THE owner of a new Mexican restaurant in Basingstoke has ambitions to deliver his authentic flavours nationwide.

El Bigote, owned by Luis Moreno, opened in Festival Square on Saturday, April 13, with a goal to bring food from the Pacific Coast of Mexico to the UK. 

The 35-year-old moved to the UK 12 years ago to work in the hospitality sector before moving to Basingstoke eight years ago where he met his wife, Magda, and now has two children. 

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Basingstoke Gazette: Luis Moreno, 35, outside El Bigote

On Saturday, April 13, Luis moved from his food truck in Festival Square to the former Festival Street Kitchen unit. 

He said the open day went 'amazing', adding: "It was so good. We had full queues of people, it was very nice. Since 11am it was just, busy, busy, busy."

The menu features favourites such as spiced chipotle chicken wings, nachos with guacamole, fried beans, pico de Gallo, cream and cheese, in addition to taco boxes, burritos, quesadillas, dirty fries and more.

Soft drinks and beers, imported from Mexico, are also on offer, as well as cocktails made with 'strong' Tequila, according to Luis.

"There's so many places offering Tex Mex, and that sort of thing, but this one is authentic Mexican 100 per cent," added Luis.

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Luis began working in hospitality but, wanting to do something for himself, opened a Mexican food takeaway in Fulham, during the pandemic, before expanding to a larger premises.

"I hope to grow, maybe a lot of El Bigote's all around. That was the plan in the beginning when I opened my first shop in London, lots of food trucks.

"No one else does what I do. Mexico is so big, where I'm from, the Pacific side the flavours are different, that's what I want people to try," Luis continued.

El Bigote is situated in Festival Square, with outdoor seating available for customers.