London Bars with a Latin Edge

London is a city that's always buzzing with stuff to do. There is never a shortlist of places to go on a Friday night, but, unfortunately, your weekend budget is not always grand. Susana Cicchetto went out on the town to scout the wave of bars/lounges that don't break the bank but live up to the hype. Here are Latino Life's top ten bars -in no particular order- that cater to Latino's needs and wants in the home of the Big Ben.
by Susana Cicchetto
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Barrio Shoreditch

In the ever-popular Shoreditch High Street, one can find a vibrant bar and club proving to be the highlight of your night. Barrio Shoreditch, formerly known as Barrio East, serves killer rum, tequila, and cachaca cocktails that will have you dancing till early hours of the morning. 

The bar often holds social events making it a great place to meet people, mingle, and have a tremendous ol'Latino fiesta. Keep in mind, Amigo Hour (Happy Hour), as the price of drinks drops drastically, making it ideal for those who are on a budget. 

https://www.barriobars.com/shoreditch-2

Café Pacífico 

You probably grew up watching old Mexican movies and were always more than excited to be a real 'macho' in a cantina. Well, this is your chance. London's original Mexican cantina - Café Pacífico- in Covent Garden has been active in the party scene for the last 27 years. Not only do they serve world-rocking Margaritas, Mezcal, Tequilas, and cocktails, but they also serve contemporary and classic Mexican dishes, including tacos and fajitas.

The bar is situated within a large open warehouse in one of London's most lively areas close to Covent Garden tube station.  

https://cafe-pacifico.com/

Burlock 

The Burlock is a 1930s Havana-styled rum room. It had a rocky start as its original name was The Plantation, which lead to pressure groups objecting to the slavery connotations. Later, experts came up with a rebrand as burlock is the twine-and-hemp packaging used by rum-runners. 

Burlock is a haven for the joyous rum lovers from the never-stopping city that is London transporting you to Cuba's seaside. 

https://www.burlocklondon.co.uk/

Gabeto 

This Cuban inspired bar brings the Latin community and aesthetics to North London as it’s a short stroll from both Camden Town and Chalk Farm Stations. This two-floor fiery retreat is home to authentic Latin dishes and classic cocktails available during its wide array of club nights and events throughout the week. The artsy and eye-catching features of Gabeto are second to none and will create the perfect backdrop for any occasion as it opens for breakfast each morning until late into the evening. 

Gabeto provides daytime workspace, a craft cocktail bar, daily happy hour, a heated terrace, live music, and amazing DJs. 

https://www.gabeto.co.uk/

Anthracite Lounge

Have you ever wanted to feel like a Latino James Bond? Have you been tempted to ask for a martini "shaken not stirred"? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this bar is for you. 

Anthracite Martini Lounge is a sophisticated bar situated in London's exciting King's Cross neighborhood. Even though it is not the easiest to spot, upon arrival, you will be taken back by the decor and elegance of the place. If you choose to sit by the bar, your eyes will feast on the real art of bartending as those who come in as gin skeptics will leave as gin lovers. 

The Latino and Caribbean staff take it upon themselves to find your ideal drink, even if you have no idea what your taste buds want. They will go above and beyond to cater to your needs leaving you with a beautiful and James-Bond-like experience. 

https://www.anthracitelounge.com/

Camino

The informal bar and sit down restaurant is in the King's Cross neighboorhood, but can also be found in different areas of London like Shoreditch and Bankside. It provides menu options optimal for sharing, an open courtyard, a Latino-inspired DJ, great cocktails, and an impressive wine list. The Spanish style venue is perfect for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike as they cater to the customer's needs while giving them a Latin fix.  

The space is fun, relaxed, and perfect for hanging out with friends or colleagues while listening to toe-tapping beats. 

https://camino.uk.com/menu/kings-cross/

Bar Salsa! Soho 

If you're looking for a bar that turns into a club later, Bar Salsa is for you. The bar embraces salsa- and everything Latino- to the fullest as it offers classes for every dance level in the early evening and full party mode later on in the night. It is an excellent venue if you are passionate about Latin dancing and South American cuisine, as their choices range from tapas to traditional mains. 

You can eat what your heart desires while you dance to merengue. It's the perfect recipe for a good night out. 

https://www.bar-salsa.com/soho

Swift Bar 

Swift Bar is a not-so-hidden jewel in Soho. It offers two different ambiances to its customers. Upstairs one can find a 50s diner-like feel with a touch of nighttime class. It's a place where one can go for drinks after work with a friend or a group of colleagues. The music -including Latino current hits- is low enough for conversing while the cocktails are smooth and refined. You will be knocking them down with absolute pleasure, especially if you are ordering their famous Irish Coffee while talking to their ever-so-friendly staff. 

Downstairs, on the other hand, presents a different approach to the drinking experience. Due to its wooden walls, the abolition era booths, and the sultry live music, you are taken back in time to the 1920s. Even though the vibe transports you back to an alcohol-free era, the drinks will not. The cocktails prepared downstairs are significantly stronger and can be a little bit pricier, but it is a perfect spot to have a date and start your night with a little bit of romance. 

http://www.barswift.com/

Las Iguanas 

If you're out and you're looking for something to do, look no further! Las Iguanas is a bar/ restaurant that will transport you to Latin America with its vibrant colors and decor. Plus, this venue fits right into the party vibe of the O2 with its carnival atmosphere. The staff is as friendly as can be and are more than willing to explain both the drinks menu and the food menu to those who might find the options overwhelming. 

The style presented mixes beautifully native Latin American, Spanish, Portuguese, and African influences to bring forth an out of this world experience, as it is also GM free and only uses top-quality ingredients. 

https://www.iguanas.co.uk/

The MNKY LNGE

Right in the heart of Mayfair, the MNKY LNGE is a lounge/bar located on the ground floor with access from both the restaurant -MNKY HSE- and it's own door at no. 10 Dover Street. The focus of the venue is sensory lighting, accessories, and stylish low seating designed to act as HSE's living room. Perfect for socializing! But don't get too comfortable. With a house band and a regular rotation of guest DJs and live acts, the Latin American spirit will have you dancing in no time. 

If you're looking to host a corporate event or an intimate gathering of friends and family, MNKY LNGE has the ideal setting on the upper part of the bar. 

http://www.mnky-hse.com/

Azteca

If you can't go to Mexico, go to Azteca! The bar is situated in Chelsea, and it's best known for offering a wide variety of authentic Mexican food and drinks. The atmosphere is cool and laid-back with a vibrant ambiance that genuinely lets you enjoy authenticly fresh Mexican dishes. 

If you're just looking for your type of poison, you can try your luck with their range of 150 different types of tequilas and a selection of mighty cocktails. 

http://www.aztecalatinlounge.com/

The previously mentioned bars/ lounges are our top then, but, as they would say in Colombia, 'la ñapa' (the additional piece)! Since we can't leave our readers with just eleven, we've decided to add one more great bar that will have you falling in love with London and Europe all over again. 

Coupette

As soon as one steps foot in Coupette, their French inspiration is visible in both the atmosphere, decor, and alcohol options. It is a mixture of a traditional French cafe with a London pub, providing a unique experience to your night and your palette as they serve Calvados along with a wide variety of top-notch cocktails. The bartenders are willing to help you with anything your heart desires and then place it on their unique bar decorated with hundreds of old French franc coins for an optimal experience. 

This bar is very welcoming and will make you feel like a regular right-off-the-bat, but do bear in mind that the music might be a little loud.

https://coupette.co.uk/

 

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