Brazil in London
Want to try something different this weekend? Then why not go Brazilian? An estimated 80,000-100,000 party-loving Brazilians are currently living in London. Let's start with the real deal: an authentic Brazilian place to eat:
Barraco Cafe
When you want to get inside a city's social fabric you go to where people eat and drink. In London it's the pub. In Paris the cafes. In Rio it's the boteco bar - an unassuming corner bar that is the local epicentre for all things social. The Barraco Cafe has bought the Brazilian boteco bar to Kilburn and its one of the best places to meet Latin Americans living in London.
The tiled walls, wooden tables, and homely size interior give out a neighbourly vibe.. Barraco also make the best Caipirinha outside of Rio - in my opinion of course! This is the national cocktail of Brazil and is made from sugarcane alcohol. The barman takes a while to make them up but, believe me, it's worth the wait. This sort of tiny café is where Brazilians go to eat when they've missed their own. The food is home cooked and authentic. You could try a fejoiada - a black bean stew served with green beans plus rice. There are some yumed up desserts - the milk tart is definitely worthwhile. Depending on the night, there is usually some live Brazilian music too.
Guanabara
For top notch Brazilian entertainment head to Guanabara. Think RIO CARNIVAL vibes, live BRAZILIAN music, sumptuous BRAZILIAN food, EXOTIC and CHAOTIC cocktails, DYNAMIC DJs whacking up a perpetual PARTY ATMOSPHERE. To find all this and more look no further than the back of the new London Theatre on Drury Lane and there you will find the basement location that is Guanabara . Only 5 minutes walk from Holborn or Covent Garden tube.
Guanabara is noted for its top draw entertainers. They seek out the best talents in BRAZILIAN soul, samba, drum n bass and reggae plus cutting edge DJs. This place rocks every night of week. Free samba dance lessons are also available.
The carnival like commotion hits you as soon you reach the top of the stairs and you just know you're going to have a good night out. Inside, the circular layout of the club is easy to navigate with a tight dance floor fizzing and crackling with pulsating clubbers. The humble décor of white walls plus wooden benches just adds to the authenticity. The clubbers are a perfect blend of migrant regulars, locals and tourists fusing up a carefree atmosphere.
Guanabara serve up food too. Plentiful platters for 2 are the order of the day for just L18 with chicken, sausages, spicy dips +. The best cocktail here is the FRUIT CAIPIRINHA made with a choice of Guava, coconut and pineapple you'll soon be booking up your flight to RIO.
Favela
Next stop is Favela . Twinned with the Parisian Favela Chic, Old Street's newer 24 month old version successfully puts a piece of Brazil seamlessly into the local scene on the corner of Great Eastern Street. The Brazil-unked up interior stays top-of-mind long after you've left with ceiling hung furniture, large print patterned fabric plus large swathes of pseudo Amazonia growing around the building.
This spectacular setting delivers the touch and feel of Brazil with a dash of local urban cool. The ATMOSPHERE is PARTY and FUN! I was there last Friday and the place was dancing with Brazilians and local clubbers all having a good night out.
On the food side definitely go for the steak which is quality, the GALINHA BEBADA (drunken hen cooked with beer) is also recommended; fear not, there are vegetarian options too with friendly staff on hand to give you a nod in the right direction! I never got round to the dessert but did try out a couple of CAIPIRINHAS. I can name on 4 fingers the number of LONDON CLUBS/BARS that serve up a decent CAIPIRIANHA and FAVELA takes one of my digits. If you're looking for a fun night of SAMBA VIBES and all things PARTY then you'll be happy you checked out FAVELA.