London Mezcal Week returns to the capital for its second year, running from 10th – 16th September 2018, it brings with it a week-long ‘fiesta’ of dinners, parties and events celebrating the Mexican spirit.
An independent festival founded by Thea Cumming and Melanie Symonds to provide a platform for lesser-known, traditionally made brands – they’re also working with the charity Rebuild Oaxaca to support the Mezcal-producing community.
With mezcal consumption up by about 40% in the UK last year alone (and not to mention George Clooney launching his own mezcal earlier this year) it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
So if you fancy getting involved, here are our top picks for the week ahead…
LONDON MEZCAL WEEK EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Mezcal Tasting Festival | Friday 14th– Saturday 15thSeptember
The headline event of the week will be the Mezcal Tasting Festival, which takes place from Friday 14th – Saturday 15th September. Providing a full-scale agave takeover at TT Liquor in Shoreditch, for £25 per person agave lovers can book a 2-hour session which will give you access to one of the UK’s largest selections of mezcals to date, and some producers which have never been available in the UK before. From 4pm, you’ll be able to sip on some extra-special cocktails by Ojo Rojo at the downstairs bar. TT Liquor’s DJs will be providing the soundtrack for the evening with a series of special guests to be announced.
Mexican Feast with Santiago Lastra | Tuesday 11thSeptember
Those of you after a more foodie experience will want to attend a Mexican Feast with Santiago Lastra, a one-off dinner with the renowned Mexican chef, on Tuesday 11th September at TT Liquor. Working with local producers in the UK to create Mexican-style food, guests will enjoy a four course feast paired with mezcal cocktails. With a background working at renowned venues including NOMA Mexico with René Redzepi, texture, colour and soul are at the heart of Santiago’s cooking.
£37pp, option to have mezcal pairing throughout or order drinks as you go
Cub x Illegal Mezcal Dinner | Wednesday 12thSeptember
On Wednesday 12thSeptember the foodie fun continues with a Cub x Illegal Mezcal Dinner. Cub is Mr Lyan and Doug McMaster’s Hoxton venue, with a strong focus on sustainability and bringing food and drink closer together they’ll be creating a 10-course set menu of food and cocktails that showcases the Illegal Mezcal portfolio and brings the story of the brand and spirit of Mexico to life.
£60pp, includes all food and cocktails
Oaxacan Art Show with Anna Bruce & Dangerous Don Mezcal | Wednesday 12thSeptember
Also taking place on Wednesday 12thSeptember is the Oaxacan Art Show with Anna Bruce & Dangerous Don Mezcal. The show will explore the relationship between art and mezcal in Oaxacan culture at Juju’sin Shoreditch. Anna Bruce is a photographer, mezcal expert and brainchild of First Food Residency and has curated an exhibition which will launch on the evening. The event will host a special cocktail menu designed and made by Oaxacan-based bartender Brooks Bailey on his debut bartending visit to London. Special guest Samuel Bautista Lazo from Dixza is also flying over from Mexico to talk about Zapotec traditional weaving techniques.
£5pp entry
There will be London Mezcal Week maps available throughout the week, detailing the additional events, parties, tastings and dinners, as well as a range of bars serving special mezcal cocktails for one week only. Renowned mezcal forward venues taking part include Temper Soho, Café Pacifico and Sin Gusano whilst some of London’s best-loved Mexican eateries Santo Remedio and Bodega Negra will be hosting events. Leading cocktail bar Cocktail Trading Co. are also amongst those flying the mezcal flag.
THIS EVENT IS NOW OVER
