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Sitting squashed like sardines on tables petalled around a circular dance floor, myself and the other onlookers witnessed the bold South America bearing of Guanabara, the “gateway to Brazil”. The entrancing beat of the music pumped in tandem with the glittering garments and feathered costumes adorning the writhing dancers; a unique musical spectacle, indeed.

The crowd were hypnotised, spellbound by the drum. The precedent had been set for the spirited celebration which would continue on through to the early hours of the morning. I’d been easily seduced by the mesmerising performance of the drumming ‘Rhythms of The City’ band. Their music was a creative mix of Afro-Brazilian complimented by well-known hits from artists such as Michael Jackson.

Thirst, you might think, probably plays a major role in an evening at Guanabara but I was amazed by the efficient service offered by the staff amidst the mayhem. Waiting for my drink, I felt a little unsettled as visions of crowded boarding school diners returned to my memory. The cocktails, however, were absolutely crisp, with fresh, authentic ingredients; exotic to say the least.

I had eaten early because nobody wants to be lacking the energy once the room begins to spin. Although in Portuguese, the menu was easy to follow, due to a simple descriptive blurb beneath each dish. Meals ranged from £8-£25 for a main. I opted for the traditional and popular Brazilian black bean Feijoada – a casserole with sausages and smoked pork. Alas, no room for dessert but I was far too distracted by my surroundings at this restaurant-cum-bar-cum-club to care.

The Guanabara party is a complete cocktail of culture, and it goes almost without saying that it’s a favourite amongst Brazilian ex-pats. Everyone is part of this fiesta, and with friendly faces everywhere, you never feel alone on the dance floor.

Despite the crowds, Guanabara is well prepared with two separate bars and a night full of events projected onto the wall. If you’re in the mood for a festive night in carnival style, Guanabara will win you over. It certainly won me.

Reviewed by Philippa Morton.

Description:
Guanabara is London's largest Brazilian late night venue. Open 7 nights a week with DJs, live acts and lots and lots of dancing - you'll always see something new at Guanabara. Guanabara is the tupi-guarani name for the famous bay in Rio de Janeiro, the gateway to Brazil and a home of blazing extremes. A cultural mix that embraces the playground of Copacabana beach, where the sidewalks are patterned swells of black and white marble, to the hillside favela rising behind; from famous Ipanema beach and its high rise apartments to the Sugar Loaf and Jurujuba beach.

Combining native seeds and roots with European techniques and West African influences, Guanabara's menu tantalises the senses in a way that only Brazilian food can. Treat your taste buds to a traditional dish of fish, mixed seafood and peppers poached in coconut milk. Snack on Cassava Chips, seasoned and served with a sweet and sour guava dip. Share the Churrasco Misto (mixed grill for two), and enjoy succulent servings of beef and pork sausage, chicken wings and chicken breast before indulging in warm chocolate fudge cake, soaked in cachaca.

Guanabara is the environment where all come to eat, drink and play. Brazil is not Latin music and salsa lessons. Brazil is more than carnival and football. The heart and soul of modern Brazil is Guanabara. (Updated 28/01/2010)

Customer Reviews for Guanabara

“I'm coming from San Francisco, California USA to celebrate my son's birthday on August 1 and look forward to reviewing your place after that!”
Rating: — American, San Francisco, California USA (15 Jul 2009)

“I went along the other night with my best friend Steve. The bar was not too busy, yet at the same did not lack atmosphere. There was a live singer called Katia B with a live band from Brasil. Their music was fairly low tempo and soulful which was a great accompaniment to the selection of foreign beers and cocktails. An excellent way to spend a Tuesday night!”
Rating: — [ Unknown ], Edinburgh (14 Jul 2009)

“Great music, nice venue and friendly people...except this Polish security guy. He was soooo rude asking my friend to "put her shoes back on" after she took them off dancing for 4 hrs constantly!!! I've heard other people complainig about him too...”
Rating: — [ Unknown ], London (13 Jul 2009)

“Well, what can I say! Guanabara is a great place for a good night out. I’d never been before and was surprised by the friendliness of the people. We had a fantastic night. It’s a great place where people are genuinely friendly and talk to each other which is kind of rare in most bars and clubs. The bar staff have a great sense of humour and the atmosphere is electrical. A night out is what you make it. Even though my friends and I had a brilliant time, the music, band, energy, atmosphere, the people, the staff really made it for us. Our fun night out was a fantastic one. It’s definitely NOT one of those pretentious places where peoples’ egos don’t even fit through the door (people here are sociable, down to earth, genuinely nice and a laugh!) Even the bouncers found it hard to not crack a smile through the night! And the manager’s a real down to earth, genuinely nice guy. I’ll definitely go back again. The music keeps you dancing all night, not because there’s no where ”
Rating: — Doris Aghadiuno, London (19 Apr 2009)

“I went to Guanabara last night for my friends Hen Do and had an amazing time. I have never been before and will definitely be going back. We got there for 8, having booked a table, which is essential if you dont want to que and want a seat. We ordered Mohitos all round and had the sharing plates which were gorgeous. I would agree that they do let it get a little over crowded later in the evening but it all adds to the atmosphere. We were lucky enough to see Monobloco Live who had amazing energy and kept us dancing on the tables till late into the night.”
Rating: — Hanna, Sutton (18 Jul 2008)

View all user reviews (26).

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