In underground bars across the world, a revolution is taking place. Mezcal, the potent Mexican spirit, is going global. As the agave based drink becomes more popular we bring you our top recommendations of where to drink mezcal in London. Experience the hype surrounding tequila's long lost cousin and find out for yourself by visiting London's best mezcal bars and events.
Situated in Holborn is one of the most stunning bars in London, NYX Hotel London Holborn & Sabine Holborn. Along with a cracking list of food and cocktails, you can head to its tequila library, which fronts over 20 different types of mezcal.
Spirited hotel bar The Perception at W London is a moody social sanctuary where dim lighting and a dramatic central bar set the scene for glamorous occasions. The drinks menu is all about agave, housing Soho's longest agave list featuring tequilas and mezcals, and small-batch infusions added to cocktails for extra oomph.
Inventive signature cocktails can also be ordered, alongside champagnes, proseccos, wines and beers. The food menu is a masterfully curated display of bold international flavours, including small plates spanning tacos, bao buns and gyozas. Resident DJ sets shed global house and disco-infused electronic beats over the venue, calling for guests to dress glamorously and bring the energy.
The Whisky Exchange is a group of London bottle shops housing a lot more than premium spirits – they provide a space for people to let their passion for booze take flight, hosting a series of talks and tastings to expand everyone's knowledge and palate.
They host a weekend series that celebrates a different spirit each week, including the Tequila and Mezcal Show in May. Described as the ultimate agave spirit tasting, it's one of London's most exciting events – bringing together 250+ tequilas, mezcals and agave spirits to sample under one roof from the biggest names in the industry alongside independent and boutique producers.
A bright and buzzing rooftop spot in the heart of Olympia, Bar Arriba brings a true taste of Mexico to West London. High above the city streets, it serves up refreshing cocktails and delicious dishes, from tacos to quesadillas.
If you're looking for mezcal, you're in the right place. There's plenty of tipples to taste here, whether you take it neat, on the rocks or all mixed up like in the Jalisco Old Fashioned.
For mezcal lovers, Santo Remedio Marylebone offers an exceptional escape. With a dedicated Cantina featuring a curated selection of the finest Mezcals and Tequilas, this Mexican restaurant doubles as one of London's most stylish mezcal bars.
Sip on rare, smoky spirits while indulging in classic Mexican dishes, and if you're planning an event, the upstairs Salón Santo offers an exclusive private bar and space for up to 60 guests. It's the perfect place for mezcal-fueled celebrations. Their agave pairing evenings also give you a great opportunity tot taste some delicious spirits, matched with authentic Mexican dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
From the mind of Danny Saunders, the man behind Leyton Calling, Chop Shop Tavern has quickly gained a reputation for its craft, character and curation. Whatever tipple you tuck into in its candlelit booths, you can be sure its place on the drinks list took careful consideration.
That's certainly true of the many mezcals on offer here, under the railway arches on Tilbury Road. Whether you take it as it comes or all mixed up in a cocktail creation, it's most certainly going to leave an impression.
Injecting Chelsea with the spirit of Mexico, Ixchel is a modern spot blending a traditional and contemporary approach to its food menu. From succulent tacos to a raw bar and bold signature plates, this is the place to feast on international flavours.
Whether you're sat in the cave-style booths downstairs or on a bar stool, make sure to explore their drinks menu, featuring a range of margaritas and house cocktails including the mezcal espresso martini and the three chilli mezcal for fans of agave. They also host a range of dining experiences and a three-course set lunch for £28 with drink add-ons available.
For those of you who fancy a taste of the smoky stuff, head on over to Tequila Mockingbird. Found in Shoreditch, Tooting, Covent Garden and more, it's whipping up a stellar selection of cocktails laced with moreish mezcal.
The kind of hidden gem you always dream of stumbling across, El Camion's clientèle are happy to keep it a secret. Low level lighting, a giant selection of mezcal and tequilas, late night DJs and a licence until 3am – this is the perfect recipe for a good night. As if that wasn't enough, you can even order a full meal to your table, courtesy of the restaurant upstairs.
KOL Mezcaleria is located in Marylebone, serving up mezcal and all kinds of cocktails from fig leaf martinis and negronis to a chamomile old fashioned. You can nab a tasty Mexican meal here too, including empanadas, quesadillas and churros with caviar.
A must on the mezcal scene is Dalston's Doña bar, a stunning pink and red space that's plush as they come - complete with candles, feather boas above and below the bar, and even the odd smattering of cacti. Sip your way through mexcal negronis, hibiscus-laced numbers and whole flights of the spirit while listening to live music across this inclusive space.
A mecca to Mexican amazingness in Marylebone, Cavita is the place to go a mezcal or two. Its tipples come anyway you want them - neat, on the rocks or all mixed up in creative signature serves.
Be sure to taste the tequila while you're here too. Feeling peckish? There's all kinds of grilled greatness waiting to fill a hole.
Tucked away in Fitzrovia, No. 23 is the ultimate destination for expertly crafted mezcal cocktails. Whether you're unwinding after a lively night in Soho or looking for a pre-dinner drink, this intimate 23-seat mezcalería, brought to you by the creators of Carousel, offers a distinctive menu focused on agave spirits. The cocktails, curated by Matteo Vaccargiu (formerly of Sager and Wilde's Equal Parts Bar) and Carousel's Joshua Bratt, are a true celebration of mezcal.
Sip on mezcal-infused versions of classic drinks, like a Manhattan made with Lost Explorer agave, Carousel's signature ten-year vermouth, Motivo, and fino. To complement your drink, indulge in a selection of Central American-inspired bar snacks, such as totopos and tostadas, crafted by chef Ollie Templeton.
A snug little basement bar, Chamuco's Clubhouse quickly fills up with eager drinkers wishing to try the huge range of premium tequilas and mezcals. Styled like a 'Day of the Dead' parade, think sombrero-wearing skeletons dressed like matadors, plucking at guitars, the atmosphere truly is buzzing. This devilish drinking den serves up some of the best mezcal in London along with refreshing classic cocktails and thirst quenching cervezas.
Happiness Forgets, an unforgettable name for an unbelievably good cocktail bar in Hoxton. This über cool speakeasy is not just about moustaches, braces and jazz fusion. The bartenders are serious creatives with a passion for mixing up mezcal and other spirits with a variety of tingling spices and aromas that will leave you intensely satisfied and cosy in this intimate venue.
Known for being London's first ever dedicated agaveria, Hacha is all about tequila and mezcal. Their mirror margarita is well worth a try, while food comes in the form of tasty tacos. If you fancy a few tastings? You'll find all sorts of bottles that are sure to wet your whistle.
