So this is pretty amazing. The spot recently vacated by the short-lived SpiceBox (and prior to that, the buzzy District MOT) is soon to be taken over by multi award-winning taqueria Homies On Donkeys. They’re not exactly moving far, as they’ve been based in the market just over on Wood Street E17 for the last few years.
But still, this is a Big Deal. Homies is so popular – it even won BBC2’s Britain’s Top Takeaways – that its winning combo of street art, hip hop and, of course, flawless tacos, will properly reboot that stretch of Leytonstone High Road. Plus it joins some high quality recent food-and-drink openings like Aquila, Mammoth and Arch Deli.
“It felt right since the moment we saw it,” says chef-owner Smokey. “It’s definitely bigger than we thought we could get, but our dream is just as big, so after lots of thinking and considering – cost, distance, opportunity- we decided to go for it. We’re sooo excited and also a little bit scared.”
As SpiceBox will testify, the site is pretty overwhelmingly big – but, if anyone can fill it nightly, Homies can. “Wherever in London and beyond you might live,” says Smokey, “get ready to visit, there ‘s plenty of seating space. No more waiting around in a tight corridor or having to sit out in the cold.”
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On the menu there’ll be cochinito in chipotle, chicken in adobo, vegan or – our fave – juicy prawns in chilli garlic tomato sauce, served on gluten-free corn tortillas topped with spicy chipotle salsa, fresh pico de gallo, coriander and pickled pink onions. There are always imaginative daily specials too (the carne asada is a must-try for carnivores). Mouth watering yet?
As with most projects these days, they need your help to get the dream off the ground. “We’ll be launching a Kickstarter campaign next week,” he says. “Stay tuned for that and more news about opening dates, our new menu and more. And if you have any leads on good builders, artists, people with vans, tips about the area or words of emotional support, get in touch.”
As for the stunning new facade (pictured above)? That’s the work of Walthamstow collective @woodstreetwalls.
Homies opens later this year. Follow @homiesondonkeys for more
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