Overview: The Perception Bar at W London has launched a new drinks programme titled ‘Soho’s Home of Agave’ on 15 September 2026. The venue is responding to growing consumer interest in agave spirits, including Tequila, Mezcal, and Sotol, alongside non-alcoholic alternatives.
The Full Story
Pedro Branco, director of food and beverage at W London, stated the ambition was “to create Soho’s leading destination for agave discovery.” The hotel noted that the cocktail menu changed to focus on agave spirits due to a growing demand for cocktails such as Picantes, Skinny Margaritas and Palomas. The new programme is split into distinct sections: Reimagined Classics, Agave Exploration, Signature Palomas, and Alcohol-Free Favourites.
Reimagined Classics give timeless cocktails a ‘playful’ twist, with serves such as a Chimichurri Royale, described as a ‘herbaceous reinterpretation of the Picante with chimichurri fat-washed Tequila and sweet lime foam’. The Velvet Agave features a chocolate banana foam with a clarified liquid below combining Mijenta Tequila with kumquat liqueur, Baileys, and lime. It is described as a ‘silky’ twist on a Margarita.
The Signature Paloma section gives five variations on the eponymous Mexican Highball, including the Sierra Brava, which sees Volcan Blanco and Koch Mezcal clarified with charred pineapple, grapefruit, lime and achiote-infused agave. Non-alcoholic serves then offer boozeless creations such as the Spiced Horizon, made with Everleaf Mountain, lime, orgeat, hibiscus, cranberry and topped with ginger ale.
Production & Profile
The menu includes a global exploration of the category, featuring Rested Agave Spirit from Queensland, Australia; Leonista from Karoo, South Africa; and Maya Pistola from Goa, India. The bar noted that the collection will evolve over time, with plans to source more expressions from emerging producers worldwide.
What This Means
The launch represents a natural evolution for the venue as interest in Tequila, mezcal and agave-led cocktails continues to grow. Pedro Branco emphasized that the new agave focus is a response to increasing consumer demand for specific categories like Picantes and Skinny Margaritas. The bar noted that the collection will evolve over time, with plans to source more expressions from emerging producers worldwide.
Consumer Takeaway
The revamped drinks offering provides access to small-batch infusions created by the bar team and served as 30ml pours, such as pink pepper and grapefruit with sotol. The menu covers discovery flights and house infusions, ensuring a diverse selection of agave spirits and non-alcoholic options available at the venue.
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