Cinco de Mayo 2025 lands on Monday 5 May which, for most Brits who choose to get involved with the celebrations, means cashing in on half price Margaritas and inhaling a truck-load of great tacos at record speed. Not only that, but this year the festival falls on a bank holiday, so there's absolutely no reason not to celebrate. Despite being a Mexican national holiday, Cinco de Mayo is actually a far bigger celebration in the US where it's widely considered a celebration of Mexican-American culture.
Cinco de Mayo has gained a fair bit of traction over here in the UK too, although for slightly more hedonistic reasons. Apparently, people don’t need to be told twice to devote an entire day to guzzling tequila and gorging on Mexican food – especially when we have some of the best Mexican restaurants right here in London. With that being said, if you're on the hunt for the best Cinco de Mayo events in London, then you've come to the right place.
In case you’ve never asked the question, though, what is Cinco de Mayo and how is it celebrated? The annual celebration on 5 May is a commemoration of Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla (also known as the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla), where they successfully fought off French occupation in 1862. Despite what many people tend to assume, it's not actually Mexican Independence Day, but instead represents a strategic turning point in the Franco-Mexican war.
History lesson over, and back to the fun part - the celebrations! Cinco de Mayo in London is totting up to be quite the event this year, with all-day parties, special menus, exciting collaborations and foodie festivals taking place all over the capital on 5 May. In our opinion, a real Cinco de Mayo party would be nothing without some awesome Mexican-inspired food and drink to toast the occasion, which is exactly what we’ve rounded up here. Here’s how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in London with some of the best fiestas on offer.
Los Mochis, Notting Hill and City of London
![The interiors at Los Mochis City (left);salt being poured onto a mezcalita (right)]()
What: Known for its pan-Pacific crossover, Los Mochis, named after the city in northern Mexico, offers inventive Mexican-Japanese cuisine. Here, dishes take inspiration from Tokyo to Tulum, reimagining classic ideas with inventive twists and unlikely flavour combinations. Taking over the bank holiday weekend for a day of celebrations, Los Mochis has a few surprises up its sleeve. Alongside classic menus where you can gorge on everything from tacos to sushi, guests can also enjoy £10 Palomas, Margaritas and Mezcalitas, and an exclusive tuna crispy rice dish. Head to the Notting Hill site for a real fiesta, with a live Mariachi band playing whilst you dine.
When: 5 May
Where: 2 Farmer Street, W8 7SN; 100 Liverpool Street, EC2M 2AT
Book now: Los Mochis Notting Hill; Los Mochis City
Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly Circus and Mayfair
![Mariachi band stood outside hard rock cafe]()
What: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique music memorabilia, it’ll come as no surprise that Hard Rock Cafe is pulling out all the stops for Cinco de Mayo 2025. Head to its sites on Old Park Lane or Piccadilly between 1 and 5 May to enjoy limited-edition dishes such as chips and queso, and steak and chicken fajitas, plus Jumbo Margaritas in a variety of flavours - think Mexico City Mango and Cancun Orange Cadillac. Whilst the XL Margs will be available throughout the week, pop in on 5 May for an unmissable live mariachi performance from the London-based Mariachi Óle (performing at the Piccadilly site from 6pm).
When: 1 - 5 May
Where: 225-229 Piccadilly, W1J 9HR; 150 Old Park Lane, W1K 1QZ
Book now: Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly; Hard Rock Cafe Old Park Lane
1910 Cantina, Parsons Green and Balham
![tacos from 1910 cantina]()
What: Named for the year which started Mexico’s revolution, what better place to celebrate the country’s culture and history than 1910 Cantina? Cinco de Mayo this year includes a whole host of celebrations, from a new summer menu to a fiesta brunch at the Balham site. Plus, Margaritas will be available for just £10 all day and night - in case you needed another reason to visit. If you’re already fully booked on Monday 5 May, then 1910 Cantina will also be hosting a selection of ‘Big Mexican Brunches’ later in the month. From 15 May, join the team every weekend for a menu packed full of chilaquiles, huevos divorciados, or the 1910 croissant, all washed down with a tangy Bloody Maria.
When: 5 May
Where: 277 New Kings Road, SW6 4RD; 3 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QX
Book now: 1910 Cantina Parsons Green; 1910 Cantina Balham
Decimo at The Standard, King’s Cross
![cinco de mayo brunch at Decimo at The Standard (left), and restaurant interiors (right)]()
What: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the sky with this festive brunch on the 10th floor of The Standard Hotel. For one day only, you can enjoy a Cinco de Mayo boozy brunch, complete with birria beef short rib, chilaquiles and traditional enchiladas. Alongside plenty of Mexican brunch classics, diners can expect a live band, headed up by Desta French, blending jazz, hip-hop and cumbia for the ultimate Latin American and British fusion. The tequila will be flowing, or you can order one of Decimo’s Mezcal Martinis or Spicy Margs if that’s more your thing.
When: 3 May, 12-3pm
Where: 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Book now: Decimo at The Standard
Vauxhall Arches, Vauxhall
![Crowds at Vauxhall Arches (left); A group in authentic Mexican dress (right)]()
What: Vauxhall Arches is known for its delicious street food vendors and vibrant outdoor space that really comes to life in the summer, making it the ideal al fresco spot for this year's Cinco de Mayo celebration. Every Sunday, Vauxhall Arches brings the fiesta, with its 'Sabor' events, boasting the very best of Latin culture, from food to dancing. Alongside some excellent street food, visitors can expect live performers and dances, from salsa to flamenco! Plus, there’s fun for all the family, with a bouncy castle to keep little ones entertained in the Kid’s Zone.
When: 4 May, 1-10pm
Where: 6A South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP
Book now: Vauxhall Arches
Oriole, Covent Garden
![Mexican-inspired dish (left); a bowl of churros (right)]()
What: Oriole’s iconic speakeasy vibe and colourful Latin American menus make for a vibrant backdrop any day of the week, but this Cinco de Mayo it’s taking things to the next level. Diners visiting on 5 May can expect Mexican dishes from chef Gustavo Giallonardo, including the likes of crab chilaquiles with avocado and salsa verde, or tacos al pastor with Iberico and pineapple kimchi. Live Latin music is sure to set the mood, with signature tequila-based cocktails to pair with your meal. Finish the evening with cinnamon-spiced churros and your choice of dulce de leche or chocolate sauce, for the ultimate fiesta.
When: 5 May
Where: 7-9 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB
Book now: Oriole
Madera at Treehouse, Oxford Circus
![A bottle of tequilla and tacos (left); vibrant, foliage-filled interiors at Madera (right)]()
What: Madera has made a bit of a name for itself with its elevated Mexican cuisine and floral paradise in the sky. But this year, it’s got something up its sleeve with a Cinco de Mayo fiesta brunch. Expect sharing taco boards, washed down with plenty of Margaritas, all against the backdrop of sprawling city views. Optional face painting and a live DJ are sure to bring this brunch to life.
When: 5 May, 11am-3pm
Where: 14-15 Langham Place, W1B 2QS
Book now: Madera at Treehouse
As we move into spring and the weather starts to heat up (hopefully!), have a browse through the best outdoor restaurants in London perfect for alfresco dining. Or dig out those dusty sunglasses and gather the crew at one of London's best beer gardens.