Cantina Laredo has cleverly caught onto Londoners’ love of the avocado. Jazzing up the city’s most popular fruit in true Mexican style, the independent Mexican restaurant has launched London’s first dedicated Guacamole and Tequila Bar.
‘The Great Eight Guacamoles’ are the lead in this avocado showstopper and are only made from house-selected and perfectly ripened Hass avocados with a variety of creations which include: the daring grasshoppers with grilled avocados and rich creamy blue cheese with almonds and pineapple with pomegranate seeds. Adding to the camaraderie, the team at Cantina Laredo will mix your chosen guac in front of you which adds an element of interactivity to the whole experience.
An equally intrinsic element to the Guacamole and Tequila Bar – with 100% blue agave tequilas and a range of Mezcals, Cantina Laredo leads the way the ‘sip, don’t slam’ method. Behind the bar, the mixologists create premium margaritas and signature cocktails that embrace Mexico’s true spirit. In addition to this, certified ‘Tequilistas’ are on hand to guide guests through the unique tequila infusion menu.
The menu is informal and designed to guide diners thorough Mexico’s diverse regional cuisines. Flavours and textures are smoky, spicy, fruity and salty: always keeping taste buds on their toes. Following the avocado introduction, we bite on blue corn tortillas with Oaxaca cheese, Crispy chicken tacos with chile de árbol cream and Aubergines with crisp tortillas with green habanero mayonnaise.
The meat dishes really come into play when it comes to larger ‘secundo tiempo’ section of this dynamic Mexican feast. Dishes that caught my eye from neighbouring tables included Guajillo glazed baby back ribs, scallions and fried leeks, 28-day aged ribeye steak, corn tortillas, avocado emulsion and guajillo oil or Cascabel chicken breast with corn tortillas and marinated onions.
Creating an accessible and authentic Mexican experience within the heart of central London, the Ginsberg family are behind Cantina Laredo. Pairing up with Roberto De la Parra – one of Mexico City’s culinary experts, Cantina Laredo offers a wide menu that let diners dive into and taste their way across Mexican cultures and the heritage of this exciting cuisine.
A design too that is inspired by Mexico, award-winning designer Robert Angell was inspired by the natural elements to the country completed with the authentic and varying culture and tradition that go hand in hand with the menu. Robert Angell’s new concept includes warm woods, Aztec-inspired art and imported agave plants whilst artistic clay plaster with rustic materials and furniture, balancing a classic and contemporary city space.
Cantina Laredo: 10 Upper St Martin’s Lane London, WC2H 9FB, cantinalaredo.co.uk
