The interest in agave spirits continues to grow year on year in the UK with new concepts popping up all over the country. While London is considered the epicentre of agave spirits culture in the UK with the likes of the Mezcal Mile, other cities are developing their own infrastructure.

Manchester is a great example. Outside of London, Manchester is arguably the next hotspot for tequila and mezcal to take off across hospitality. This trend continues with the recent opening of Dahlia Stereo, a Latin American inspired bar and restaurant that highlights the drinks and food across Mexico and South America.

Cosmic barbecues and liquoritas 

Located in the Northern Quarter, the area of Manchester that is similar to London’s Camden Town and other bohemian and hipster districts, Dahlia is another welcome addition to Manchester’s stacked hospitality scene. At the centre of the Dahlia concept is the Barbacoa Cosmica/cosmic barbecue, an open-fire grill kitchen used for making food that’s inspired by the barbecue cooking of Jalisco, Mexico City, San Diego and Oaxaca. 

The other side of Dahlia is the comprehensive DJ and entertainment programme that’s curated. The venue features a regular rotation of well-known DJs and acts that take over the stereo section and provide guests with a slice of Mexican and Southern night life. 

When I visited, I came for Bar Mas Bonita, Dahlia’s bar that is described as a liquorita. The bar has a wide selection of Latin and Mexican drinks which of course includes tequila and mezcal. I showed up late in the afternoon and was immediately drawn to the fact that Dahlia has Modelo beer on tap.

With my whetted whistle, I moved on to the tequila and mezcal menu. My first choice was a glass of No Name Blanco, a flavoured tequila brand that is based in Manchester. I noted that the tequila comes delivered in a shot glass rather than a regular glass which may be how Dahlia is currently choosing to position tequila. Alongside the blanco, Dahlia also offers a homemade shot that features habanero pepper and more tequila that comes with every tequila ordered.

The next drink was joven Quiquiriqui mezcal, arguably the original UK founder owned mezcal brand that kickstarted the culture back in the early 2010s. After that, I dipped into a classic Ilegal joven mezcal. At £5.50 per glass of mezcal, the price is reasonable for the portion and the attentive service from the bartenders.

To cap the night off, I ordered a Champagne Supaloma, a cocktail that mixes El Rayo plata tequila with St Germain champagne and grapefruit. As a clear nod to Manchester’s Oasis, the drink is an ideal summary for what Dahlia is doing. A characteristic Mancunian energy permeates the bar with staff who are laid back and friendly and desire to provide a top service with every drink that’s poured.