Iconic Dalston Cocktail Destination Hacha Announces Closure of Original Site
The legendary Dalston agave cocktail bar Hacha, renowned for introducing London's first dedicated 'agaveria' concept, has confirmed it will be shutting the bright blue doors of its original Kingsland Road location later this month. After seven years as a cornerstone of east London's vibrant drinking scene, the bar's final day of operation in Dalston will be April 25, exactly seven years to the day since its celebrated opening.
The Rise of the Mirror Margarita and Agave Revolution
Back in 2019, Hacha burst onto the London cocktail landscape with an innovative approach that quickly captured the city's imagination. The bar's signature 'mirror margarita' – a crystal-clear, visually striking take on the classic cocktail – became an instant sensation, echoing through the streets of east London and establishing Hacha as a must-visit destination.
As London's pioneering agaveria, Hacha specialized exclusively in spirits derived from Mexico's native agave plant, offering an extensive selection of mezcal, tequila, sotol, and raicilla. The establishment maintained a rotating back bar stocked with approximately 25 different agave spirits, providing connoisseurs and curious drinkers alike with an authentic Mexican drinking experience unlike anything previously available in the capital.
Strategic Shift Following Bermondsey Closure
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Hacha's departure from its Bermondsey location in October of last year. The south London bar had previously operated from Brixton Market for three and a half years before relocating to the Bermonds Locke Tower Bridge hotel, where it remained for just seven months before closing.
Deano Moncrieffe, Hacha's founder and a recognized authority on agave spirits, explained the decision through social media channels. "Over the past five years, Hacha has operated as a two-site business, and continuing in our current form with only Dalston is no longer sustainable," Moncrieffe stated, highlighting the economic challenges of maintaining a single-location operation following the Bermondsey closure.
New Chapter: Bigger Venue and Expanded Presence
Despite the closure news, Moncrieffe emphasized that this represents not an ending but a transition. "It's just the end of this particular chapter, but not the end of the story," he revealed, teasing imminent announcements about the bar's future direction. The founders are actively seeking a new, larger venue that can accommodate their growing brand and evolving vision.
In the interim period between locations, Hacha plans to maintain its presence through an ambitious schedule of appearances at six UK festivals this summer, complemented by a series of short-term residencies and pop-up events scheduled throughout the coming months. This strategic approach will keep the brand visible while the search for a permanent new home continues.
Legacy and Local Impact
Hacha's departure from its Dalston home leaves a significant gap in one of Hackney's most dynamic drinking corridors. The Kingsland Road location shared the vibrant strip with neighboring establishments including Bar Lotus, Brilliant Corners, and Ellie's, collectively forming one of the borough's premier cocktail destinations.
The closure raises questions about what might replace this iconic venue, while simultaneously highlighting the evolving nature of London's competitive hospitality landscape. Hacha's seven-year tenure in Dalston not only introduced Londoners to authentic agave spirits but also helped elevate the area's reputation as a destination for innovative drinking experiences.
As the hospitality industry continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges and shifting consumer preferences, Hacha's planned expansion into a larger venue suggests confidence in the enduring appeal of specialized, concept-driven bars that offer unique experiences beyond conventional cocktail offerings.
