Cuba Libre & Bar Havana Overview
The words ‘cool’, ‘bar’ and ‘Islington’, when used in the same sentence, are usually enough to make any right-thinking individual start shivering. Whereas a number of bars in nearby Smithfield have achieved an effortless cool, most Islington drinkeries are either too cheesy or pretentious to be taken seriously (Fez, anyone?)
Throw into the mixer the fact that Cuba Libre has a Cuban theme, and you have all the ingredients of an unmitigated disaster.
Fortunately, all preconceptions should be put to one side, as Cuba Libre manages to resoundingly hit el spotto. The bar area itself is fairly small and, with a few tables but no chairs, distinctly standing room only. With a scruffy wooden décor covered in dog-eared Cuban posters this place is by no means luxurious, but the sense that nobody really cares too much about appearances helps to add to a friendly and rowdy atmosphere.
There is no dress code, and the clientele ranges from the smartly dressed to skater kids, with everybody seeming to cohabitate without a problem. This is helped by the fact that, even at peak times of the evening, the doormen manage to keep the numbers inside about right.
As you would expect from a Cuban themed bar, the salsa rhythms are sexy and the drinks are strong. Perhaps the most compelling reason to visit Cuba Libre is the variety of top class cocktails on offer. At about 11 pounds for a smallish, ice-filled jug, they may not be the best value in town, but they are certainly some of the best. The Mojito (consisting of white rum, sugar, lime and mint) is especially tasty, but they are all well worth a go. Considering the bar has a late license at the weekend, bottled beer (mainly Cuban and Mexican) at around ?2.70 represents pretty good value.
Vive la revolution. (Updated 03/09/2005)
Additional Info: Cocktails, Security, Late License, Food, Non-Smoking Area, Outside Drinking
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