There’s a subterranean mezcal bar in Stoke Newington, and an all-female team are calling the shots.
It’s called Doña – which we’re told is the feminine form of the honorific title don – and it’s run by long-time friends Thea Cumming & Lucie Massey, both of whom have impressive mezcal CVs under their mutual belts: collectively they’re responsible for launching London Mezcal Week, Dangerous Don mezcal, and pop up supperclubs Slap Ya Pappa & Cuppa Gumbo.
The space they’ve created is quite something: it’s dark, it’s underground, and it’s absolutely soaked in red & pink hues. They’ve parked it in a basement on Stoke Newington High Street, and they’ve dressed the space with beautiful frills of flamingo-pink feathers, fat flowers, prickly cacti, and decidedly non-prickly velvet seating.
@pasco.photography
The drinks are obviously very agave-leaning: the Dangerous Don makes its way into the house signature, Doña, which is blended with hot ginger liqueur & sour mixer. Beyond that, there’s hibiscus-loaded Fiorella; a blackberry & pear cider-addled Rebecca; and a few others, along with any other classic mezcal-style number you care to ask for.
Upstairs they’ve opened their own permanent restaurant, slinging Latin-inspired food to match that mezcal. You’ll find everything from crispy empanadas; to steaming tamales wrapped in banana leaves; Doñitas (Honduran arepas) filled with black bean & avocado; and mezcal chicken skewers. And to finish it all? A Venezuelan quesillo caramel flan.
And the cherry on top? There’s live music almost every night at Doña, with a particular focus on female performers – and every Thursday is cabaret night, with an array of up-and-coming artists billed to appear.
Not that this place needs jazzing up in the slightest.
NOTE: Doña is open Tuesday-Saturday, 7-11pm (midnight on Thurs, 1am Fri & Sat). You can find out more, and make a booking at their website right HERE.
Doña | 92 Stoke Newington High St, Clapton, N16 7NY
While you’re in the area… check out our guide to the best restaurants in Stoke Newington