Homesick Blues – Great Latino Spots in London
It's very easy to suddenly feel down if you're on an extended stay far away from home. While everyone has fun at the beginning, when everything is new and exotic, eventually most of us are getting homesick and missing even the tiny little details that made our life back home what it was. At these moments, it's really good to have a slice of home to fall back on to help us deal with the blues and continue to enjoy ourselves.
For those on a long-term study programme at a language school London can start to lose its appeal, especially if you left your home and travelled over half the world to get there. If you are craving a bit of Latin America in London, you should check out the variety of Latin venues scattered around town. Not only will you quench your thirst for the familiar but you will most likely meet other people that, just like you, are missing their homeland. Check out the following places if you want to have an exciting night out with a strong Latin feel:
Latin Bar Restaurant © Content Lobby
Latin Square Restaurant & Havana Bar (Bar/Restaurant/Club)
* 43-45 Farringdon Rd, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, London, EC1M 3JB
* Features: South American cuisine with an average price of £17.50
The Latin Square Restaurant and Havana Bar is an excellent place to go when you want to soak your senses in South American flavours Рboth the bar and the restaurant are great for relaxing with friends, especially if you've been busy studying at one of the many language schools in London. The bar section of the Latin Square features a lot of exposed brickwork and Cuban-themed prints, which go very well with the wooden tables and cushioned benches. The whole section is dressed in earthen colours, featuring a lot of dark reds and light browns. Light on clich̩s and heavy on the South American mood, the bar pulses to the beats of Ricky Martin and other Latin American artists. There is also plenty of room to show off your dancing skills.
Having both the bar and restaurant in the same venue makes it much easier to make the transition from cocktails and beers to a healthy serving of Latin American food. All your favourites are here, including chorizos, vegetarian tapas and Mexican fajitas. The portions are very generous, the staff and kitchen very fast with the orders, and the prices are really affordable.
Latin Club © Content Lobby
Dance Club "Fiesta Havana" (Bar/Dance Club)
* 490 Fulham Road, Fulham, London, SW6 5NH
* Features: Regular live music, dance lessons
The Latin Bar in London. If you still have some energy left after drinks and dinner, it's time to hit the dance floor at Fiesta Havana. This club offers you an eclectic mixture of classic Latin music with British dance beats. The house bar also offers speciality aged rums and tequilas for those who can hold their spirits, as well as traditional Latin dishes for those late to the party who are still hungry.
If you have some time to kill, come early on Fridays and enjoy the salsa and bachata lessons. This is the perfect place to make new friends and maybe even meet some people from back home who are also making London their new home. After the lessons you can have a quick dinner, and then it's off to the dance floor to put your newly acquired skills to the test!