The ViewLondon Review
Once the province of little more than jellied eels, the recent regeneration of London’s East End has paved the way for a whole gamut of exciting new venues. At the more exotic end of the spectrum sits Green and Red, an authentic slice of Mexico within earshot of the Bow Bells.The VenueBethnal Green Road, the home of Green and Red, is a pretty unassuming stretch of highway, which benefits hugely from being within staggering distance of both Shoreditch High Street and Brick Lane. From the outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the place cuts a pretty stark figure in this industrial landscape, but once you step over the threshold into this buzzy tequila bar and cantina you might very well forget where you are (and not just because of the tequila!).
From the wood-covered walls to the barrels and bowls of fresh fruit dotted all over the place, the team behind Green and Red have clearly put a lot of effort into giving the place an authentic Mexican feel; and without so much as a sombrero in sight. In addition to the large bar and cantina at street level, the enormous basement club with its modern leather recliners and stunning Mexican graffiti is a great place to tuck yourself away from the London weather on winter nights.
The AtmosphereGreen and Red is a party destination and, as you might expect, the place gets absolutely packed out at the back end of the week and over the weekends. Also, as they take a lot of bookings for large parties, it can get very noisy and chaotic as the evening progresses. Staff border on club rep levels of friendliness, but are very knowledgeable about the different tequilas on offer and great for recommendations.
The MusicMusic is laid back and relaxed early on in the week, but escalates into a full-blown fiesta by the weekend, when their resident DJs take to the decks and get the basement bar buzzing with an eclectic mix of modern and classic Latin American tracks.
The FoodIf you’ve ever wondered what Tex Mex looks like without the Tex, Green and Red may well have the answers you seek. With dishes including slow roasted pork belly and ribs seasoned with pasilla chilli and orange salt (£13) and stuffed chayote with fresh cheese, roast Ironbark pumpkin, Swiss chard and crispy guajillo chilli (£10.50), the eloquently-worded cantina menu will get your mouth watering before you’ve even ordered. A selection of smaller side plates cater for those of lesser appetite or shallower pockets.
The DrinkTequila is not to everyone’s taste so drinkers of a nervous disposition may not want to pay close attention to the bar, which is literally overflowing with over 100 varieties of the stuff in bottles of varying styles (skulls and devils are a recurring theme - you have been warned). Prices start at £5 for a 50ml glass, although anyone on a tight budget might want to avoid the Private Reserve selection of ultra rare brands. Diehard tequila fans may also like to invest in one of their famous Tequila Flights - a taster menu of two-to-three different tequilas (25ml each) ranging from £10.20 to £59.40. And if that’s not your style, you can choose from an amazing cocktail menu, wide range of Mexican beers and exclusively Latin American wine list.
The Last WordRemember your old granny’s maxim ‘red and green should never be seen?’ Perhaps if she spent a couple of hours at Green and Red with its authentic Mexican vibe, excellent drink offering and party atmosphere, she might just change her tune. Most likely to that of a Mariachi band.
Green and Red has been reviewed by 8 users