Our Review Of Little Fires Shoreditch: How This New Mezcaleria Delivers A Smoldering Date Night

One of the many pleasures of being at DesignMyNight is that we're always kept in the loop about hot new openings. And recently, there's been one that's definitely set my curiosity ablaze. Meet Little Fires, bringing authentic Mexican flavours and divine mezcal cocktails, plus a big focus on live music and community, to East London. 

In our Little Fires Shoreditch review you'll find cocktails and authentic Latin American grub... without any need for pyrotechnics.  

DesignMyNight's Review Of Little Fires Shoreditch

This two-floored paradise has taken over what was previously Alfie's; so within strolling distance of Shoreditch High Street overground and directly opposite Brick Lane. You’ll find a speakeasy in the basement - think velvet-draped private cubby holes ideal for birthdays, a DJ booth and a dedicated mezcal bar, all within dimly lit, cosy surrounds. At night, it doubles up as a dancefloor too (FYI - Little Fires is open until midnight Thursday to Saturday).

We were sat upstairs at the mezcalería, though; instantly transporting us to Mexico by way of Bethnal Green Road. The oval-shaped bar to the far left was vibrant from the flashes of red and patterned glass panels, but the stars of the show were the incredible array of spirits, including Asunción Mezcal, which promise a selection of rare, small-batch sips. We loved the glazed emerald green and white tiles, especially around the arches next to our table, housing flickering candles that gave off a seriously romantic aura, paired with contrasting Mexican pottery for an authentic feel.

As my date and I perused the Little Fires Shoreditch menu, we couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the table beside us. They were sampling the unique beer and mezcal pairings with careful, detailed explanations by the friendly team - something we’re going to try on our next visit, but this time the cocktails were calling our name. We were recommended the Chimichurri Martini (£14), as this has proved to be popular here since opening in late July. This translucent, rosé-coloured potent tipple, served with an olive and chilli, knocked my socks off but was so intriguing I couldn’t stop drinking it. Balancing the herb sauce, fat-washed tequila with sherry, vermouth and pickled brine, this drink makes it impossible to deny the technique on show. 

The underground space at Little Fires is perfect for a first date, featuring velvet seats and DJs playing vinyl.

My date went alcohol-free with Marg Without The Rita (£9.50), a deliciously sour, sharp number served short that brings together Lyre’s 0% agave, lime juice and agave syrup. It’ll come as no surprise that this had all the elements of a classic margarita, but without the booze – a big thumbs up from us.

It was now 7pm and there was a queue out of the door at the Little Fires restaurant, so our top tip is to book ahead. The music also cranked up a gear, adding to the already electric atmosphere. Next up on the cocktail recommendations came Little Wing (£14), a multi-dimensional mezcal masterpiece that hit all the right notes. Just imagine a peach-coloured drink mixing floral elderflower liqueur, Aperol and smoky Siete Misterios Doba-Yej with lime juice, topped with cucumber that refreshed with every sip. There were so many layers to this drink, but I particularly loved the sweet and slightly bitter hit at the back of the throat.

Don’t think all this talk of cocktails meant food went on the backburner, not at all; in fact, everything was so unbelievably tasty I wish we ordered more. More advice from us if you're hungry - make use of the three plates for £35 deal and six plates between two people. You’ll be thankful to not only try more incredible meals, inspired by traditional Oaxaca street snacks, but also feel comfortably full. So, starting with the Duck Tacos Dorados (£13.50); two soft yet crisp-on-one-side rolls, stuffed with sesame seeds, pickled slices of onion and confit meat. Delicately presented on a bed of rich, spicy mole sauce, which had incredible depth of flavour, this dish benefitted from the melted cheese and sour cream to cool things down.  

Little Fires is a gem of a find, so prop up the vivid bar space as you taste your way around Mexico. 

Admittedly, I had to Google some ingredients throughout our Little Fires meal, particularly the chicharrones that go with the guacamole (£10). These turned out to be crispy pork skin, a great additional texture when combined with the silky avocado and lightly salted, purple-coloured totopos (similar to a tortilla chip). Some people prefer a chunkier guac but this was right up my street, plus I enjoyed the toasted seeds, herby oil and edible flowers.

Drawing influence from Puerto Escondido’s Pacific coastline, my date’s stacked Minilla Salmon (£15) was a triumphant symphony that sees the fish prepared in two ways: slow-cooked and seasoned with smoky Morita chilies, alongside cured flaky cubes underneath. It was cleverly paired with cucumber pieces that doused the flames in his mouth, as did the accompanying Days non-alcoholic lager (£7). If we had a very minor qualm, the potato chips described on the menu were more of a half jacket potato, but still, the dish really was exceptional and pretty as a picture.

Veggie fans, rejoice, as the sauteed mushroom quesadilla (£9) was standout. Prepare for a semi-circle shaped corn tortilla encasing oozy melted quesillo (Mexican) cheese. It was presented next to salad leaves dressed in a lovely chipotle oil, on a sea of dreamy guacachile salsa (aka creamy avocado sauce). To close our evening, I savoured my favourite drink of the night, the Little Fires picante (£14). I could actually nurse it all day long. This fiery stunner blended agave tequila, orange liqueur and agave syrup, giving a pineapple-like aftertaste. The spicy Fruit Pastel-like candy on top was a nice touch as well.

Little Fires Shoreditch Review: Overall

The verdict? Little Fires has all you need for a great night out in London. Not only have they mastered the craft of innovative and downright delicious cocktails but the traditional yet refined cuisine made me think I was genuinely in Mexico for a time (hey, a girl can dream…). The music definitely gives this place the edge too. You can probably tell that they’re not shy when it comes to chilli here, but hold off calling 999, as Little Fires’ flames are likely to be burning bright for some time.

If you love East London as much as us, you'll want to browse through our guide to Shoreditch's best restaurants.