Arepa specialist Petare gets its first permanent site in Pop Brixton

Venezuelan arepa vendor Petare is taking on the Pop Brixton site left vacant by Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen late last month.

The restaurant, which has previously traded at Street Feast and Kerb, will move into the Brixton shipping container development on 16 February. It will be Petare’s first permanent site.

Founded in 2014, Petare serves traditional Venezuelan corn bread arepas, stuffed with South American fillings.

A vegan option of a ‘Venezuelan chip butty’ will be available, filled with plantain, yucca fries, avocado salad, vegan ‘feta’ and vegan habanero ‘mayo’. Meat options will include masa fried chicken, and ‘el pabellon’ shredded beef.

“We are incredibly grateful to Pop Brixton for giving us the opportunity to launch our first full-time venture,” says Petare founder Rotsen Ibarra.

“Having received positive feedback from Londoners at events across the city, we’re looking forward to bringing our Venezuelan food to a new audience in Brixton.”

Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen ended its residency at Pop Kitchen on 28 January. Its owners say they are now working on a book  as well as a new project, which is yet to be announced.

Pop Brixton was developed in reaction to high streets brands dominating the capital, and is home to more than 50 young, independent businesses, many of which were set up by local business people. 

The site houses 16 food traders in shipping containers, including both street food stalls and sit down restaurants.

Popular Indian restaurant Kricket was a previous tenant at the site, and Koi Ramen, Mama’s Jerk and Donostia Social Club are among the vendors currently onsite. 

The development was recently given a two year extension on its lease.