Christmas parties have a habit of blending into one another: a few festive decorations, a drinks package, some background music and the inevitable queue at the bar. Little Fires Mezcal Bar & Hi-Fi Lounge offers something a little different. Hidden away in Shoreditch, this independent restaurant and listening lounge swaps traditional festive formulas for Oaxacan cooking, agave spirits and one of East London's most distinctive event spaces.
At the heart of the venue is Head Chef Rodolfo Castellanos, winner of Top Chef México, whose menu draws inspiration from the food traditions of Oaxaca. For Christmas celebrations, that means getting rid of the usual festive buffet in favour of dishes designed for sharing, conversation and long evenings around the table. Expect vibrant Mexican flavours, fire-led cooking and menus that can be tailored to suit the style of your event.
The venue's layout makes it particularly versatile for festive gatherings. Smaller groups can take over The Listening Lounge, an atmospheric basement space spread across three rooms and accommodating up to 60 guests. With richly-hued walls, patterned floor tiles and a dedicated bar, it feels more like a private members' club than a conventional events venue. Music plays a central role here too, thanks to the custom-built wooden DJ booth, Technics turntables, rotary mixer and Funktion One sound system.
For larger Christmas parties, full venue hire allows exclusive access to both floors and the terrace, accommodating up to 100 guests. The contrast between the two levels works particularly well for festive events. Upstairs, guests can enjoy cocktails and dinner in the lively restaurant, while downstairs offers a more intimate late-night setting for dancing, DJs and post-dinner drinks.
The drinks programme is another reason to book. Created in collaboration with Sabina Sabe, one of Oaxaca's best-known cocktail institutions, the menu showcases mezcal, tequila and rare agave spirits through inventive serves that provide a welcome alternative to standard Christmas party drinks packages.