Hidden away in the old Georgian Tobacco Dock warehouse in East London, Last Nights of Havana was an unexpected tropical surprise on a wintery Friday night. We were welcomed into this unlikely enclave by some of the most friendly staff that you're likely to find in London, with big smiles on their faces. who seemed to be having a great time themselves. The bar is a truly beautiful place, reminiscent of times gone by with its art-deco sculptures, stained glass and wooden furniture. Nothing was overlooked in creating the ambience, it really is a shame that they’re only here for a short period of time. The atmosphere buzzes in this busy, yet intimate event, which feels like more of an experience that just a bar.
Cocktails are one of things that 'Last Nights of Havana' prides itself on and we could see why, with a range offering everything from the classics to some really unique ideas, and all based on Cuban rum of course, we were in for a treat. We opted for the mojito, as well as the Papa Doble and Bacardi Cocktail. The mixologist, who put on quite the show, put so much effort into the creation of these cocktails that they ended up seeming more like pieces of art and it seemed a shame to drink them. it can be difficult to make this classic and popular cocktail live up to its expectations, but were unfazed the the task. The result was fresh, zingy and beautifully presented, and the flavours were perfectly balanced, which I may add made us nostalgic for the summer which now seems so long ago. We would have loved to try more... but I warn you they're generous with the rum.
A highlight of the evening was Sambroso Sambroso, the live band, whose skill and vibrance make it hard to take your eyes off them. Lead by charismatic Cuban-born musical director Oreste ‘Sambroso’ Noda, there was little chance of it drifting into background music. Putting their own spin on Cuban classic tracks with originality and flare. we were sad to see them go later in the evening. But the DJ came in to rescue with Cuban and Latin American club and salsa classics, like Joe Arroyo and Los Van Van, which guaranteed a packed dancefloor throughout the evening.
With all the action, some food was definitely in order. They had a great collection of street style food on offer, so versions of the classic Cuban sandwich were on the cards. We decided to opt for the ‘Classic Cuban’ and the ‘Pan con Bistec’ fried sandwiches with two sides of Fried Cassava Chips and Plantain Tostones. The Fried Cassava and Plantain tostones were incredible were deliciously crispy and served with a tangy sauce with a kick of paprika and crispy sweet potato ribbons on the side (and even topped with little edible flowers) - definitely some of the highest quality and most generous servings of ‘bar food’ you’ll come across in London. Their take on the Cuban Sandwich is also worth a try, a comforting favourite and the smoked ham they used was really tasty. They even had a vegetarian option on offer which looked pretty good too.
Last Nights of Havana has all the class of some of London’s most sophisticated bars yet never falls into the trap of taking itself too seriously. Whether you’re you’re looking for a place to dance or wonderfully creative cocktails, we would fully recommend it. Everything it had to offer - the food, cocktails, music and ambience - it does excepctionally well and it’s a unique and creative event that gives you just a taste of Cuba and leaves you wanting more.
You can find 'Last Nights of Havana' at the Tobacco Docks near Shadwell station. It's only on selected days up until May 2019 so we recommend getting you tickets ahead of time!
Wapping Lane Entrance, Tobacco Docks, Wapping, London E1W 2SF.
