La PiñATA
Our Tequila & Mezcal Festival
Friday 9th & Saturday 10th June 2023
What’s La Piñata you ask? Let’s break it down.
Piña:
The heart of the Agave plant and the starting point for all Tequila & Mezcal.
Piñata:
A totem made of papier maché brought out at celebrations and heavily associated with Mexico.
La Piñata:
A celebration of Agave spirits, Mexican culture and an opportunity to taste some of the best Tequila and Mezcal side by side.
We've lined up over 20 producers, who will be equipped with dozens of Tequilas and Mezcals between them.
Each will host a stand dotted around Tobacco Dock for you to have a chance to really explore the category - no gimmicks, no spin, just great spirits served by passionate producers.
Following last year's second event, we've decided to add even more ways to enjoy Tequila and Mezcal at the show in 2023...
While all the producers will be there to talk you through their ranges, we'll also have a bar serving up the very best Margarita's, Paloma's and Michelada's for when you fancy something longer.
In our Masterclass room, there will be talks and tutored tastings hosted by experts, delving into the specifics of certain styles, as well as panel discussions covering the hot topics impacting the category right now.
Just like with all Spirits Society events, each person is given a tasting glass to go and appreciate the spirits on offer (which you can keep at the end), with small samples and an explanation from each producer included in the ticket price.
Don't forget - not only can you buy bottles to take home from any exhibitor, specialist retailer Spirits Kiosk will be onsite offering their usual one stop shop service.
Tickets
AGAVE Spirits Exhibiting
London mezcal Week
Masterclasses
We are pleased to announce that this year we are collaborating with Thea Cumming and Melanie Symonds from London Mezcal Week at La Piñata. As part of the celebration of all things agave, they will be running and hosting our masterclasses.
London Mezcal Week is, as the name suggests, a week-long celebration of Mezcal in bars across the capital. Run by Thea Cumming, founder of Dangerous Don Mezcal and bar owner along with long-time friend Melanie Symonds, founder of QuiQuiRiQui Mezcal and bar owner as well.
What can you expect to see at #LaPinata? Thea and Melanie will be running talks, tastings and discussions diving deeper in to the subject and appreciation of Mezcal. We’re thrilled that they will take part and can’t wait to see their love and passion for this delicious spirit come to life at the show!
All the amazing content and insight they are putting together will be free of charge and included in your ticket price.
FAQ
Your ticket entitles you to sample whichever Agave spirits you’d like to try (responsibly) from any of the stands - at no further cost. While all samples are made available either neat or topped up with a mixer, we, along with the distillers behind the stands reserve the right to refuse service if we consider irresponsible to do so, in accordance with responsible drinking guidelines. Please know your limits.
If you'd like to, you can also purchase full size cocktails at the bar, where we'll have a selection of Margarita's, Paloma's and Michelada's to pick from.
There is no cloak room.
Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
You must be over the age of 18 to enter La Piñata. Tobacco Dock security operates a challenge 25 policy on the door and will need to see either a drivers licence or passport if ID is requested.
We do allow adults who have bought tickets to bring their children (under the age of 5) along, as long as there are two adults per child. As it is a spirits show, please be aware there will be nothing to cater to children. It is all about Tequila and Mezcal. Please also be aware that we cannot accept any form of underage drinking whatsoever - even if it is the parent giving a seemingly innocent "sip, try, test" to their own child. Anyone seen doing this will be asked to leave immediately.
Closing times.
Please note that although the sessions close at 22:00 on Friday, 16:00 and 21:00 on Saturday, samples from producers and the sale of cocktails will stop 15 minutes prior to the end of each session. This is to allow for enough time to finish your drinks comfortably, and to give enough time for those looking to buy any bottles off the producers or the Spirits Kiosk to do so, before we have to ask everyone to make their way home.
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Tobacco Dock is located at the junction of Wapping Lane and Pennington Street, E1. The nearest Overground station is Wapping - no more than 5 minute walk from the venue.
What can/can't I bring to the event?
Curious minds and water are always welcome! We strongly encourage responsible drinking so there will be plenty of freely available water at each stand. If you would like to bring your own bottle, that's also fine.
Eating is strongly advised! Tobacco Dock offer some catering options that will be open throughout the event, but we'd also advise you to eat a hearty meal before going. Please note that unfortunately, Tobacco Dock do not allow guests to bring in food to the event.
We do not allow anyone to bring in their own alcohol.
We do not allow people to bring their own mixers.
We do not allow anyone to bring their own glassware.
We will not have a cloak room and will not be able to store bags or coats.
Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
For any other questions please contact us on: hello@spiritssociety.com
Is my registration/ticket transferable?
Unfortunately, tickets are not transferable or exchangeable for another session or date.
We encourage you not to sell / buy your tickets off others online, as there have been unfortunate cases of guests being scammed. We offer full refunds up to 30 days before the event start date. All tickets refunded are put back on sale on this page - meaning there is no need to sell or buy second hand tickets up to that point.
Please note that as tickets are not transferable or exchangeable we do not accept any responsibility over the validity of tickets purchased from another customer.
I can’t attend any longer – can I get a refund?
We understand this can happen and in principal this is fine - we will issue a refund. However, please note that we only accept and process refunds submitted 30 days before event start date. After this point, all tickets are non refundable regardless of your reasons. If we need to cancel the event due to Covid.19, we will refund tickets or offer an alternative date to postpone to.
Is there disabled access and disabled toilets?
Yes absolutely, the venue is completely accessible. The entry team and security teams around the venue will be able to assist finding elevators and navigating through the venue if needed.
Images
Please also note that with a purchase of a ticket you agree to be photographed by our professional photographer. These images will solely be used for the promotion of the festival.