6a King Street,
Hammersmith,
London,
W6 0QA
(020) 8741 7959
The ViewLondon Review
The newest addition to the Mexican cuisine chain, Tortilla Hammersmith offers a budget-friendly meal made with fresh ingredients.
The Venue
Sitting very close to Hammersmith tube station on a bustling road, Tortilla Hammersmith is in the prime location for a busy business - and busy it most certainly is. Stepping inside, you’ll see plenty of bare brick, with retro canvases giving it a trendy vibe. A large, clear menu and instructions board sits behind a counter showing off all the options available. Wide and very comfortable stools can be found along the window and lengthy wall, which leads you to a larger seating area with comfy faux-leather sofas. A fantastic light feature hangs above, made up of empty Corona beer bottles tiered downwards. Also, a selection of authentic Mexican-Californian hot sauces are on display and available to buy, however the names can be a little off-putting, such as “100% PAIN”. Have a go, if you’re brave enough...
The Atmosphere
All sorts of people can be found here, from Hammersmith Apollo visitors to work colleagues and even families going out for a quick and easy meal. Vibrant, carnival-esque music is played at a good volume to set the mood, and the staff are well-versed on the food (including how it's prepared), and are happy to load up your burrito with a smile.
The Food
A mix-and-match approach offers some good flexibility. The grilled steak burrito (medium, £4.95) is extremely tender and succulent, and full of deep flavour. For a smaller, easier to eat option, the braised pork taco (£4.30) comes with two corn or wheat tortillas and is equally tasty. The shredded pork is really tender and still holds all the juicy flavours. The Mexican rice has a subtle tomato hint, which teamed with a medium salsa makes a wonderful accompaniment to the steak. A large container behind the counter keeps the salted tortilla chips warm (£1.50 a bowl) and ready for the hot salsa roja. A smoky essence makes this salsa more approachable than other hot ones out there, and a hit of accompanying fresh, creamy guacamole has a few chunks in it to give it a real made-at-home feel. All food is made at the venue each day, with more being prepared throughout to keep it as fresh as possible, and you can tell.
The Drink
With various Mexican and international beers available, as well as soft drinks, there's a decent beverage selection. If you are in a cocktail mood, the margaritas (£4.25) are really good. Much like a slush puppy (even coming out of a giant mixing machine) and made with silver tequila, it’s an adult version of a childhood treat. Fantastically zesty and full of lemon tang, balanced by an appetizing sweetness, it’s very easy to drink this very quickly, so mind out for the brain freeze to follow. To make it more authentic, ask for lime and salt to be rubbed along the rim of the glass.
Last Word
Tortilla Hammersmith has made a great business move by setting up in an area with no equal competition in concept and ideas - it's no wonder there are regulars already.
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