Bar Doña, Stoke Newington: It’s not often I venture over to East London. Despite this, I am well aware it is full of hidden gems. I know that the area’s thriving streets are pulsing with funky bars just waiting to be discovered and appreciated for their unique approaches and personas, but with such an array of choice comes the overwhelming feeling of not knowing exactly where to go, exactly which eatery to visit or bar to stop by at. So let me give you a recommendation that I am certain you will appreciate. Pick any evening, walk along Stoke Newington High street and stop at number 92, and you will spot a narrow doorway,  festooned in tinsel and emitting sounds of lively chatter and jazzy music. Peep inside and allow your sense of curiosity to transport you down the pink stairs and into the unknown…

Bar Doña is Stoke Newington’s very own lady-led mezcal shanrgi-la. Founded, run, curated, and celebrated by women: Doña is a mezcal bar and arts platform, brainchild of long-term friends Thea Cumming and Lucia Massey. It celebrates independent creativity and empowered feminine energy, but is appreciated and enjoyed by all. This is beautifully evident as soon as you reach the bottom of the stairs and enter the vibrant basement that is the bar. Set aglow with ambient lamps that cast light onto hot pink walls and discreet ‘Day-of-the-Dead’ decor combined with plush feminine inspired interiors (think faux cactus, Mexican masks, lots of pink, feathers and tassel lamps). The staff are charming, as expected. And most importantly, they know exactly what they are doing when it comes to drinks and hospitality. Upon the cocktail menu, it reads that Doña, ‘may refer to the feminie form for ‘Don’ : honorific.’ Which both the cocktails and mixologists alike, certainly were. When I visit a specialist bar like this, I always ask the mixologist’s preference for my first cocktail decision, so e kicked off the night with the ‘Daisy’ cocktail – Dangerous Don Espadin, Amarra Bitter, Amaretto, lime and cranberry bitter. This was just the first of many unique and divinely delicious concoctions that were crafted especially for my tastes. Tequila and Mezcal are for many an acquired taste,  but non-tequila fans should take the plunge with this one.

Thea Cumming and Lucia Massey

Next up was my own choice of cocktail. I love hibiscus and raspberry, so I chose the ‘Virginia’ which I opted to make boozy – lime, hibiscus and raspberry with sage and rose soda (plus a shot of tequila, or two) this was both sweet and superbly refreshing. Alongside such bold drinks, is the perfect space for scrumptious bar snacks – of which Bar Doña have the ultimate partner. Tigre Tacos are served at the bar, and it is true when they say these tacos and tostadas are brilliantly Californian in the way they ‘taste like sunshine’. I opted for the ‘Mango Tostada’ – mango and kholrabi ceviche on blue tostada and the ‘Calabacitas’ – courgettes, baby corn and hibiscus flowers with El Tigre’s salsa verde and feta cheese. These were the perfect complement to the cocktails, scrumptiously fresh and oozing flavour, they went down a treat and were the ideal size to eat happily at the bar.

Choosing from the ‘Chocolate Spice & All Things Nice’ section of the cocktail menu, (as dessert of course!) I went for the ‘Monika’ cocktail – Dangerous Don Cafe, chocolate, creme de cacao, cocchi americano and amaretto. This wasn’t any old espresso martini, but a wonderfully original take on this classic all-time favourite. The cocktail menu is separated into four sections; the other three being, ‘Sharp & Sassy’, ‘Badass & Boozy’ and ‘Fruity & Fabulous’, with three expertly curated cocktails making up each. Meanwhile, in the other corner of the bar, a band had been quietly setting up, ready to perform to a great little crowd in the basement. Bar Doña are also well known for their fabulous live music and DJ events, and this venue is ideal for providing an intimate but buzzing and lively setting for a fabulous party. This funky venue, combined with it’s wonderful staff, tasty tacos and divine specialist cocktails is the ultimate recipe for an utterly brilliant night out- so now, you have my solid recommendation of a true East London treasure.