In November last year, Mexican restaurant chain Wahaca revealed it would be opening a Bristol branch – only the second outside London.
Taking over a site on Queen's Road on the Clifton Triangle, next door to The Bunker nightclub, the restaurant is currently a flurry of building activity as it prepares for launch on July 30. Time Out was kindly given a glimpse inside to see what lies in store...
Shaun Curnow
It doesn't look very finished yet, does it?
Considering that renovation only began 11 weeks ago, a huge amount has been achieved, transforming what was once Butlers department store into an appealing dining space.
Once completed, Wahaca will seat 160, on a variety of picnic-style tables and comfy booths. A chat with the site manager confirmed that all is on track for the proposed opening day later this month.
Does Bristol really need another Mexican restaurant?
It's true, Bristol does have its fair share of restaurants selling Mexican food. Even so, rather than stodgy dishes covered in cheese (which certainly still have a welcome place), Wahaca prides itself on a 'slow food' experience of fresh, authentic Mexican street food with a focus on locally-sourced, seasonal produce.
This is no different in Bristol, where many ingredients will come from the local area, such as chorizo from Trealy Farm in Monmouthshire.
Shaun Curnow
I heard that Wahaca cares about sustainability?
Wahaca has always had an eye on its environmental impact and, along with sourcing locally and responsibly, the restaurant has been built to be efficient, too. Previous Wahaca's have been awarded a gold SKA (environmental assessment) rating, but Bristol will be its 'greenest' site to date.
To achieve this, the restaurant has been fitted out using as much reclaimed material as possible. Plus some of the walls have been covered with clay for heat efficiency, while the warmth generated by the freezer units is recovered to power the boilers.
Shaun Curnow
What's the deal with the artwork?
Every Wahaca is designed differently and the Bristol restaurant is decorated by renowned illustrator, artist and animator Will Barras, who was in the process of creating a huge floral mural on one of the walls when we visited. Although he's since relocated to London, Barras studied graphic design at the nearby Bristol UWE and has a great reputation in the city.
Another neat touch diners might not notice is the wooden cladding across the back wall. While it might look random, it's actually been arranged to form an abstract Bristol skyline.
If other Wahaca restaurants are anything to go by, the chalkboard wall around the entrance to the toilets will also be a home for some of the staff's creative doodlings too.
Shaun Curnow
Can I book a table now?
Although there will be plenty of tables in the impressive space to cater for walk-in diners, if your mouth is already watering, you'll soon be able to make a reservation. Check the Wahaca Bristol Facebook page for updates.
Oh, and what's going on with those Wahaca matchbook things?
If you haven't had the chance to eat at a London venue, you won't be the first to be confused. Rather than matches, the little books contain chilli seeds so you can grow your own plants at home.
While you wait for opening day, you could always try some of these alternative places to enjoy Mexican food in Bristol.