Meet the Owner – El Bigote

We’re incredibly proud to support so many inspirational independent traders here at Festival Place, and we thought we’d introduce you to some of the owners, who can tell you a bit more about their business, and why it’s so important to support local.

This month, we’re chatting to Luis Moreno Mancillas, owner of El Bigote Mexican restaurant. 

Luis, originally from Tepic and Guadalajara in Mexico, established El Bigote in 2020 in Fulham, London, and brought the sunny flavours of his home country to Basingstoke in 2021.

Originally based in a food truck in Festival Square, El Bigote took up permanent residence in the old Festival Street Kitchen unit in April this year.

Menu favourites include succulent mildly spiced chipotle chicken wings, and crispy tortilla nachos piled with guacamole, fried beans, pico de gallo, cream and cheese and a choice of either chicken, beef, pork, or mushroom.

Taco boxes can be built from freshly handmade corn tortillas with a protein of choice and spicy salsas, with delicious toppings including chicken marinated in Mexican achiote spice and herbs, slow-cooked pork belly, spicy beef brisket, crisp shavings of pork topped with roasted pineapple, spiced mushroom, and battered fish with avocado dressing, chipotle mayo and El Bigote slaw.

Tell us a little about your business and how long you've been going.

We started El Bigote with a taco van a few years ago, serving up authentic Mexican food to hungry folks on the go. It was all about sharing all the vibrant flavors of my home country and making people smile with every bite. We've since expanded into this cosy spot in Festival Square with seating and have added a bar facility to make this a full experience; we wanted to create a place where people could enjoy not just great food, but also get a real vibe and sense of community. And let's be honest, tacos taste better when you can sit down, enjoy good music and relax, right?

What would you say to someone thinking about starting out on their own?

Go for it! It's a rollercoaster, no doubt, but it's also the most rewarding thing you can do. If you're passionate about what you're offering, whether it's tacos, coffee, or anything else, people will feel the energy you bring! Just be ready to put in the work, and don't be afraid to learn from your mistakes along the way. It can be a tall mountain to climb but every milestone the view is worth it!

Why is supporting small local business so important?

Independent businesses are the heart and soul of the community – it's what we are all about! When you shop local, you're helping people live their dreams and keep things unique. It's not just about the business, but the people who pour their heart into it and almost give a family feel to the overall experience.

What do you think small businesses bring to the community?

They bring personality, creativity, and a sense of belonging. When you shop small, you're not just getting a product or service, you're supporting local culture and fostering connections and relationships that can last years. It's the little things – like knowing your customer, their favourite taco order or drink, and that evolves into a more in-depth relationship over time – that makes a big difference.

Every time you shop local, you're not just buying a product, you're investing in a dream. For us, it means the world to see our community backing us. It's what keeps the tacos rolling and the vibes strong!