The much-loved 40ft Brewery in Walthamstow is to launch its first permanent food offering in the form of tacos from critically acclaimed chef Andrew Clarke.
Clarke, best known for his Dalston restaurant Acme Fire Cult — currently operating as a superb barbecue-style curry house — will open Acme Taco on April 3.
The Irish pint man Steve Ryan launched 40ft Brewery in a Dalston car park (opposite Acme Fire Cult since 2022) in 2015 and opened a new taproom on Blackhorse Road late last year.
Acme Taco follows a series of pop-ups and residencies and is inspired by Clarke’s recent trip to Ciudad de México.
The chef said Central America has long been an influence on his cooking through the region’s use of Mexican chillies and spices and guests can expect Acme takes on mole, salsa roja and clamato, which accompany British meats and fish.
Dishes will include suadero tacos, made with confit ox cheek, beef sausage, heart and tongue, a chicarrón-style pork belly number with gooseberry-poblano ketchup, another of chicken, and a quesabirria, mixing wagyu chuck, fried cheese and a classic consommé for dipping.
The most interesting dish is likely to be the “Jalisco Mariscos” — one of LA’s most famous taco trucks — shrimp taco, which combines a crisp-shell taco with shrimp bechamel, avocado and clamato.
“In my opinion, tacos are the best handheld food on the planet,” Clarke said. “You can pretty much put anything in a tortilla, and that gives us a great opportunity to be creative and playful with our menu.
“Looking ahead, we have plans to grow beyond tacos to include aguachiles, grilled meats, and other Mexican inspired fare.”
Acme Taco will be available at 40ft Blackhorse Road on Thursday and Friday evenings, all day Saturday and for lunch on Sunday.
10 Lockwood Way, E17 5RB @acmetaco, @40ftbrewery
