Where to drink tequila and mezcal in London

After some agave? Ben Norum calls the shots…
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Ben Norum15 July 2019

It’s #NationalTequilaDay and that means it’s time to give Mexico’s favourite drink a shot. Not literally, mind – this complex spirit is worth far more than knocking back while wincing through a lick of salt and suck of lime.

Like whiskies and brandies, agave spirits – known as either tequila or mezcal depending on where and how they’re produced – are complex beauties which can varyingly taste smoky, sweet, citrusy or peaty.

There’s a whole world of them to explore, and luckily London’s bars are helping us do just that. Here are the capital’s best spots for getting in the tequila spirit, whether you’re looking for the biggest range, the best cocktails or simply the most fun. And, alright then, maybe a shot or two.

Café Pacifico

This good-time Covent Garden bar has spent the past 30-odd years giving Londoners great nights and awful hangovers. It serves more than 150 different tequilas and mezcals, all of which can be sipped straight, mixed into a Margarita or used in one of the numerous house cocktails – most of which come by the pitcher. Just add fajitas, nachos and unashamedly cheesy music and your night is complete.

5 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA; cafe-pacifico.com

Call Me Mr Lucky

Winner winner: Call Me Mr Lucky

You need a passphrase to get into this ‘secret’ bar beneath the Southwark branch of The Breakfast Club (the clue’s in the name, and on Google). When in make the most of the wheel of fortune behind the bar – you can win free shots for the whole bar – and lay into the tequila cocktails. Oh, and there’s also a house shot that comes in three parts (tequila, jalapeno pickle, mint infused coconut water) which is a rollercoaster of pleasure and pain.

11 Southwark Street, SE1 1RQ; callmemrlucky.com

La Bodega Negra

Sexy: La Bodega Negra

The sex shop signage that marks out La Bodega Negra might be a false alarm, but this darkened Soho drinking, dinner and dancing spot is still a pretty sexy proposition. It comes with 50 varieties of tequila and mezcal, all of which are available by the glass, the carafe or – if you’re feeling brave – the bottle. Line your stomach with some rib-eye beef tacos.

16 Moor Street, W1D 5NH; labodeganegra.co

Mestizo

Set not far from Warren Street station, this restaurant specialises in regional cuisines from across Mexico – making it one of London’s best sources of traditional Mexican food. It’s just as comprehensive when it comes to tequila and mezcal, with over 250 different types available – almost certainly the biggest selection in town. If you don’t fancy them straight up, the frozen margaritas are a good shout.

103 Hampstead Road, NW1 3EL; london.mestizomx.co

Pink Chihuahua

Members only: Pink Chihuahua

Tucked under Brewer Street burrito joint El Camion is member’s club is this tequila-soaked member's club. Once in you can stay until 3am (Mon-Sat) and enjoy the punchy tequila cocktails, cheesy music, silly dancing and good time vibes. It’s run by none other than Dick Bradsell, the London cocktail legend responsible for creating the Bramble and the Espresso Martini among others, so the drinks are reliably excellent.

25-27 Brewer Street, W1F 0RR; elcamion.co.uk

Tonteria

We need only give one reason why this Chelsea bar is worth a visit: it comes with a train that runs on the ceiling across the restaurant and drops off tequila at your table. Now, that beats the Tube.

7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG; tonteria.co.uk

Wahaca Tequila Bar

Booze with views: Wahaca Tequila Bar

You can get a decent tequila or three at all branches of Wahaca, and several have rather enticing dedicated bar areas. But none can compete with this beauty at the Southbank Centre. It’s the only place in London where you can enjoy an excellent range of tequilas and mezcals – either straight-up or in cocktails – while gazing at the Thames.

Queen Elizabeth Hall, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX; wahaca.co.uk

The best tequila cocktails in London - In pictures

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