Cinco de Mayo in London: The best restaurants, special menus and foodie events for 2024

Cinco de Mayo 2024 lands on Sunday 5 May which, for most Brits who choose to get involved with the celebrations, means cashing in on half price margaritas and inhaling a truck-load of great tacos at record speed. Despite being a Mexican national holiday, Cinco de Mayo is actually a far bigger celebration in the US where it's widely considered a celebration of Mexican-American culture.

Cinco de Mayo has gained a fair bit of traction over here in the UK too, although for slightly more hedonistic reasons. Apparently, people don’t need to be told twice to devote an entire day to guzzling tequila and gorging on Mexican food – especially when we have some of the best Mexican restaurants right here in London.

In case you’ve never asked the question, though, what is Cinco de Mayo and how is it celebrated? The annual celebration on 5 May is a commemoration of Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla (also known as theAnniversary of the Battle of Puebla), where they successfully fought off French occupation in 1862. Despite what many people tend to assume, it's not actually Mexican Independence Day,  but instead represents a strategic turning point in the Franco-Mexican war.  

History lesson over, and back to the fun part - the celebrations! Cinco de Mayo in London is totting up to be quite the event this year, with all-day parties, special menus, exciting collaborations and foodie festivals taking place all over the capital on 5 May. In our opinion, a real Cinco de Mayo party would be nothing without some awesome Mexican-inspired food and drink to toast the occasion, which is exactly what we’ve rounded up here. Here’s how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in London with some of the best fiestas on offer.  

King of Prussia, Finchley

What: Bringing the fiesta to North London, the King of Prussia is pulling out all the stops for its Cinco de Mayo celebrations this year. Tequila tastings from Cazcabel, music from Mariachi Wey and delicious Mexican food are all on the cards, plus, a beat-the-heat Chilli challenge, if you think you've got what it takes. Tickets for the main event are £20, which includes a welcome cocktail, six measures of Tequila and a masterclass so you can learn all about your drinks. If you’re looking for something to keep the little ones entertained then look no further. Here, there’s a pinata decorating workshop to go alongside all the other festivities, if you're not convinced already. The King of Prussia will also be whipping up some of its famous roasts, if that’s more your style. It is Sunday after all! 
When: 5 May, 12-9pm 
Where: 363 Regents Park Road, N3 1DH
Book now: The King of Prussia 

Los Mochis, Notting Hill and City of London

What: Known for its pan-Pacific crossover, Los Mochis, named for the city in northern Mexico, offers a fusion menu across its two London sites. Don’t expect traditional dishes here, with menus boasting a mash-up of Japanese and Mexican cuisine in this culmination of Tokyo and Tulum. If one day of celebrations doesn’t sound like enough for you, then Los Mochis has you covered with a week-long fiesta of margaritas and mezcal flights. Alongside the classic menus including everything from tacos to sushi, guests can enjoy specially curated cocktails including the Los Mochis Margarita, and two different tastings: a Patron flight (£25) or the premium Lost Explorer flight (£40).
When: 2-9 May
Where: 2 Farmer Street, W8 7SN; 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Book now: Los Mochis Notting Hill; Los Mochis City 

1910 Cantina, Parsons Green

What: Named for the year which started Mexico’s revolution, what better place to celebrate the country’s culture and history than 1910 Cantina? If you’re already fully booked up for Sunday 5 this year then don’t worry, festivities here are happening later on in the month. Join the team on Wednesday 15 May for an afternoon packed full of tequila and mezcal tasting with El Cabron and Tiempo Tequila. Delve into the history and production of each of the spirits before heading to the bar where you can continue your agave exploration with specialty cocktails. Entry is free and includes a selection of Mexican snacks to go alongside your drinks. 
When: 15 May, 2-5pm
Where: 277 New Kings Road, SW6 4RD
Book now: 1910 Cantina 

