combination of hibiscus water and cranberry juice or ‘Horchata’ an almond and rice milk drink.

The food is slightly more predictable with a nice range of tacos, burritos and tapas style dishes. One dish definitely worth trying is the Queso Fundido which is a garlicky mushrooms with melted cheese!

Also if you still have an appetite after the main course Wahaca have a lovely selection of desserts ranging from simple sorbet to Mexican cheesecake.

Although not cheap the food is good value with main courses costing round £10 with a side order. On the whole the entire experience is good fun and despite being quirky, it is not cheesy as some Mexican restaurants can be.

Wahaca is located at 80 Wardour Street in Soho and is open till 11pm