Mercado Bar & Cantina

Head to Stoke Newington’s little corner of Mexico on a Friday night & you’ll find the Latin spirit in full effect – no doubt fuelled by the potent (& cheap) margaritas flowing in the bijou bar area. Next door in the restaurant proper, it’s as if a Tex-Mex cliché has exploded: all kitsch, fruit-covered plastic tablecloths, donkey piñatas & sombreros. The food is fresh, & there’s the odd standout dish such as chicken breast in a rich mole poblano sauce. Nevertheless, prices can seem a little high for what you get, & the menu tends to lose itself in the mainstream of enchiladas, burritos & fajitas. If you’re feeling brave, order the chef’s smokin’ hot chilli con carne – four types of chilli, eight hours of slow cooking & one fiery dining experience.