Decimo at The Standard, King’s Cross

What: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the sky with this festive brunch on the 10th floor of The Standard Hotel. For one day only, you can enjoy a Spanish and Mexican fusion from highly regarded chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Diners can expect the likes of huevos rancheros with black beans and salsa rojo, baja fish tacos and chilaquiles with salsa verde and manchego cheese. These will come alongside specially designed cocktails such as the Mezcal Paloma (mezcal, grapefruit soda, lime and a salt rim) or the Mezcal Batanga (mezcal, cola, lime and a salt rim) to wash everything down. Decimo makes an excellent spicy Marg as well if that's your thing.
When: 4 May, 12-2.30pm
Where: 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Book now: Decimo at The Standard

KOL and KOL Mezcaleria, Marylebone

What: If you’re looking for some fine-dining amongst all your Cinco de Mayo festivities, then there aren’t many places that do it better than KOL. Santiago Lastra has created a Michelin-starred menu of innovative Mexican cuisine, each showcasing the best of British produce in this ultimate fusion. For Cinco de Mayo 2024 you can enjoy some of the chef’s top dishes in this curated set menu, boasting the likes of langoustine tacos to confit pork cheek carnitas. You'll also get the option to add a mezcal pairing to your meal, with tipples straight from the site’s Mezcaleria, home to a unique collection of mezcals and tequilas from independent Mexican distilleries. This might not be the cheapest option, but it’s sure to be the most  indulgent. 
When: Throughout May
Where: 9 Seymour Street, W1H 7BA
Book now: KOL; KOL Mezcaleria 

Fiesta Tequila at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

What: Wanting to start your celebrations early? Try the fiesta tequila celebrations at Harvey Nichols, taking place on Friday 3 May instead. Street-food inspired canapes and Mariachi entertainment are set to take place, accompanied by a selection of some of the finest Tequilas and Mezcals. You'll receive a Margarita on arrival followed by a selection of five tastings and one luxury tasting. Tickets start from £55, with the option to upgrade and add more luxury tasting tokens. This one is sure to be a pretty indulgent evening, perfect for the Tequila aficionado in your life. 
When: 3 May, 6-8pm
Where: 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
Book now: Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Terrace 

NoMad, Covent Garden 

What: Nomad’s impressive double-height restaurant and hanging foliage provides an elegant backdrop for dining in central London. This year, for Cinco de Mayo, you’ll find an Arca takeover, offering two different events. On Sunday 5 May, NoMad’s bar director Liana Oster will be joined by Peter Sanchez, bar director of Arca, for an evening of mezcal cocktails and festive small plates that embody and celebrate the heritage of Mexico. On Monday 6 May, there’ll be a complete six-course tasting menu curated by Arca’s José Luis Hinostroza who will join NoMad’s culinary team for this taste of Tulum, putting the focus on open-fire cooking. Guests can also expect the chance to add mezcal pairings to their evening with live music to really add to the atmosphere. 
When: 5-6 May 
Where: Bow Street, WC2E 7AH
Book now: NoMad 

Vauxhall Arches, Vauxhall

What: Vauxhall Arches is known for its street food vendors and vibrant outdoor space that really comes to life in the summer. Every Sunday they bring the fiesta, boasting the very best of Latin culture from the food to the dancing. This year they’re getting the ball rolling with a Cinco de Mayo feast, and it would be rude not to, especially as the fiesta falls on a Sunday this year. Alongside some excellent street food visitors can expect live performers and dances, from salsa to flamenco! Plus, there’s fun for all the family, with a bouncy castle to keep your little ones entertained in the Kid’s Zone. 
When: 5 May, 1-10pm 
Where: 6A South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP
Book now: Vauxhall Arches 

Madera at Treehouse, Oxford Circus

What: Madera has made a bit of a name for itself with its elevated Mexican cuisine and floral paradise in the sky. But this year, it’s got something up its sleeve with this pre-Cinco de Mayo fiesta brunch, working in collaboration with Tajin and Ojo De Dios. You can expect several classic brunch dishes each with an added twist. Expect the likes of sharing taco boards all washed down with specially curated cocktails. A Bloody Mary station, live entertainment and a DJ is sure to bring this brunch to life.
When: 4 May, 11am-3pm
Where: 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS
Book now: Madera at Treehouse 

As we move into spring and the weather starts to heat up (hopefully!), have a browse through the best outdoor restaurants in London perfect for alfresco dining. Or dig out those dusty sunglasses and gather the grew at one of London's best beer gardens.