There’s never much persuasion needed for tortilla chips and tequila, but fiestas are never more fun than on Cinco de Mayo.
From tequila cocktails and boozy brunches to Latin-inspired dinners and lots of live music, here’s the best ways to celebrate in the capital
Taking place on May 5 (a convenient date for the Bank Holiday weekend) the date marks the Mexican army’s significant defeat over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla – a historic event which took place on May 5 1862.
In modern times, it’s known more as a day of celebrating Mexican culture rather than sword fighting, with feasts and parties taking place across the world.
London’s no exception, of course. From tequila cocktails and boozy brunches to Latin-inspired dinners and lots of live music, here’s the best ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the capital.
1 Sip cocktails at The Coral Room
Did someone say… tequila? To celebrate the occasion, The Coral Room is teaming up with Casamigos, the premium tequila founded by George Clooney and Rande Gerber for a weekend of fiesta-inspired indulgence.
Taking place on Sunday 5th May from 6pm until late, join the designer-decked space for exclusive cocktails alongside a live Latin inspired DJ set.
The bespoke celebratory cocktails have been created by General Manager of The Coral Room, Señor Giovanni Spezziga and his team of bar banditos, to highlight each unique and individual expression of Casamigos Tequila and Mezcal.
The cocktail menu specially created for the occasion includes Coral’s Margarita made with Casamigos Mezcal, Pink Grapefruit & Kumquat Shrubs, Fair Kumquat Liqueur, Supusawa & Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine and Tommy’s Margarita mixed from Casamigos Anejo, Lime Juice & Agave Syrup.
There’s also Casa Coral blended from Casamigos Reposado, Crème De Banana, Tonka Bitters & Fresh Lime and Flaming Victory made from Casamigos Blanco, Chocci Torino, Crème De Cacao & Red Chilli Bitters to try.
Those feeling peckish can also devour delicious Mexican inspired treats. On the menu for the weekend for guests to enjoy will be Queso Dip (£8), Guacamole & Chips (£6.50), Chilaquiles (£12) and Mini Pulled Chicken Tacos (£12).
When: The cocktail menu will be priced at £12 and will be available from Friday 3rd May – Monday 6th May as well as throughout the evening at The Coral Room’s fiesta on Sunday 5th May.
Where: The Coral Room 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN
How: Click here or phone 020 7347 1221 to make a booking.
2 Indulge with a cocktail brunch at Ella Canta
Hang on to your sombreros! To mark Mexico’s national holiday, Don Julio, the world’s first luxury tequila, will partner with fine dining restaurant and bar, Ella Canta to offer a bespoke brunch with paired cocktails for one weekend only.
Available on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May, foodies are invited to devour authentic yet contemporary Mexican dishes alongside exquisitely designed Don Julio tequila cocktails.
The three-course menu will showcase mouth-watering Mexican flavours – think Quesadilla with corn and Oaxaca cheese, Fried eggs over corn tortillas and Mexican churros to finish.
Each course will be paired with a Don Julio cocktail – the ideal accompanying sip. Tipples will include Tommy’s Margarita made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, Toreodor paired with Don Julio Reposado and finally Paloma cocktail, made with Don Julio Añejo tequila.
Located within the Intercontinental London Park Lane Hotel, Ella Canta focuses on the modernist expression of traditional Mexican cuisine, bringing colour and vibrancy to every dish.
When: Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th May
Where: One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1J 7QY
Wallet: £39 per person.
How: Click here to find out more or make a booking.
3 Spice things up with MNKY HSE’s one-off dinner
Turn up the heat with MNKY HSE’s one-off dinner on May 3rd to celebrate Cinco de Mayo latin style.
The contemporary Latin American restaurant is inviting the mariachi band El Mexicano to set a spicy mood throughout dinner, during which guests will have the opportunity to discover fie exclusive dishes created for the occasion.
Whet your appetite with MNKY fajitas, decadent nachos and even an interactive Spnk the Mnky Piñata dessert.
To pair with the ambiance and flavours, MNKY HSE will be serving three fabulous and unique margaritas – and there’s even the chance to have a go at the custom made piñatas throughout the restaurant.
When: Friday May 3rd
Where: MNKY HSE, 10 Dover St W1S 4LQ
How: Click here to make a booking or find out more.
4 Up the ante with Novikov’s action-packed evening
Let your hair down and dance the night away with Novikov’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Taking place in its lavish Lounge Bar on Sunday May 5, enjoy an adrenalin-fuelled celebration featuring DJs, dancers and, of course, a mariachi band.
Taking place betwee 9pm and 2am, it’s time to party like it’s 1862 – after all, you’ll have the whole of Bank Holiday Monday to recover!
When: Sunday May 5 2019
Where: Novikov Restaurant & Bar, 50 Berkeley Street, London, W1
How: Click here to find out more and make a booking.
