Address: 14B-C Market Row, SW9 8LD

Website: https://www.clubmexicana.com/locations/brixton/

We wandered down Market Row on a Saturday lunchtime and kept seeing restaurants we loved closed or changed, as is always happening. Some have gone to warmer climes in central London, some were just a pipedream and came to a sticky end. Then we came across Club Mexicana which is bright and inviting on a lacklustre November day. In fact, so bright you might consider sunglasses. This is the second site in London, the other one in hip Shoreditch.

Although the bar stools looked inviting with their view of the chefs, we took seats in the main area. It is clearly a place for a cocktail or three and a group were doing that even at 1.30pm. The food with its delicate little mouthfuls is clearly something that can soak up the alcohol. So, we followed in their footsteps.

The menu consists of Nachos, Tacos, Burritos and Empanadas together with “sides”. Up to this moment I didn’t realise it was vegan. How could you when the menu suggests BBQ short rib taco and To-Fish and Chips Taco, and finally a “beef brisket”. When I tasted our choices, I was still uncertain.

We chose a top of the range Brixton burrito (flour tortilla around “beef” mince, “cheese”, rice and a whole lot more), Empanadas (a pocket with stuff and “cheese”), and BBQ rib tacos (sticky glazed “ribs” and more).

The burrito was very large as you can see and almost defeated a very hungry man, but he was helped out by his lunch companion.

The empanadas were small and crispy and we devoured them all.

The BBQ rib tacos were really sticky and tasty – was it really plant-based…..

It was pretty and pretty good too. Not too hot but if you need extra then get a hit of the salsa picante on the table.

There is a large drinks menu with cocktails, frozen cocktails, mocktails, beer (Mexican and from Brixton) and natural wine as well as 5 different tequilas. But there are also drinks like “soda” and there is water on the table. We drank a Modelo (Mexican beer) and a classic margarita. We enjoyed the alcohol as we rolled into Saturday night. But we really loved the food too and definitely a go to place for all the carnivores during Vegan January – but don’t miss out for the Christmas treat. You can order takeaway and delivery but also they have sharing feasts, but there were only two of us so we will return with a lot of friends. The bill was £46.69 including the alcohol and 12.5% service charge.