The scene You could be forgiven for failing to make the distinction between this US import and the legions of other Mexican fast food chains in London these days, but Chipotle – slowly cropping up across the city and having just opened its sixth London venue in Wimbledon – is of a different breed.

The meat comes from local farms, everything is made fresh and on-site (including the tortilla chips) – hell, even the napkins are made from recycled materials. The company might be known for its “food with integrity” tagline, but we’re also happy to report that this unusually “slow food” approach to grub served on the go dishes up damn fine results.

If you’re eating in, it’s an inoffensive space – all beige and greys, with booths for big groups and stools for loners – but it’s not the sort of place that encourages you to get comfy for a few hours.

The grub Another saving grace is that Chipotle keeps it simple. The menu is short – choose between burritos, burrito bowls, tacos and salads – and you can see up front all the fillings there are to choose from (quality is favoured over quantity with a choice of four meats, two types of beans, four salsas, two varieties of rice, peppers and onions, lettuce, cheese, guacamole and sour cream).

I plump for the carnitas – smoky free-range shredded pork – with black beans, and am impressed at how the latter pump a peppy blend of chipotle chili and toasted cumin flavours into the mix. My date goes for the barbacoa (farm-assured beef with chipotle chili, cumin, cloves, garlic and oregano) and pinto beans cooked with bacon.

We’re both left too full by our burritos to finish off the unfussy tortilla chips (just a squeeze of lime and kosher salt on these bad boys) and hand-mashed guac. A proper feed.   

Behind the bar Margaritas at £4.35 and bottled beers at £3.65.

Bill please Burritos are £6.50-£6.95; add guacamole for £1.40; add salsa for £1.60; tortilla chips are 90p or £2.30 with guacamole.

Verdict Less is more with these burritos, plus they’re eco-friendly. Thumbs up. 

40 Wimbledon Hill Road,  SW19 7PA  
chipotle.co.uk  
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