Whatever the weather, the sun will be shining in this quirky Hoxton haven. For a dash of latin spirit with your Café latte, head to Macondo

Macondo
8 & 9 Hoxton Square
London
N1 6NU
020 7729 1119
www.macondo.co.uk info@macondo.co.uk

Who: Cousins Pablo Casas and Santiago Calva
“I am Mexican and Pablo is half Mexican/half Spanish and Macondo is a reflection of where we come from. It’s very low-key, very informal. The menu is basically Mexican and some Spanish and it’s just great food,” Santiago says. The cousins may not have always known they were meant for the restaurant scene – one started out an architect, the other a lawyer, and Macondo was conceived as an art space first, the sensational food came later – but they clearly have the Midas touch. “We started nearly four years ago. It’s a very arty area so it made sense to promote art. First we started selling cakes and coffee, but then the art became ancilliary, although it’s still very important to us. We change the artist every month so the whole feel of the place changes too. We are already booked up with artists for this year and working on next year’s programme.”

What: Located in the heart of the city’s über-trendy art “village”, Macondo is a rare find indeed: too cool for school and yet it doesn’t quite know it. There is no ostentation here, but then everything sells itself: from the sinfully large hunks of cake and mounds of Mexican tapas, to the ever-changing art displays and the boys themselves, there’s plenty to feast upon. “We wanted to create an orgy of food, where people can eat with their eyes,” says Pablo. Everything is made up fresh, daily, on the premises. The shelves are stacked with plates of bits to mix and match, and when they’re all gone, there’s always the fixed menu to sample…not to mention the hefty cakes that look even better than Granny used to make and a fully stocked bar with authentic Mexican tequila for Macondo’s famous Mojitos and Margheritas.

Why: Where else can you experience a taste of Mexico with your truly Continental Elevenses? Whether you want to seal a deal, catch up with the girls or shrug off the day, Macondo is the place. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. Kick back in one of the comfy chairs and listen to the gentle sounds of Latin America as you gaze upon the artwork and the friendly wait-staff pour you a large glass of wine. This is no run-of-the-mill café/bar and there are no bland watercolours either. Last month’s collection, “Notes on a bullet hole” by Janitzio Moreno featured an expansive wall-hanging musical instrument made of wires and wood and another installation made of bullets, while this month, artists Nir Segal, Anna Sikorska and Katherine Kirback are going to creep in every Sunday night, rearrange the furniture, take photos of their creations and process them for instant display. Definitely worth a look.

When: Sun to Thurs 10am-11pm, Fri to Sat 10am-12am. “Overtime” by Nir Segal, Anna Sikorska and Katherine Kirbach will be on display 2-31 May.

Where: Expansion is definitely afoot. The cool kids are moving east and Macondo might just be going along for the ride. But, for now, to check out Pablo and Santiago and sample their delicious fare, head to Hoxton Square. Nearest tube is Old Street.