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Picante launches Margarita Masterclasses
It’s safe to say Picante has taken Liverpool to its tequila-infused heart.
Since launching in March, the Mexican-inspired cantina has been packed each weekend to bring a vibrant taste of Guadalajara to the Cains Brewery Village. From delicious tacos and nachos to tequila – over 40 varieties – to incredible cocktails, the energetic escape has already brought fresh heat and colour to the city. From Saturday 3rd May, the upstairs will open including the fantastic sun-kissed terrace, called Más.
One of Picante’s founders, Kate Meehan, is launching weekly Margarita Masterclasses also from Saturday 3rd May then every Saturday throughout the summer. The Masterclasses include: four Margarita cocktails to enjoy and each guest will make a round of drinks; a plate of Quesadillas to soak up the tequila; tequila tasting; the history of the margarita cocktail. The Margarita Masterclass runs from 2pm – 3.30pm.
With over two decades behind the bar in both Liverpool and London, Kate has honed her craft in some of the UK’s most dynamic drinks scenes. Her journey has gone from cocktail shakers to copper stills, working as an assistant distiller in gin distilleries in Hackney and Palma, Mallorca. She’s collaborated with Jamie Oliver and his team on Drinks Tube, bringing expert drinks content to a global audience.
Kate says: “For the past 13 years, I’ve led Gin Journey – an award-winning series of immersive, educational walking tours exploring the rich history of gin, tequila, mezcal, and rum, all while guiding guests through some of the world’s best bars. In 2022, I launched the Margarita Masterclass at Paloma Cafe in East London. Within weeks, we became the top-rated bar in London on Google Maps and picked up an award for our innovative in-house education program – designed and led by myself. So launching our new Margarita Masterclass at Picante feels really special and I can’t wait to welcome everyone and introduce them to the wonderful world of tequila at our home in Cains Brewery Village.”
And to celebrate the opening of the top floor at Picante, Bank Holiday Monday May 5th is going to be a Cinco De Mayo party, running from midday to 8pm with DJs, piñatas and plentiful tacos and Margaritas.
Picante is open to make the most of the spring and summer months and will close at the end of September. Situated across two floors in the former Dockleaf site, Picante conjures the essence of Guadalajara and its bustling cantina scene. The venue’s exterior bursts with bright white and blue and hand-painted signage. Inside, the ground floor will retain the original features of the historic building, with its baby blue tiles enhanced with baby pink trim and carefully curated artwork. Throughout the summer, the space will also host further daytime parties on its outdoor terrace. DJs will spin tunes every weekend to keep the party going from Dusk ‘til Dawn, with an unapologetically Latin-infused soundtrack.
Picante is the brainchild from a collective of the city’s independent hospitality figures; Joe Wild (Taco or Don’t), Kate Meehan (Gin Journey, Paloma Café, London) and Sally Jo Whitlow (Jenny’s Bar) are teaming up with Danny Murphy – originally behind Jenny’s Bar, Berry & Rye, Aloha, Botanical Garden, and Some Place – to bring Picante into vibrant life.
Kate’s Margarita Masterclass launches on Saturday 3rd May and runs each Saturday from 2pm – 3.30pm. £45 per person. To book, please check Picante’s IG page: @picanteordont
Picante
Cains Brewery Village, Stanhope St, Liverpool L8 5XJ
Thursday: 2pm – 11pm
Friday: 2pm – 11pm
Saturday: Midday – 11pm
Sunday: Midday – 11pm
IG: @picante_or_dont_
TT: @picanteordont