96 Charing Cross Road,
Soho,
London,
WC2H 0JG
0872 148 1407
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
After a recently refurb, Salsa! looks better than ever before and continues to promote Latin American dancing in the heart of the West End.
The Venue
Situated on Charring Cross Road, in between Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road Tube stations, Salsa brings a little bit of Latin America to London. As you enter, bright yellow walls envelop you and a slightly incongruous antler chandelier hangs above the stairs leading down to the main bar/ restaurant area. Downstairs, the décor changes to deep terracottas and reds with lots of dim lights and an eclectic collection of pictures and Latin film posters. There are two bars and plenty of tables to sit at for a meal, as well as a large dance floor, where the all important dancing happens.
The Atmosphere
An evening starts off with groups of friends enjoying a meal with upbeat Latin music playing in the background. As the evening progresses, more and more people fill the bar and the atmosphere builds. By 9pm the music gets louder and the dance floor is filled with salsa dancing – some that could put professionals to shame and some that would just put the dancer to shame! The atmosphere is fun, friendly and infectious.
The Food
Bar Salsa serves a variety of popular South American dishes including tapas, fajitas and quesadillas. If you fancy tapas, 3-4 dishes is about right for one person (3 for £10). Try the chorizo frito al vino – a rich, savoury dish, or the gambas gabardine which involves prawns ever so lightly battered, served with alioi and lemon – perfect. The fajitas come sizzling on a hot plate, which is always a spectacle, and start at £10.50 for the chicken version.
A dessert, such as their waffle de canela y brownie, a warm Belgian waffle and chocolate fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream, is £4.95 and although it sounds like something you might be better off splitting, all desserts are 2-for-1. Bargain.
The Drink
The Latin theme continues across the drinks menu, with a choice of wines ranging from a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (£13.95) to a Spanish Rioja (£17.95) on the menu. If you’re a rosé drinker, the Tempranillo Rosado (£13.95) is a very good choice. There are also plenty of Latin-inspired cocktails to get you into the spirit, including the classic mai tai and the renowned pina colada (both £4.95). Of course, a list of Latin cocktails wouldn’t be complete without a mojito and Salsa doesn’t disappoint – with a whole page dedicated to them.
The Last Word
With good-value food, friendly staff and that all important infectious Latin American music to get you on the dance floor, Salsa provides a lively and entertaining night out in central London.