The Graffiti Spirits Group, fronted by business partners John Ennis and Matt Farrell, have six venues in Liverpool including Santa Maluco and Salt Dog Slims, and have now exported the El Bandito Tequila-inspired brand to London. Andrew Wright reports
The move follows a seven-year research project into the Tequila market, which included several trips to distilleries in Mexico, engaging with key global ‘players’ in the industry.
John Ennis explains: “I was invited by Tomas Estes, best known for importing the first bottle of Tequila into the UK and for being one of the most influential people in the Tequila industry outside of the distillers themselves to Jalisco in Mexico and it proved inspirational.”
Housed in Victory Mansion on Stoke Newington High Street, the new venue is named ‘El Bandito LDN’, with a menu featuring a collection of approximately 50 Tequilas and 25 Mezcals, including specialist brands not available anywhere else in the UK.
The team has designed a drinks menu that also encompasses an extensive selection of cocktails.
John continued: “With our focus on rare and high-quality Tequilas and Mezcals, El Bandito aims to educate and inspire drinkers about these often-misunderstood spirits.
“Via our trips to Mexico, we’ve been able through developing great business relationships, help transfer an in-depth knowledge of specific drinks to our team and ultimately our guests.”