Clapham High Street can be a nightmare at the weekend, and sometimes the only way to deal with it is to sneak away to a side street. And this is where, if you know about it, you’ll come across El Rincon Latino.

The Venue
El Rincon Latino (which means The Latin Corner) is a dark, narrow, intimate venue. The first thing that strikes you about this little gem, after the incredibly genuine warmth of your welcome, is the sense of being transported to somewhere authentically Spanish. The long bar is the perfect place for sitting and sipping wine or cocktails with a friend or two. Towards the back, the venue opens into a larger but still intimate room with cantina style tables which lends itself as a better space for larger parties. The walls are packed with reminders (as if you needed them) that to all intents and purposes you are in the Latin quarter of London.

The Atmosphere
The staff truly make this venue. The business is family-run and they fill the space with their Latin spirit, variously shouting, smiling and laughing, giving you feel that you are at the very centre of a promenade performance by a visiting theatre group. The front is the place for a cosy chat over a bottle of wine, tapas and a catch-up or a spot of wooing, whereas the back is the place to meet friends and mingle. Expect to be sharing the space with at least one birthday celebration.

The Food
The food consists of a traditional tapas selection grouped into hot and cold, fish, meat and vegetarian. There is a lot of choice but the dishes themselves are relatively straightforward so it will be up to you to create variety in your choices. At the weekends, Spanish-style breakfasts are on offer, which combined with a beer make the perfect hangover cure.

The Drink
Unsurprisingly the theme here is Spanish and Latin America. Actually it’s less of a theme than a mandate. The wine list is extensively Spanish with some Latin American choices, whilst the beers are Spanish (and authentically so) and the cocktails have a definite Brazilian flair to them. Die hard French wine fans or ale junkies will struggle.

The Last Word
A perfect combination of intimate and lively, the staff turn what could be a bog standard Spanish-style venue into an experience to remember. While you’re there you’ll find it hard to remember you aren’t on holiday and the chances are the feeling will last into the night. Unless, of course, your journey takes you back onto the High Street.

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