It's no secret we're fans of mezcal - hell, we shout it from the rooftops at most opportunities. So when word of a hot new mezcaleria hit our ears, we damn well listened.

Kol Mezcaleria is tucked beneath Kol restaurant in Marylebone, and if you're looking to get better acquainted with the agave spirit (or are just seeking somewhere epic to get your smoky fix) turns out there's really nowhere better. Now, we're not one to namedrop, but it seems pretty essential to mention that the badass bartender who headed up Kol at launch was none other than Maxim Schulte, the award-winning mixologist and former head bartender of the American Bar at The Savoy. So let's just say we felt in safe hands when we descended into the terracotta-hued basement with its raffia lamp shades, ceremonial masks and gold-lit back-bar stocked with a myriad of the best agave bottles to come outta Mexico.

The cocktail menu is all about core flavours, and it's down to you to decide whether you wanna take the signature agave route or try the creations they've made using one of their other unexpected, extraordinary spirits (think whisky from Oaxaca, rum from Puebla and gin from the Yucatán). But as suckers for tequila and never ones to resist a Martini, there was more chance of snow in July than us not ordering the Cucumber & Pine Martini made with Volcan Blanco Tequila, Dolin Dry, pine distillate, crème de cacao blanc, and cucumber. This smasher has established itself as the unofficial signature of Kol, with all the hallmarks of a classic Martini but unlike anything you've ever tried before. All of Maxim and head bartender Matthias Ingelmann's creations are elegantly smashable, but this smooth, refined and earthy Martini could get us in a lotta trouble. Good thing we lined our stomachs with the menu of antojitos, like the juicy octopus tostada and the crispy spiced churro with mezcal mousse. Because when it comes to agave and tacos, eating is never cheating.