Parker Street,
Holborn,
London,
WC2B 5PW
0871 971 7385
The ViewLondon Review
Expect lively laughs, chaotic cocktails, spectacular music and manic dance moves at London’s nightly carnival.The VenueAt the back of the New London Theatre just off Drury Lane, the basement location of Guanabara is finally reached after a series of stairs and security. The carnival commotion hits as soon as the music does, and mango mojito in hand your feet will soon find the beat. The circular layout of the club gives it an intimate, inclusive atmosphere. Diners sit next to drinkers who all become dancers as the night goes on and the live music lifts everyone out of their seats and on to the disco ball dancefloor.
It’s the eclectic clientele and top-class entertainers that provide the real decor at this destination. It is quite simply designed with white walls and shared wooden dining benches. However, this simplicity doesn’t prevent it from providing one of the most colourful nights out you are likely to have.
The AtmosphereFun, fast and fresh from Brazil, Guanabara has got the mix of migrant regulars, locals and tourists as perfectly balanced as their Caipirinhas. The place buzzes with holiday-style friendliness, so after a few twirls with some strangers you might just leave looking for the beach.
The MusicThe great atmosphere at Guanabara is maintained by booking the best talents in Brazilian soul, samba, drum and bass, funk, rock and reggae to rock the crowd. There are also dance lessons available every evening – and plenty of partners to show off to as the night goes on.
The FoodThe food is undoubtedly popular, but it’s not Guanabara’s strong point. The service can be achingly slow at busy times and the staff can be abrupt and unhelpful about the menu, which features many a deep-fried fare. However, at £18 for a plentiful platter for two that includes chicken, sausages, crudites, spicy dips, new potatoes and cheese bread it’s not bad to fill up those rum-filled rumbling stomachs.
The DrinkThe cocktails here could be the cause of an addiction – the fruit Caipirinhas (£6.30) are probably the best in town and with guava, coconut and pineapple amongst the flavours to choose from they certainly help put you on the road to Rio. There is also an extensive choice of reasonably priced Brazilian wines (£14-£17.50) and beers for £3.70. The regular happy hours and drinks deals throughout the week only help to seal the deal.
The Last WordA place that can put you in a party mood with a sip of a drink and a drop of a beat, Guanabara gives its all to provide you with a great night to remember.
Guanabara has been reviewed by 25 users