Where To Drink Margaritas in London

Margaritas are having a moment. The Mexican-inspired cocktail, which features a winning mix of tequila, triple sec and lime juice, is of course nothing new, but it has seen a surge in popularity in recent times. So where to find the capital’s finest? Here we highlight the best restaurants and bars for margaritas in London, whether you’re a purist or prefer a mango-infused tipple that will have you dreaming of sun-dappled afternoons on the beach.

Where To Drink Margaritas in London

Daisy Green Collection

Aussie-inspired restaurant group the Daisy Green Collection has branches dotted all over the capital, and is renowned for its excellent brunch – alongside some killer cocktails. Margaritas have always been a highlight there, but now the offering is even better thanks to a brand-new menu, which includes an array of margaritas for just £8. Available on weekdays across most venues, the tequila-based cocktails are inspired by the folklore that surrounds the origin stories of the famed drink. The Daisy (tequila, fresh lime and agave), for instance, was around long before everyone was drinking margaritas in the mid-1800s, while The Rusty Thompson is a nod to partygoer Robert James ‘Rusty’ Thompson, who some say invited the margarita cocktail in the ‘60s at a party in Houston, Texas. 

Multiple locations, daisygreenfood.com

The Laundry, Brixton

Image by Jack Lewis Williams

This Brixton hotspot is part neighbourhood bistro, part wine shop, all thanks to award-winning hospitality entrepreneur and wine connoisseur Melanie Brown and her Antipodean collaborator Sami Harvey. Spilling out onto Coldharbour Lane, the Parisian-inspired terrace is idyllic in the summer – margarita in hand, of course. Order the signature cucumber marg for a mellow, sour, summery sip, and a bowl of Nocellara olives for the best in European vibes. Better still, cocktails are only £7 during L’Apero hour (Monday–Friday, from 5–6pm). While you’re there, dine from the wholesome all-day menu, featuring the likes of Crab linguine, Bavette steak, and specials on the chalkboard.

374 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PL, thelaundrybrixton.com

Los Mochis

This Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill boasts an impressive collection of fine and rare tequilas, which are whizzed up into cocktails aplenty. Its Tommy Margaritas are some of the most popular margaritas in London, with the team mixing up around 200 a day, using a mix of 4 Tequila Altos reposado, organic agave nectar, cold pressed lime juice and a Mexican-Japanese spice mix. There’s also a spicy jalapeño version made with Tequila Altos blanco & reposado, cucumber-coriander cordial and jalapeño infused organic agave; or a shiso-infused alternative, which adds a mango passion fruit wine into the mix. Enjoy alongside small plates amid cool, low-lit interiors.

2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN, losmochis.co.uk

Decimo at The Standard

King’s Cross hotel The Standard is home to a number of food and drink spots, including cocktail bar Sweeties and American-inspired restaurant Double Standard. But if it’s margaritas you’re after, head up to the 10th floor to Decimo, where Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesia works his magic, blending his Spanish heritage with a love for Mexican cuisine. There are five margaritas to choose from, including our top pick: the Horchata Punch, a mix of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Horchata, Mexican key lime, almond and milk.

10th Floor, The Standard, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG, decimo.london

Hacha

This neighbourhood agaveria, which has outposts in both Dalston and Brixton, often features in lists of the capital’s best bars thanks to its stellar cocktail list and fun atmosphere. There’s an extensive list of 25 agave spirits, with the option to do a mini tasting experience, but if you’re more about the cocktails the margaritas here are excellent. The Mirror Margarita has won multiple awards, made with Patron Silver Tequila, a special Hacha sour mix, cane syrup  and grapefruit zest – but it’s the salted pomegranate and ginger concoction that really caught our attention. Sip while tucking into tacos from resident kitchen partner Tigre Tacos.

378 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AA and 12 Market Row, London SW9 8LD, hachabar.com

Pink Chihuahua

Hidden beneath Soho’s lively Mexican restaurant El Camión sits Pink Chihuahua, an equally buzzy bar decked out in vibrant décor. A huge glass cabinet filled with hundreds of bottles of tequilas stretches across the wall, sitting alongside painted skeletons and psychedelic murals, with a suitably vibrant menu to match. Here you’ll find some of the best margaritas in London: spicy margs, pomegranate margs, mezcal margs and more, all crafted to perfection – just make sure you load up on burritos and quesadillas upstairs beforehand, as this is the kind of place you’ll end up staying for more than one.

25-27 Brewer St, London W1F 0RR, elcamion.co.uk

La Bodega Negra

With its cosy alcove booths, low lighting and surrealist furniture, Will Ricker’s speakeasy-style restaurant La Bodega Negra is the perfect place to while away an evening sipping margaritas. There are three to choose from here: the House Margarita, a classic blend made with El Jimador blanco and served on the rocks with salt; a hibiscus-infused version, or a jalapeño blend. Expect top-quality tequila and artfully presented cocktails, best served with small plates of tacos, fajitas and burritos.

9 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JF, labodeganegra.com

Haya

This charming spot in Notting Hill serves Mediterranean fare with an Israeli influence – but for its cocktail list, the restaurant looks to Mexico. Margaritas are the signature tipple here, with a large selection to choose from. Spice lovers will be suitably fired up by the jalapeño option; if you prefer something fruity go for either the melon or the pineapple concoction. Need a burst of energy? The Expresso Margarita is a cross between an Espresso Martini and a classic marg, made with coffee, Khalua and resposado tequila. 

184A Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2ES, haya.london

Side Hustle

Swerve the tourist traps of Covent Garden and head to Side Hustle, a fun Mexican bar hidden within the uber-cool NoMad hotel. Pull up a stool at the bar or sink into one of the comfy booths and prepare to be wowed by some seriously good drinks, which see Mexican classics spruced up with exotic favours and twists. Margaritas change with the seasons – at the moment, you can choose between a punchy mix of chicha morada, jalapeno, pineapple and lemon; or a unique concoction of tamarind, chillies, pale ale, chocolate and lime. Pair with a trio of chips and dips, plus tostadas and tacos.

Old Police Station Entrance, 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW, thenomadhotel.com

Featured image: Getty Images