Slap bang in the middle of Old Spitalfields Market, Las Iguanas brings a slice of corporate Latin flavour to East London.

The Venue
The Las Iguanas chain seems to be going from strength to strength, and this Spitalfields location serves up much of what makes it such a popular option. There’s more than a hint of authenticity, even if it does offer the expectation rather than the reality of Latin culture. However, only a pedant would argue that the mosaic slate resembling the Copacabana sidewalk; the plethora of flora; the wall length prints of Rio or the random smatterings of Brazilian bamboo don’t instil at least a taste of South America.

They’ve used the space well, with the downstairs boasting a long bar flanked by seating and a spiral staircase that leads to an impressive first floor, complete with a large balcony that offers splendid views over the busy market. There’s a cocktail bar upstairs too, as well as an area that could be just about deemed big enough for a dancefloor ensuring that should the mood - or the caipirinhas - take you, a little boogie isn’t out of the question.

The Atmosphere
There’s real effort to offer a genuine Latin experience at Las Iguanas with loose-hipped waiters, funky samba sounds and a nicely relaxed ambience fostered by a bubbly workforce. Obviously not everyone who visits will subscribe to the ethos, so don’t be too shocked to see stiffs in suits looking uncomfortable with their after work beers. However, the majority of visitors will be swept along with it, so you can expect to see them enjoying themselves, especially at the weekend when the hustle and bustle of the area makes everything feel especially vibrant.

The Drink
There’s an extensive selection of authentic Latin options at Las Iguanas, with cocktails certainly worth a go. The caipirinhas are good, as they should be, and benefit from decent quality cachaca that’s produced by the chain from their own sugar plantation in Brazil. The watermelon variety is particularly good, with the lightness of the fruit being nicely matched with the strength of the alcohol and the sweetness of the sugar. There’s a veritable feast of other cocktail options, including a very well made cuba libre available in pitchers.

If beer is your thing then there’s a good range of authentic options available, such as Brahma, Corona, Negra Modelo and the Peruvian Cusquena. San Miguel is available on draught as well as by the bottle, but it’s just a shame they had to give in to what’s probably financial obligation by having Magners on the menu. Tsk.

There’s a solid wine list, too, with some great options from Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina and Chile, and the prices are pretty reasonable, offering you the chance to try some good quality bins without breaking the bank. The Argentinean Graffigna Pinot Grigio is certainly worth sampling thanks to a deliciously light and peachy tone.

The Last Word
If you’re looking for a genuine slice of South America then you might be disappointed by Las Iguanas; however, if it’s somewhere funky and fun you’re after - with a distinct lack of pretension - this might be the place for you.

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