Chipotle's health-conscious burritos continue to expand across London and this latest opening in West Hampstead is part of a raft of new openings for the American company. Inside, the restaurant is much of what you expect - a counter at the far end is where you build your burrito, and there's a decent amount of seating. There's plenty of pavement outside too, so fingers crossed for some terrace seating in the summer months as well.
Chipotle has always effused nutritional and health-conscious values, and all the food that goes into your meal is made fresh every day. The website specifies, 'no microwaves, no freezers', which is an impressive goal to stick to, especially when it comes to the variety of salsas and sauces on offer. Chipotle has always been transparent about calorie and macro-nutrient information too, and this is all easy to find in store (as well as being available via the nutrition calculator on Chipotle's website).
The core of Chipotle's offering comes in burritos (or burrito bowls if you don't want the tortilla), but there tacos, salads and other sides and snacks available too. Burrito fillings are highly customisable, starting with meat (chicken, steak, braised beef barbacoa, or pork carnitas), and then moving onto brown or white rice, black or pinto beans, and your choice of salsas (mild, medium or hot), guacamole, cheese, lettuce and more. Ignoring the connoitations associated with fast food, the Chipotle experience is extremely quick - you order your burrito and grab it at the other end, either to go or to eat in the restaurant.
With a delivery kitchen also now up and running, Chipotle does big business via all the major delivery platforms too. It seems wherever you are in London these days, a good burrito is only a delivery away.