New Battersea tequila bar to celebrate National Tequila Day with pairing menu

Monday 24 July marks National Tequila Day and Cartel, the new tequila bar and taqueria in Battersea will be offering a special taco and cocktail pairing menu plus a Patron tequila flight with expert commentary from Cartel’s Bar Manager Josh Rooms (former El Camion) and Patron ambassadors Karine Tillard and Benji Ryde.

Tequila is all set to knock gin from its perch as the A-listers’ drink of choice, with everyone from Pharrell Williams to Kate Moss enjoying its smooth, clean agave taste. What’s more it only contains around 60 calories per 35ml shot, is gluten-free and has even been linked to lowering blood sugar and cholesterol.

At Cartel, there are no less than 70 different tequilas, spearheaded by the likes of Aretta, the legendary premium brand made from agave exclusively cultivated in fields on the outskirts of the town of Tequila.

Josh Rooms has designed a cocktail list that celebrates both tequila and mezcal, offering creative twists on old favourites together with new creations like the signature Cartel (pictured) (Patro´n Blanco, citric acid and cre`me de peche, presented in a Patro´n bottle) and Orendain (Arette Blanco, cre`me de cacao, dry vermouth and Peychaud’s Bitters served straight up with an absinthe mist).

In keeping with a traditional taqueria – a street food stall offering inexpensive tacos – Cartel’s decor is simple, rustic and relaxed with exposed brickwork, murals and wood furnishings.

Head chef Gareth Rowntree’s menu respects the traditional street food methods but also reflects London’s cosmopolitan, global palate. Tacos are hand-pressed the traditional Mexican way. Freshly made hourly using gluten-free Masa Harina corn flour, inventive fillings range from pulled chicken cooked in mezcal and lemon to chilli garlic king prawns with crunchy coleslaw and chipotle mayo.

Also on offer are equally delicious quesadillas, plus must-try guacamole and tortilla chips, both hand-made, and three types of house salsa.

Cartel is open from 5pm until midnight on Mondays to Thursdays and from 5pm until 2am on Friday and Saturday.