What’s not to love?
Before 10.30pm, you will find Tonteria has a real chilled ambient atmosphere, which perfect for enjoying their modern twist on authentic Mexican and South American street food. The guacamole with ricotta cheese and pomegranate seeds is a must, and don’t miss the amazing tacos: I loved the seared tuna with Pico de Gallo, coriander and jalapeño salsa – so much so I ordered more! This place is passionate about Tequila and will pair their dishes with the wide variety of Tequilas, famous Frozen Margaritas and sharing Cocktails. Beware: the sharing cocktails come in all shapes and sizes!
However, from 11pm, things shift up a gear. The music is turned up, a DJ gets behind the decks in the huge glowing skull, and all hell lets loose! The party gets well and truly started and everyone hits the dance floor. Staff in outrageous outfits put on eye popping shows, tequila shots are delivered by toy train to the VIP area and Mayan pyramids and Day of the Dead inspired cocktails are flowing, every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Watch out for Muertos Mondays, which often come with Ferraris and Lamborghinis parked outside, or start the weekend early with Madhouse Thursday, inspired by pop culture, film classics, 80s nostalgia and the current trend for political commentary. This event sees performers surprise guests with mad renditions of famous music stars, actors, politicians and icons with silly performances that challenge iconic historical moments, from Donald Trump's meeting with Kim Jong-Un, to Conor McGregor vs Khabib fight, to Michael Jackson's Thriller and ET.
The man behind it all is nightlife entrepreneur Alain Dona, partner at Tonteria. He spent his twenties working in the famous clubs and restaurants in Cannes and St Tropez. At 28, Alain came to London to take the role of VIP manager Mayfair’s Whisky Mist, and in 2012 Alain co-created the concept of Tonteria bringing his high profile clients with him. The likes of Tom Hardy, Will.I.Am, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, and Jesse J have all frequented the VIP area. It's also a royal hotspot visited by Prince William, Prince Harry, and Princess Eugenie.
This place is not for the faint-hearted!
Open times: The tapas bar is open on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8pm to 10:30pm and becomes a nightclub at 11pm, closing at 2:30am on Monday/Thursday and 3am on Friday/Saturday.
Tonteria 7-12 Sloane Square London England US SW1W 8EGreservations@tonteria.co.uk OR 020 7881 5991
Getting there: The nearest Tube station is the Sloane Square (Circle and District Line). Tonteria is under a minute away!