Here are a few impressions from the 2015 Tequila & Mezcal Fest in Old Spitalfields Market to show you what you have missed. I was there on Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours soaking in the atmosphere and some of the spirits on offer (just some, as there where over 30 exhibitors and it was relatively early in the day). It was really popular with both Mexicans and gringos and packed by the time I left _ I think they will need a bigger space next year!
Tequila. Yes, there was tequila.
And mezcal. Yes, there was mescal.
But there was so much more.
Food, let’s talk food. Six food stands provided some of the best Mexican food this side of the Atlantic. Barrio Bars, DF/Mexico, tamal.co.uk, Condesa, Café Pacifico and Vera & Co. Chicken fed the crowds, serving tamales with mole or tomatillo sauce, pork, chorizo, beef and vegetarian tacos, cochinita pibil with habanero alioli, crispy chicken and vegetarian tortillas with all the Mexican trimmings, chilli beef torta with smashed avocado and chipotle mayo.
Gifts and groceries. Only a couple of small stalls, but lots of interesting stuff there. (maybe next time this section could be expanded a bit?)
There was a cocktail bar by Barrio.
Entertainment. Oh yes.
I missed the folk dancers and the DJ in the evening, but listened to an excellent all female Mariachi band and Krix Panx, a musician and visual artist, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, but now based in London.
There were also talks and classes about tequila and mezcal you could attend over the two days, as well as a cocktail and a lime squeezing (?) competition, but unfortunately I did not have time to go to any of these.
Never mind, there’s always next year. Hope to see you there, too!
London-Olios 