Kingston students frustrated after government rejects Taco Bell petition

Image: Adobe Stock

By Olivia Dias-Hall

A group of Kingston University students have expressed frustration after a government petition calling for a Taco Bell to open in Kingston upon Thames was rejected, despite meeting the minimum publication requirements.

The petition, titled 'Bring Taco Bell to Kingston upon Thames', was submitted earlier this year and had gathered the required five signatures. However, organisers say it was refused for reasons that remain unclear, leaving supporters without an official platform to push their campaign forward.

For now, residents craving Taco Bell must travel around 20 minutes by car to Epsom, where the nearest branch is located.

Second-year student Rose Hardiman, one of the organisers, said she felt ignored by the decision.

She said the rejection was "inconsiderate", pointing to growing demand for Mexican food across the UK.

"Recent studies show interest in Mexican and taco food is increasing" she said, adding that Kingston has recently welcomed Taco MX while other American chains are also expanding locally.

Chick-fil-A is set to open its first London restaurant in Kingston upon Thames later this year, a move Hardiman said made the government’s response harder to understand.

"I feel like my voice isn’t being heard" she said.

Her comments come as a recent poll suggested 97% of people in the UK are interested in Mexican food, with the market expected to grow by 20% over the next year.

However, food industry analysts say consumer tastes are shifting. While large chains such as Taco Bell, Wahaca and Tortilla remain popular, there is rising demand for 'proper' tacos and more authentic regional Mexican cuisine, moving away from traditional Tex-Mex stereotypes.

Local resident Ella Marriott, from Surbiton, said she would welcome a Taco Bell in the area.

"Why not?" she said.

"Kingston is one of the safest boroughs in London. If you’re going to put Taco Bell anywhere, at least put it where people can feel safe.”

But not everyone agrees that another international chain is what Kingston needs.

Second-year Kingston University student Alice Pewter said she was pleased the petition had been unsuccessful, arguing that the town already has too many big-name outlets.

“I actually think Kingston would benefit more from independent restaurants as opposed to chains,” she said.

“We don’t need any more... After all it's a market town."

The debate highlights wider tensions in high streets across the country, as councils and communities balance demand for chain brands with efforts to preserve local character and encourage independent traders.

Kingston has seen significant change in recent years, with major retail developments alongside a growing food scene. While some residents welcome recognisable chains for their affordability and convenience, others fear they risk diluting the town’s identity.

The government has not commented on why the petition was rejected, leaving students unsure how to proceed.

Despite the setback, campaigners say they are considering alternative ways to make their case — even if, for now, Kingston’s Taco Bell fans must continue making the trip to Epsom.