There are those who say that, in comparison to cities in Canada and the United States of America, London has been slow to pursue agave spirits. However, KOL Mezcaleria has been changing that at a rapid pace over the past few years.

Since opening their doors, KOL Restaurant has found its way onto the World's 50 Best Restaurants list, and Kol Mezcaleria can be found on the World's 50 Best Disovery tool. The upscale Mexican restaurant and bar, co-owned by Chef Santiago Lastra, celebrates Mexican culture and traditions hand in hand with British ingredients. They're also currently participating in the 14th annual London Cocktail Week.

KOL bar manager Matthias Ingelmann dropped by the Bar Hacks podcast while he and the team prepared for service. On this episode, Matthias talks agave spirits; introducing guests to artisanal and ancestral agave spirits along with Mexican rum, gin, and whiskey; planning for seasonality and menu changes; maintaining the familiar while offering new menu items; honoring Mexican culture with this fusion concept; what he looks for in team members; and more. Cheers!

Links

Matthias Ingelmann's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthias.ingelmann

Chef Santiago Lastra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santiagolas

KOL Mezcaleria website: https://kolrestaurant.com/the-mezcaleria/

KOL Mezcaleria Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kol.restaurant

Bar Hacks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barhacks

KRG Hospitality website: https://krghospitality.com/