Some nights in Soho begin loudly – but we think the best ones start in secret. Tucked away down a quiet London street, El Siete invites you into something far more intriguing than your typical night out.
From the moment you step inside, the outside world slips away, replaced by candlelit warmth, soft neon flickers, and a sense that you’ve stumbled upon somewhere you weren’t entirely meant to find.
This late-night cocktail bar quietly sets the tone for an evening that feels equal parts intimate, indulgent, and a little bit mischievous. The night doesn’t simply begin; it seamlessly unfolds.
A Quietly Grand Welcome
The entrance to El Siete is what immediately raised the bar for me. Who doesn’t want to enter the night in secrecy, through a discreet pink door tucked away at the ends of Brewer Street? Already, the night felt exclusive and low-profile. The perfect way to kick things off.
After entering through the doorway, I was immersed in a candlelit cast of warm glows. Hints of neon lights were spotted across the scene, reflecting across the cleverly placed chrome detail and metalwork. This already felt like the place to lounge, unwind, and enjoy something intimate.
The Atmosphere
At the center of the room, the most distinctive details take center stage; they cannot go unnoticed. I was taken aback by the terrazzo-top peninsula island bar, volcanic stone cladding, and a perfectly lean bar upholstered in classic leather trim.
The bar evokes nothing short of real-time engagement with the space and people around you. It makes it entirely too easy to put phones down and finally look around. The art of simply enjoying bathed in romantic red light, which continued the theme as we had just stepped out of Moulin Rouge the musical.
Lucky Number 7
The unique cocktail menu celebrates a taste of Mexico City in Soho. Long-time collaborators Giles Looker and Michael Butt, formerly known for Glastonbury’s Sam Remo bar, have strategically structured the drinks and menu around the number 7, with seven top-tier margaritas, seven agave cocktails, and seven updated classics.
First and foremost, on the programme is the 777 Margarita. As a personal lover of margarita culture, this one stole the show. This is a perfectly balanced margarita, ice-cold in a stainless-steel flask to preserve its pristine chill. Inspired by the San Ángel Inn’s tradition, this is a generous serving in silver carafes on ice.
Next, a very fruity specialty to enhance the taste buds. The Cantalupo, a tasty camp drink of frozen melon margarita, served in a whole cantaloupe itself. It is made with cantaloupe, tequila, melonade, and lime. Delicious, flavourful, and unapologetically exotic.
Lastly, the house specialty is one that I fear will be won over by many. A Trio of Spicy Margaritas. Three drinks offering escalating levels of heat, denoted by their traffic light colours. Each has a distinct, multi-dimensional chili profile catering to different appetites for spice.
Something that makes the night immensely more exciting is when you return for more. If you are a repeat visitor to El Siete, when you arrive, a special ‘777’ timer will arrive at your table. If you and your group manage to hit the button when the clock strikes 777, your whole round is on the house. It was the best way to add a competitive edge and excitement to the evening.
As you can see, just these options bring a multitude of flavour, culture, and variety in modern mixology. I was consistently amazed by this curated selection. There is truly something for everyone.
Agave: A Specialty
Tapping into true Mexican culture, El Siete houses around 60 different mezcals and tequilas, reflecting a true love and passion for agaves. From raicilla and capón to caco-laced pechuga, the varieties are endless. El Pastor has also partnered up with Don Guillermo Abad to create their own limited-edition mezcal, debuting at this very bar.
I can attest and say that these agave creations are no joke. They perfectly encapsulate the vibrant, exciting flavors flown in straight from Mexico, and truly add something special to each beverage they are paired with.
Nightly Fuel
To cure any hungry cravings, I quickly referred myself to the food menu offered. I found myself deciding between 7 different mini tostadas, each with its own Mexican twist. I found it exceptionally difficult to choose.
Each tostada was made from El Pastor’s house-nixtamalized 100% heirloom corn tortillas and chile de árbol popcorn. Different options included the Fugaz Avocado Tostada with pumpkin seeds and chile de árbol, Yellowfin Tuna with chipotle mayo, and, for something sweeter, caramelised banana & dulce de leche with Chantilly orange cream.
The menu successfully took care of my savoury AND sweet craving, all with just two small tostadas.
Overall
El Siete doesn’t try to overwhelm you – it draws you in slowly, then keeps you put. Between thoughtful design, the playful yet precise cocktail programme, and those small, memorable touches, it transforms a simple night out into something far more immersive.
It’s a space that encourages you to stay longer, look around more, and savour every sip just a little more carefully. Whether you come for the margaritas, the agave, or simply the atmosphere, I promise you that El Siete will leave you with the unmistakable feeling that you’ve found a hidden corner of Soho worth returning to – again and again.
Learn more about El Siete HERE
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All images courtesy of: El Siete & Charlie McKay.