How to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in London
As if your guacamole addiction needed a reason....
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While it is never not a good day to have tortilla chips and guacamole, Cinco de Mayo has long been an excellent alibi for consuming large quantities. This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on the May Bank Holiday Weekend, making Britain an unexpected candidate for the best place to celebrate. Historically, the holiday commemorates Mexico’s unlikely victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla, but has since become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture in the US.
If looking to move away from the chip bowl, try these London spots for other Cinco de Mayo sustenance…
The Coral Room
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo this year at The Coral Room with a bespoke cocktail menu created by General Manager Giovanni Spezziga and his team of bar bandits. Sip on cocktails like Coral’s Margarita, made with mezcal, pink grapefruit & kumquat shrubs and sparkling wine, and Flaming Victory, a mix of creme de cacao, red chilli bitters and Chocci Torino. Enjoy alongside Mexican treats like guacamole, queso dip and pulled chicken tacos.
Wahaca
All Wahaca restaurants will be joining the party and offering £5 margaritas all day and night throughout the Bank Holiday weekend. Wahaca’s margaritas are shaken and served on the rocks with 100 per cent agave Olmeca Altos tequila, plus fresh lime juice or a passion fruit, hibiscus or tamarind twist. Enjoy alongside the likes of corn fritters, grilled cheese and chargrilled steak tacos. 3-6 May.
TT Liquor
Dust off your sombrero and celebrate with a tequila cocktail at Kingsland Road bar TT Liquor, where they’ll be serving the ‘Eighth Battalion’ throughout the week – a boozy beverage featuring Tequila Ocho as its base.
Queen of Hoxton
This summer, Queen of Hoxton will bring guests tacos, tequila and frozen Margaritas for the whole season on their Mexican-inspired rooftop, inspired by the vibrant town of San Cristóbal in Mexico. They’ll be kicking off the festivities with a Cinco De Mayo party, featuring Mexican cocktails, live female mariachis and the highlight: a Trump piñata. Need we say more? Tickets are £4, book via queen-of-hoxton.eventcube.io
Barts
Head to speakeasy-style bar Barts for a full on fiesta, featuring fancy dress, sangria, Patron Tequila cocktails, and a piñata. Prepare to salsa late into the night to a variety of mariachi music, with expert mixologists on hand to provide informal tequila masterclasses.
MNKY HSE
Latin American restaurant MNKY HSE will get you into the party spirit with their Cinco de Mayo dinner, featuring five exclusive dishes created for the occasion alongside a special margarita menu. As well as lots of fajitas and nachos, guests can enjoy live music from mariachi band El Mexicano, watch the fire show and have a go on the custom made piñatas. 3 May
Margarita Rumble
Enjoy bottomless margaritas at Margarita Rumble, a festival which pits top mixologists against each other in a bid to find the UK’s best tequila cocktail. Bars such as Caban Brasil, Tequila Mockingbird, London Glass Cocktail Club and Nine Lives will be participating, with live music, cocktail masterclasses and other fun surprises on offer. 5 May
Bagatelle
Mayfair hotspot Bagatelle have teamed up with Casamigos to host an iconic brunch bash in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, featuring Mexican-inspired cocktails and food courtesy of renowned Chef Dale Osborne. 4 May, £55 at 12-2pm, £80 at 2-6pm.
Bluebird Cafe White City
Kick off the Bank Holiday weekend at the White City branch of Bluebird, where a Mexican summer fiesta will be taking place. Feast on Patrón cocktails and Mexican-inspired snacks while SUSHISAMBA’s resident DJ Sophie turns up the tempo.
Pop Brixton
Head to south London’s coolest food market, Pop Brixton, for a Mexican music extravaganza, featuring female mariachi duo Las Guadalupes alongside afro-Latin rhythm peddlers Candeleros.
