Named after its address, but also the number of seats, this is No.23
In a nutshell
This is the new mezcalería and tostada bar that's just opened up as part of the Carousel complex in Fitzrovia. In previous years it's been the site of various pop-ups (most recently the smashburger spot Chuck’s NYC). Now it's been turned into a permanent bar.
Where exactly is it?
If you're looking directly at Carousel on Charlotte Street, it's the standalone bar with its own entrance to the right. While we were there a constant stream of confused diners mistook this as the entrance to Carousel (but we hear they're going to put up better signage outside for this). The nearest tube is Goodge Street.
Mezcal masterclass
If you want to sit and sip one of the many extraordinary mezcals on offer, you're very welcome to do just that. But missing out on the cocktails seems a shame when you've currently got the marvellous Matteo Vaccargiu (Equal Parts, Hide, and Pollen Street Social) running the show. If you love perfectly balanced, inventive cocktails then you're most certainly in the right place.
If you're a longtime reader on Hot Dinners you'll know we often pick a martini as a first test of a bar and Matteo aced it. As he explains he makes sure his martini is cold enough by making sure both the glasses and vermouths are frozen (at different temperatures). That means when he adds the room-temperature mezcal you'll still get a drink with shards of ice on the outside. Perfection.
The Martini (£13.50) made with Lost Explorer Espadin mezcal, Cocchi Americano which has had sauteed shallots macerated in it and guindilla brine. Our first bar snack was chapulines or edible crickets which were a challenging but interesting combo with the martini.
Left to right: Paloma (£14) made with Tequilal, rhubarb and pink peppercorns for a nice hit of heat tempered with grapefruit soda; and the must-try Terrano (£15) made with rye whiskey infused with dehydrated Jerusalem artichokes, porcini syrup and absinthe.
What are the bar snacks like?
As you'd expect with this being a mezcaleria, the bar food is also Mexican. It's very short so you could almost work your way through all of it. Here's the best of what we had:
Totopos with a very moreish pumpkin seed mole (£6)
Cornish seabass ceviche tacos with salsa macha and guacamole (£8)
And this was the best of all (making our best things we ate in August list too) - a heavenly tostada topped with pineapple tomatoes, avocado, a punchy guajillo aioli and red onion (£8)
Why you should go
The first reason to head to this lovely new bar is because you can pull up a seat at the counter and enjoy a chat with the marvellous Matteo who really knows his stuff. Another reason would be to slowly work your way through the tostadas whilst picking a couple of the well-priced cocktails to go with them. For a bar in the heart of Fitzrovia No.23 has a laid-back East London vibe that's very enticing. This could well become one of our West End favourites.
More about No.23
Where is it? 23 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RW
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @carousel_ldn
Hot Dinners were guests of No.23. Prices and menu correct at time of publication.
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