Nestled in the cellar of the recently refurbished townhouse 3 Henrietta Street is the latest offering from acclaimed Cuban chef Luis Pous. Having already made a name in Miami and New York with his twist on traditional Hawaiian street food, El Ta’koy brings a dash of upscale tiki dining to London’s Covent Garden. The fusion menu is an eclectic mix of small bites, tacos and poke bowls, along with decadent tropical cocktails.

We made our way there on a rainy afternoon and upon entering found ourselves saying ‘aloha’ to a den of colour and exotic flavour. The décor is a feast of verdant green, with faux leafy plants embellishing the walls, a 70’s peacock chair, real pineapples and oversized bamboo lampshades to complete the tiki-club atmosphere.

In keeping with the lush tropical vibe is a fabulous array of Hawaiian-inspired tipples, including rum cocktails and signature daiquiris. A very generous Happy Hour runs Monday to Thursday between 12.00 and 18.00, perfect for lunchtime shoppers and after-work drinks. We indulged in a Zingiber Lotus; a gin cocktail made with the heavenly mix of fresh ginger, lychee and a touch of lime, as well as a tiki classic the Saturn, another delicious gin cocktail with passion fruit juice over crushed ice. Take your pick and you are ready to be transported.

For the main meal, we choose a selection of small snacks and tacos as recommended by our host. The menu is great for sharing, with lots of options for vegans and vegetarians. The Bento Box Brunch for £35.00 per head is a fantastic deal, including cocktails on arrival.

We started with the Avocado Edamame Hummus, which is displayed as a miniature garden, with slim stands of vegetables and crunchy nachos for dipping, amongst a pond of delicious hummus. Next up a salad of Baby Gem and Pickled Red Cabbage, with avocado salsa kimchi and tangy wasabi mayo.

To follow was the Lamb Barbacoa, a signature taco dish of stunning flavours, including sharp cilantro and zesty lime cream. As well as the Lomi Salmon Tostada, a tequila-cured salmon, avocado, wasabi aioli, lemon cream and ikura creation. What impressed me was the lightness of the tacos, so delicate and fine, complimented by the fresh ingredients and unusual flavour sensations. We went for lunch and found our selection of savoury dishes very filling, but if you want to polish off your meal with something sweet and tropical, try the Banana Lumpia, a healthy(ish) pudding of banana and chocolate sauce.

With some great dining and cocktail offers the restaurant and bar is open Monday to Sunday from 11.00 – 23.00 | Happy Hour Monday to Thursday 12.00 until 18.00.

Bento Box Bruch £35.00 including a cocktail of your choice runs Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 12.00 – 16.00.

Website: https://el-takoy.com

Written by Claire Bloom