Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla, on May 5 1862, but interestingly enough, outside of Puebla, the date is not widely celebrated in Mexico. It is, however, rather a bigger deal north of the border, with the vast Mexican-American communities celebrating across the USA. In fact, in the US, many see it as a celebration of Mexican heritage within American culture, one that is only celebrated at this time of year.
As with many things (Halloween, Black Friday) it didn’t take long for things on this side of the Atlantic to catch up. Whilst celebrations are generally more low-key in London, seek and you shall find.
Taking place on May 5 itself, and the days before and after, here’s our pick of the action, from mezcal to Mexican supper clubs.
Cinco de Mayo Brunch at Decimo at The Standard
Decimo’s Mexican and Spanish-inflected menu has been a deserving hit since opening in 2019 and each year brings a vibey Mexican brunch to the 10th floor of this hip hotel to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Expect staples like Baja fish tacos, huevos rancheros and brunchy plates like chilaquiles alongside plentiful mezcal palomas, set to be served at just £10 each. This one feels like a winner.
May 4, 10th Floor, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG, decimo.london
Margaritas and Mezcal flights at Los Mochis
From May 2 until May 9, the Tokyo-meets-Tulum atmosphere of Los Mochis (both the original in Notting Hill and the new opening in the City) is turning towards Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Mariachi bands will be playing along on the big day itself and with cocktails starting at just £8, we’re expecting quite a few margaritas to be enjoyed. In fact, a flight of margs or mezcal drinks accompany the likes of miso cod, carne asada and “trailer park chicken” tacos on the special menu.
Until May 9, 2-4 Farmer Street, W8 7SN and 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT, losmochis.co.uk
Callooh Callay tequila masterclass
Callooh Callay are set to host a Cinco de Mayo tequila masterclass at 3pm with Mexican-leaning palomas welcoming guests to the award-winning bar. The nachos will be free flowing as guests explore Ocho tequila across two versions, reposado and blanco, before having the chance to create and craft a margarita of their own.
May 4, 65 Rivington Street, EC2A 3QQ, calloohcallaybar.com
Corrochio’s Cinco de Mayo opening party
When news broke the cult-followed Dalston hotspot was getting a much needed revamp, a huge Cinco de Mayo celebration was always going to be on the cards. In fact, the taqueria/bar/terrace, known for its authentic regional Mexican food, is relaunching on Cinco De Mayo, and so doubling up on celebrations. Expect free drinks for those arriving between 2-5pm, a mariachi band thereafter and plentiful margs. In short, one helluva party.
May 5, 76 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB, corrochios.com
Temper Covent Garden’s £5 Margs
Each year Temper ups its game for Cinco de Mayo and this year’s plans look a treat. £5 is the price, margs are the drink. It’s a simple enough recipe, combined with live Mariachi bands and delicious barbacoa tacos, as well as specials including brisket chilaquiles and crab and corn enchiladas; it’s set to be another winner.
May 5, 5 Mercer Walk, WC2H 9QB, temperrestaurant.com
Madera Treehouse’s Cinco brunch
The Madera Treehouse is bringing the staple Mexican food brand Tajin to London in the hopes to deliver a genuinely authentic taste of Mexico. The Tajin-studded recipes are giving the brunch a shot in the arm with dishes that’ll include a beef chorizo bowl served with eggs over crispy yucatan potatoes, and a sharing taco selection with tortillas, salsas chicken mixiote or carne asada. With Ojo de Dios providing the mezcal and a few signature cocktails to boot, this one looks a winner.
May 4 and 6, 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS, treehousehotels.com
Elsewhere in town…
London’s Mexican restaurant scene previously left a lot to be desired, but the last four years or so, we’ve seen a real boost to this one under-represented cuisine. Whilst they might not be hosting Cinco de Mayo specials, heading to the likes of Sonora (208 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7HU, sonorataqueria.com), Del74 (129 Kingsland High Steet, E8 2PB, tacosdel74.com) or either Santo Remedio (London Bridge and Shoreditch, santoremedio.co.uk) would be a recipe for success.
Across town, there are newer openings Ixchel (33H King's Road, SW3 4LX, ixchellondon.com) and Hacha Brixton (12 Market Row, SW9 8LD, hachabar.com) which will both be buzzing or for something altogether more high-end, Marylebone’s Kol (9 Seymour Street, W1H 7BA, kolrestaurant.com) has a star-studded reputation.
