If you’ve travelled through Mexico or simply dreamed of it while sipping a margarita in the sun – El Pastor Soho is about as close as you’ll get to the real thing without boarding a plane. Tucked inside a beautifully restored building inspired by the faded grandeur of colonial Mexico City, this vibrant taqueria blends authentic street food flavours with cool cocktails, fresh tortillas, and a laid-back buzz that makes it a go-to spot all year round, but especially in summer.
Step inside and you’re greeted with terracotta-toned walls, lush greenery, and large ceiling fans gently whirring to cool you down – an instant escape to somewhere far more tropical than central London. Nab a window seat if you can…the people-watching here is top-tier and adds to the relaxed, sociable vibe.
El Pastor’s drinks list is no afterthought. In fact, it’s one of the highlights. There are twelve variations of margaritas alone and when it’s a hot day in London, the frozen strawberry and basil margarita is the only answer. Tequila and mezcal lovers are spoilt for choice, with a carefully curated selection spanning everything from a smoky Mezcal Sour to a tequila-based Old Fashioned. The Paloma is another crowd-pleaser – fresh, citrusy and seriously drinkable. There’s even a non-alcoholic version called the “Holy Paloma” for those who want all the flavour without the addition of alcohol.
Food-wise, El Pastor delivers on every level. The star of the show has to be the Al Pastor Tacos; 24-hour marinated pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, and a trio of house salsas all tucked into warm, corn tortillas made fresh daily in-house. The tortillas are worth a shout-out on their own. Made from heirloom Mexican maize sourced via Tamoa – an initiative protecting corn biodiversity; they’re soft, flavourful, and a perfect canvas for the bold fillings.
Seafood fans will love the Prawn & Burnt Jalapeño Aguachile, a ceviche-style dish that’s light, punchy, and ideal for summer. For something with a bit more bite, the Chicken Tinga Tostada brings chipotle and cumin-marinated chicken together with crisp lettuce, salsa verde, sour cream, and queso fresco – a flavour-packed mouthful that delivers on crunch and heat.
No meal here is complete without dessert, specifically, the Tortillas y Dulce de Leche: crispy wheat tortilla strips dusted with cinnamon and served with rich, sticky dulce de leche. It’s indulgent, but not too heavy – the kind of dish you plan to share, then don’t. There’s also a rotating selection of ice creams, with Mexican flavours like roasted corn and lime sorbet offering the perfect cool-down.
And if you’re not ready to call it a night? Head downstairs to Mezcalería Colmillo, the hidden bar beneath El Pastor. Pouring rare mezcals and cocktails late into the night, it’s a sultry, candle-lit spot perfect for post-dinner drinks or an impromptu nightcap.
Whether you’re taco-obsessed or just taco-curious, El Pastor Soho nails the vibe — casual, cool, and full of flavour. Come for the tacos, stay for the tequila. Or vice versa.
El Pastor Soho , 66-70 Brewer St, London W1F 9UP
