Part bar, part cafe, part art gallery, Macondo does it all and more.

The Venue
Located on Camden Passage, right off Islington’s Upper Street, Macondo is a small, multi-use venue. The rustic wood bar is off to the left, whilst on the right and towards the back are a few scattered seats. Keeping with the arty vibe of the area there are a few black and white photographs of people on the walls mixed in with Mexican-influenced artwork, such as a black and white painting of the Queen being embraced by a grinning skull.

The Atmosphere
For a venue on uber-trendy and always-busy Upper Street, Macondo doesn’t disappoint. The crowd is mainly arty-partiers, but don’t be surprised to see a young family or two pop in for a drink and a bite. Staff are friendly and eager to tell you about the food and the drink.

The Food
If you’re a fan of Latin American food, don’t pass up the chance to eat here. The tortillas are quite unlike the floppy flatbread that you’re probably used to: thick and soft, they’re mixed through with lightly salted potatoes and fresh spinach. Also don’t miss up on the empanadas, a kind of Mexican pasty. The dough is lovely, crisp on the outside and sweet and slightly chewy on the inside, and the filling contains a mix of slightly spiced vegetables like broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms and corn – wonderfully textured and perfectly balanced.

The Drink
The drinks menu isn’t enormous but it’s plenty authentic with loads of Latin American cocktails like mojitos and margaritas, and some Corona on offer as well for the beer drinkers. Cocktails are good value at about £7 – large and incredibly potent - although a little less salt on the rim of the margarita glass wouldn’t go amiss.

The Last Word
With the combination of food, drink and artwork, Macondo is a Latin American oasis right off Upper Street.

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