Viajante 87 - Notting Hill, London

Viajante 87 is the brand new and brilliant Mexican Japanese bar from the founders of Los Mochis - the 1,500sq ft agaveria-cum-izakaya will bring a new concept to the West London landscape, synergising Tokyo technique with a tropical Tulum gypset vibe. The intimate and high-energy hideaway features its very own dedicated mixology lab, focussing on a zero waste drinks philosophy, cutting-edge cocktail creations and experimental crafting techniques. Founder Markus Thesleff has brought in world-class talent, Panos Kanatsoulis, (formerly "The Clumsies" Athens, and Zuma Dubai World's 50 Best Bars) to create 100% agave-based signature cocktails alongside all the classics.

We were really impressed by the vibe, with ambient electronic music with a heartbeat rhythm piped live and direct from DJ decks, at that perfect volume that seems to help conversation rather than hinder it. The venue features 120 covers with a private area that can accommodate up to 25 guests, but Viajante 87 is still eminently intimate. We were smitten with the hammered copper wall panelling and spearmint green velvet banquettes and footstools, which provided the perfect foil to the drinks and fare. 

We were floored by the mixology. A Traveller's Martini was a riff on the Gibson, bone dry with a smoked pickled onion garnish. There was some nominative determinism in smoked Earth, crafted from Los Siete misterios doba-yej mescal, lacto fermented veggies and pink salt, which did exactly what it said on the tin. Peachy Gonzales (Altos Tequila Plata, peach, Mexican tarragon, dill, and a tangerine garnish that had been soaked in tequila) played out like an umami-supercharged margarita. This was complemented by a yummy dish of guacamole, crispy rice, coriander cress, chilli soy and fresh black truffle. Baked crab taco-maki - a taco and sushi maki roll fusion with crab, avocado, sweet guajillo soy, shichimi, sesame and char roe - was easily the most delicious snack of the evening. 

Viajante 87 is one of those bars that's equally cool and thoughtful. Well worth a visit for a date or to kick off the evening with amigos or colleagues.