Originally published on Tuesday, 23rd October 2012

Arriba Arriba

London gets some Mejico love – again

We’ve gone full circle with Latin America in London: from Mexico to Brazil to Argentina to, most recently, Peru. And now we’re back where we began: ME-JI-CO! Mexico’s been hot for ages (Wahaca queues in Covent Garden, our Day of the Dead parties) but La Bodega really got the sacred burrito back onto London’s map. Now, there’s a (Mexican) wave (sorry) of new joints opening quicker than you can say dame-una-tequila.

First up is the food. Death By Burrito has brought Mexican street food to Shoreditch dive bar Catch, while Barrio  and Mexico City import Lupita are also going East. Wahaca’s new spot on Charlotte Street spot also has a deli. They serve breakfast (huevos rancheros, agave and avocado smoothies), there’s a takeaway tortaría offering burritos and tortas (fat sandwiches) and they stock authentic goods.

Then, the drink. A dedicated mezcal bar (don’t worry) has just gone in under The Golden Grill kebab shop in Hackney. Quiquiriqui will be stocking the cream of Oaxaca’s crop – the spirit has a strong, smoky kick – serving it in both cocktails and neat. The subterranean space combines concrete walls with more homey vintage splashes – think floral wallpaper, ornate mirrors and a 50s jukebox.

Last up: party. If you really want to do so Mexico-style, then book now for Day Zero in Playa del Carmen: you obviously need to be in Mexico to celebrate the end of the world. In the meantime, Guy Pelly and Marc Burton’s highly-anticipated Tonteria opens this week. The club channels the hacienda lifestyle – foliage, hammocks, piñatas and skull-shaped vessels for sharing cocktails. And there’s a shot train. All aboard!

Now all we need are some “fusion” takes – this is London, after all. Futuristic piñatas and haute tacos, we’re thinking.

Info
Mezcaleria Quiquiriqui, The Golden Grill, 184 Hackney Road, E2 7QL

Tonteria, 7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG, opens on Friday

by JC