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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)
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Guanabara Address & Contact Details
- Address: Parker Street (corner of Drury Lane),
Holborn,
West End,
London,
WC2B 5PW
- Nearest Tube / Rail: Covent Garden / Holborn
Guanabara Location Map & Nearby Venues
For nearby Fluid Style venues 'click and drag' on the map above. 'Zoom out' for more. For summary info 'click a pin'.
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Customer Reviews for Guanabara
“went for my sons birthday, bar was fantastic, food, entertainment. security staff, had a fabulous night.”
Rating:
— sutton, london
(30 Aug 2010)
“I have been there twice. Once was on Easter Sunday and the other was just on a weekday. The Easter Sunday was amazing despite a couple of fights. Apparently there are rarely any fights there though. Everyone is really friendly and if you are looking for a good looking boyfriend, you have definately come to the right place! The music was very good and made me want to dance, the drinks were pretty cheap, the staff were very helful. Definately love it there.
Went again on the weekday but the atmosphere was very different and i wouldnt advise going then. Most people were English and were dressed up in suits. Was quite a change from the first time!
I would definitely reccommend it if you want to have a good, slightly different night. It was amazing!”
Rating:
— Clare, Bromley
(22 May 2010)
“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)
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