What

A guacamole and tequila bar has opened in Covent Garden’s Cantina Laredo. With eight different guacamole and an array of tequila available alongside a delectable Mexican menu.

Where

Cantina Laredo
www.cantinalaredo.co.uk/
10 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9FB

Experience

When asked what my favourite cuisine is it changes daily but the answer that pops up most frequently is Mexican. There are so many things to love about Mexican food (and drink) but I think the one thing that really sets it above the rest is guacamole. Nothing beats it. Nothing. So when I heard about bar dedicated to guacamole and tequila I was understandably VERY excited. And I was not disappointed. Cantina Laredo has established itself in Covent Garden for some time now, but have recently gone through a refurbish with the addition of the said guacamole and tequila bar. 8 different types of guacamole on the menu alongside various tequila infusions – it really was a treat! We managed to try three of the guacamoles, my personal favourite was the Guacamole con Cangrejo which included chipotle, red onion, jalapeño, jicama and coriander and was topped with white crab meat – a deliciously zingy guac with just enough heat to get the taste buds going.

We were then treated to an array of entrees and mains, all deliciously fresh and flavoursome. Some highlights were the seabass ceviche and the quesadillas – Oaxaca cheese melted with mushrooms. In the mains my picks were the Brochetas de Camaron – butterfly tiger prawns that had a real spicy kick to them with a side of the Esquites. And of course it wouldn’t be a Mexican meal without the addition of tacos – with the usual chicken and beef options, but also duck which was delicious.

If you don’t get too carried away with guacamole and starters and still have room for dessert, or if you are like me and always have room then I would suggest the chocolate, pecan and walnut brownie which was decadent and melt in your mouth – everything you would hope for in a brownie. If you were wanting to stick to a more traditional end to your Mexican meal then the Churros also looked delicious!!!

Now it wouldn’t have been Mexican without plenty of tequila, which was sampled in the form of delicious cocktails and also flavoured shots from the featured tequila bar. If you like a bit of spice in your life then I’d recommend the “I’m Kinda Hot” which speaks for itself, and the tequila comes in chocolate, jalapeno or strawberry flavours. These were much more delicious than I expected, and for the first time of my life I wasn’t screwing my face up and chasing it with lemon.

All in all, a lovely sophisticated take on Mexican dining, I would highly recommend.

Cost

Guacamole – £9-£12
Tequila – £5-£7
Small Plates – £6-£10
Large Plates – £15-£30
Sharing Four Course Tequila Dinner – £55