La Bodega Negra, London — London, UK

New York’s nightlife pin-up Serge Becker has joined forces with London restaurateur Will Ricker and entrepreneur Ed Spencer Churchill to launch an unusual Mexican experience. Hidden behind a sex shop sign on Old Compton Street in Soho, you will find an underground speakeasy restaurant and tequila bar very much inspired by Serge’s legendary La Esquina diner in NY. The space is filled with art by Pierre Molinier as well as vintage furniture, including amusing children’s chairs that give the impression of being part of a surreal Alice in Wonderland film. An old grand piano has been taken apart to form an art installation and there is a private dinning area, as well as a couple of cosy alcove booths for more intimate soirées. The menu offers ceviche, tacos and tostados, as well as rotisserie delights prepared from a wood-burning grill. On the ground floor, a more causal taqueria and café is linked to a second road entrance on Moor Street. A good way to start the evening is with a Hibiscus Margarita.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
9 Old Compton Street
London
W1D 5JF
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
How an icon of Japanese Metabolist architecture took on a life of its own – even after its destruction
When Kishō Kurokawa designed the modular Nakagin Capsule Tower more than 50 years ago, he imagined it boarding ships and travelling the world. Now it has, thanks to a new show at MoMA
-
Six vases become 28 jewels in Boucheron’s new high jewellery collection
Creative director Claire Choisne nods to the Japanese art of flower arranging with vases that disassemble into high jewellery rings, necklaces, brooches and more
-
In Santander, a cotton candy-coloured HQ is a contemporary delight
Santander’s Colección ES Headquarters, a multifunctional space for art, office work, and hosting, underwent a refurbishment by Carbajo Hermanos, drawing inspiration from both travels and local context
-
Industrial chic meets Thai heat at the new incarnation of a beloved London restaurant
Singburi 2.0 brings all the hot and sour thrills of the original haunt in cool Shoreditch surrounds
-
Here’s how Heathrow is reimagining airport chaos as ambient music
Grammy-nominated Jordan Rakei turns travel noise into a meditative soundtrack by sampling everything from baggage belts to jet engines
-
Is this London’s slickest burger joint?
Already proven in Paris, Dumbo’s smash-hit formula of precision, confidence, and simplicity arrives in Shoreditch – and yes, it’s worth the wait
-
Canal is a new west London restaurant with a suntrap terrace
At Canal, the new restaurant at Mason & Fifth’s Westbourne Park hotel, expect modern European breakfast, lunch and dinner from the team behind Crispin and Bistro Freddie
-
This hidden London culinary haven is a refreshing take on the steakhouse
Mr Porter, a new steakhouse, bar and lounge in central London's swish Mayfair, is a hidden haven of strong flavours and minimalist dining
-
A European-style café opens next to London’s Saatchi Gallery
Designed by Dion & Arles, Cafe Linea serves fresh pâtisseries, global dishes and sparkling wines in a stunning Grade II-listed setting
-
Ready to unplug? Sign up for this digital detox retreat in Cornwall
Offline escape provider Unplugged has partnered with Cabilla Cornwall to offer a phone-free, nature-immersive group experience on Bodmin Moor
-
Anya Hindmarch’s Ice Cream Project is London’s tastiest (and weirdest) summer tradition
The cult pop-up has returned, transforming a Belgravia corner into a sleek, steel-clad shrine to British pantry nostalgia