In honour of the agave spirit mezcal, the second annual London Mezcal Week will give the capital a very Mexican flavour between 10th – 16th September. Celebrating many lesser-known, traditionally made mezcal brands, the week-long mezcal fiesta will take the form of a series of events across London, including tastings, dinners, talks and parties, plus a host of bars serving special mezcal cocktails. There will also be several pop-up mezcalerias appearing throughout the week to give you a taste of Mexico, whether you’re new to the spirit or a mezcal aficionado. ¡Salud!
Mezcal is the lesser-known cousin of tequila and is made in Mexico from the agave plant, the heart (or piña) of which is roasted underground before being distilled. This roasting process provides a unique, striking flavour with the fresh, vegetal nature of an agave spirit but with more depth. It’s this complexity that has led to its rise in popularity amongst the bartending community and leading cocktail bars.
London Mezcal Week, which is organised by two of London’s most dedicated mezcal enthusiasts, Thea Cumming and Melanie Symonds, aims to celebrate the mezcal category and bring it to a wider audience. The week-long programme of events will showcase the diverse and numerous ways it can be enjoyed – whether on its own, in cocktails or with food. Working solely with traditional mezcal producers – some of which date back generations within the same family – the week will see many of the brands flying to the UK for the first time. In order to support the community that produces mezcal, London Mezcal Week will also be working with the charity Rebuild Oaxaca, an organization that focuses on improving the quality of life of Mexico’s poorest families by rebuilding communities through construction projects.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
The headline event of the week will be the Mezcal Festival, which will take place from Friday 14th – Saturday 15th September. Providing a full-scale agave takeover in London Bridge, festival-goers will be able to sip on some extra-special cocktails by Ojo Rojo at an al fresco bar, whilst Mexico’s trending chef Santiago Lastra will be taking care of the food offering. From 7pm on the Friday and Saturday night DJs will be providing the soundtrack and transitioning the atmosphere from day-time drinking to evening fiesta. Within the Mezcal Festival will be the Tasting Room with one of the UK’s largest selections of mezcals to date, and some producers which have never been available in the UK before. For £25 per person, festival-goers can book a 2-hour session in the Tasting Room for a unique opportunity to sample the range on offer and meet the makers.
44 Southwark Street, London, SE1 9HW
Friday 14th – Saturday 15th September, Midday – Midnight: free entry to the Mezcal Festival, £25pp to access the Tasting Room (a 2-hour session can then be booked from 1-3pm, 3-5pm, 5-7pm both days)
Tickets available from www.londonmezcalweek.com
Those who are after a more foodie experience will be able to attend a one-off dinner with renowned Mexican chef Santiago Lastra on Tuesday 11th September at 44 Southwark Street. Working with local producers in the UK to create Mexican-style food, guests can 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.
44 Southwark Street, London, SE1 9HW
Tuesday 11th September, 7pm-late
£37pp, option to have mezcal pairing throughout or order drinks as you go
Tickets available from www.londonmezcalweek.com
Rounding off the week will be the London Mezcal Week Closing Party, sponsored by skillfully crafted mixers London Essence Co, on Sunday 16th September – complete with Micheladas and Margaritas to work off the Sunday hangover.
44 Southwark Street, London, SE1 9HW
Sunday 16th September, 1pm – Midnight
Free 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, Breddos Tacos and Bodega Negra will be hosting events. Leading cocktail bars Callooh Callay, Super Lyan and Cocktail Trading Co. are also amongst those flying the mezcal flag.
For a full schedule of events and venues taking part visit www.londonmezcalweek.com