When we took the keys to this building in 2011, it had been a struggling pub for eleven years. Before that, a launderette. Before that — and this is still visible in the tilework in the basement — a Greek-Cypriot cafe that opened in 1962. Camden High Street has always been a street of small dreams.
The first fiesta
Our opening night in November 2011 had fifteen covers, four staff and one mariachi playing for free because we couldn't afford to pay him. We served mole on paper plates because our plates hadn't arrived from Mexico yet. We ran out of tequila at eleven PM. We broke even on a Wednesday, six weeks later.
What changed, what didn't
In fifteen years we've seen three mayors, two pandemics, one Brexit, four different post offices and the continuous rotation of independent music venues up and down the road. The Electric Ballroom still has queues around the block on Saturday nights. Camden Market still smells of vinegar and frying onions. The tube still breaks down every second Sunday.
What hasn't changed: Camden remains one of the most generous neighbourhoods in London for small restaurants. Our regulars from 2011 still come in. Their children now order the chicken fajitas.
The next fifteen
We're planning a quiet anniversary party in November — no press, no influencers, just our regulars, our suppliers, our staff past and present, and everyone who ever bought a margarita here. If that's you, we'll see you then.
