A new Tex-Mex bar and restaurant is to open its doors in Kendal.
The Pappy’s Texas Barbecue family is opening a Tex-Mex taco bar this spring in Kendal’s Stricklandgate alongside the existing Pappy’s Smokehouse Bar & Grill, Pappy’s Texan Takeout and Pappy’s at Home meal kits.
Pappy’s Taco Bar promises to put Texas hospitality and barbecue rusticity alongside Mexican flavours, combining the best of both cuisines.
The eatery also aims to “redefine the typical perception of Tex-Mex cooking”.
The sharing-style dishes will see hand smoked, authentic Texas barbecued meat from the Pappy’s Smokehouse and the flavours of Mexico encased in traditional soft corn tortillas and served with an array of sipping tequilas, Mexican beers, margaritas, cocktails and imported Mexican sodas.
The new restaurant is being opened by third-generation Texan pitmaster, Robin Perris, who grew up in Texan barbecue-belt town Taylor, about four hours away from the border with Mexico.
Using a custom Texas smoker built in the likeness of her father Pappy’s commercial pit, in a 19th century smokehouse a stone’s throw from the Taco Bar, Robin will slowly oak-smoke locally sourced, Cumbrian meats and authentic USDA Black Angus brisket by hand to use as fillings for the tacos.
Pappy’s founder, Robbin Perris said: “Born into a family of fierce barbecue enthusiasts, I grew up surrounded by smoke pits, barbecue competitions and rodeo shows in my hometown of Taylor. Being close to the Mexican border, the fusion of the two delicious cuisines has always been a part of my life.
“I come from the barbecue Hurta clan where every occasion is celebrated with a proper Texan cookout. Add a touch of Mexican fiesta vibes to that and you’ve got the essence of what Pappy’s Taco Bar is all about!
“I think Tex-Mex food can often be perceived as low-quality fast food. We want to try and redefine that perception by using high-quality, authentic ingredients and bringing the best elements of both cuisines together. The result will be delicious and uplifting, challenging our diners’ thinking for the better about the fusion of Texan and Mexican cooking.
“After living in Cumbria for 16 years, in 2013, I thought it was time to set up Pappy’s Texas Barbeque, inspired by my father’s own Texas barbeque business back home, with the hope of bringing some Texas charm and sunshine to the often grey and drizzly Lake District.
“From our small beginnings with a trailer turned smoker back in 2013, today we have our summer Pappy’s Texas Bar & Grill outdoor courtyard, Pappy’s Takeout and Pappy’s at Home. Opening Pappy’s Taco Bar is the natural next step for us and a very exciting chapter for the Pappy’s family. It has always been my dream to have my own permanent restaurant serving my beloved Texas barbeque so I can’t wait to welcome diners through the door come spring. Y’all are in for a real treat!”
Like the food, the restaurant interior will combine the best of Texas and Mexico. With the bright colours of a traditional Mexican taqueria and the relaxed booth-style seating inspired by a Texas cook-out, the casual Tex-Mex restaurant will honour both cultures in its surroundings.
Pappy’s Taco Bar will open in spring.
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