A MEXICAN bar and restaurant in Bournemouth has just won the title of Britain's Best Mezcal Cocktail. Ojo Rojo in Commercial Road is now rated in the top five of mezcal bars in the country.

Mezcal is the oldest distilled spirit in the Americas, dating back some 400 to 500 years. Any distilled spirit which is made from the agave plant is classed as mezcal, which is in the same category of spirits as tequila.

The spirit can be made from any type of agave plant native to Mexico. Its growing number of devotees claim it allows drinkers to escape without a hangover.

Ojo Rojo has more than a hundred varieties of mezcal and tequila.

Trevor Hill, who owns the restaurant, says diners can try tasting flights of the spirit.

"We have a knowledgeable team who will help you overcome any preconceptions you may have about the spirit," he said.

"Agave spirits are one of the fastest-growing drink categories in the world. This prestigious award is an amazing feat for a little independent restaurant and bar, and puts Bournemouth on the map within the agave spirit world."