Taco Queen

Co-founders Lucy Lightowlers and Ryan McCann are among a few people to swap the music industry for restaurants: both worked at record labels before they decided to launch Taco Queen as a pop-up in 2016. The reception was strong enough for them to open it permanently on Rye Lane the year after.

Food here takes its influence from Mexican street-food classics but mixes it up, too: the jackfruit nachos are the stuff of legend, while its fried chicken is always worth ordering. Most of the menu is very affordable, with starters and sides largely under £5, so a quick meal with a beer won’t set you back too much money.

Taco Queen’s dining room is where the hipsters of Peckham and the gentille of East Dulwich mix over a love of nachos and mezcal. As you’d expect from a venue run by music lovers, there’s always a good soundtrack to eat to.