There was a Mexican air to our Specialist Bar of the Year (sponsored by Sipello) category, with Hacha from London winning once again.
With its flagship bar in Dalston now entering its fifth year of business, the brand rolled out to another venue in 2021, with owners Deano Moncrieffe and Emma Murphy taking their interpretation of Mexican hospitality to Brixton.
Across both sites, Hacha has found that balance of being Mexican, but not falling foul of cliched representation – these are elegant, stylish bars with a modern Mexican lilt.
Deano’s drinks have gone down a storm from day one, with lesser-known Mexican classics unearthed and old favourites given a modern spin – not least our former Cocktail of the Year, the Mirror Margarita, which is now a brand in itself.
With flights of agave spirits, delicious food from Oaxacan chefs and (up until recently) Robyn Evans managing everything that happens within its walls, Hacha has all angles covered.
Finalists: KOL Mezcaleria, London; Ojo Rojo, Bournemouth; Hey Palu, Edinburgh