Caldera

Honest, creative and playful, Hackney’s newest Mexican is a cheeky homage to its motherland that will thrill your tastebuds without breaking the bank.

Located on happening Mare Street, raven plume-coloured paintwork and low-hanging lighting create a warm, relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to linger, whether catching up with mates or treating that special someone.

The name is derived from the Spanish word for 'cauldron', and the menu is a real melting pot of flavours and techniques from across Mexico, with a few global influences to keep things feeling fresh.

Choose from favourites such as loaded nachos and tacos, or branch out into the more unusual plates shining a spotlight on Mexican gastronomy, such as the miso-mole marinated lamb cutlets served with hand-ground mole on a volcanic stone metate.

The cocktails are as fearless as the food, with classic margaritas rubbing shoulders with the likes of carrot penicillin (mezcal, agave, carrot and lemon) and sophisticated mocktails.