The story of Guacamoles, a Mexican taco bar in London, began with forced migration and personal reconstruction. Behind the project is Juan Manuel de la Torre, known as Taco Manny. He arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker after fleeing threats in Mexico. Today, he leads a business that employs other Latin American migrants in similar situations.
Manny, originally from Veracruz, grew up in a restaurant family. His philosophy is simple: "If it doesn't taste like home, we don't serve it." The taco bar's concept is centered on an authentic experience: "The best tacos in London, handmade tortillas... let me take you to Mexico for just 11 pounds."
Guacamoles is located at Rye Lane Market in south London, operating as a stall within an indoor market. It has a casual format focused on Mexican street food. The menu features dishes like Birria (beef tacos), Carnitas (pork tacos), and Lengua (tongue tacos), each served as a portion of three tacos with homemade salsas. Vegetarian options, traditional drinks, and family recipes are also part of the offering.
The business model includes a social dimension. Manny decided to hire people who are asylum seekers or vulnerable migrants. "The vast majority of my employees are asylum residents like me," he explained. Among them is Emerson Pineda from El Salvador, who also left due to violence.
The project also has a religious component. A portion of the sales is earmarked for building a church in Mexico, in line with the business's mission. "All of this was God's plan... to be able to help my Latino brothers," Manny shared. His story is a testament to how overcoming hardship can lead to the creation of a successful and socially conscious business.
