490-492 Fulham Road , London, SW6 5NH. View on map.
It’s Saturday night and we’re off to Fiesta Havana for a spot of salsa dancing and a few margaritas… Fulham is always lively on a Saturday night but there are not very many options for late night partying… Fiesta Havana, however, is open until 2am on weekends. Fiesta Havana acts as a bar, restaurant, club and Salsa School - all rolled into one! You can come in on Mondays and Wednesdays for salsa classes (from beginner level or beyond); pop in for a drink with friends any night of the week, arrange a table for dinner, or even wander in after hours to dance the night away.
The Venue
The exterior of Fiesta Havana is intense, very colourful and visually imposing. Once inside though, the feeling is open and carefree, the laid back vibe can be felt through the murals on the brightly coloured walls. The décor is eclectic to say the least!
If you want to have a few tapas plates with your drinks, or a full meal, you can seat yourself on the make-shift patio which overlooks the dance floor. This dance floor is at the heart of it all! While we were there, there were a few different groups converging on the floor and working on their Latin moves. It was very clear that this place was about having fun, and not necessarily being a perfect dancer!
Fiesta Havana's colourful decor is a great place to get on down with some salsa dancing action
The Clientele and Atmosphere
The clientele was mixed and ranged from locals, students and tourists to salsa enthusiasts and ladies on a night out; due to this widely mixed group, it was a fun and chilled evening. One lone salsa shaker who refused to sit at the table with her friends was a real example for everyone; she was on her feet all night dancing in the middle of the tables, moving to her own beat and just really enjoying herself, and this is exactly the vibe Fiesta Havana harbours.
The brik-a-brak make-up of Fiesta Havana only adds to the fun atmosphere
The Food and Drink
I ordered a Dark & Stormy while my boyfriend went for a classic Mojito; after a couple of each, you will definitely be craving whatever Mexican food flavours the table next to you is devouring. We went for nachos with all the trimmings and the fried calamari which was surprisingly fresh and light. I would not say this is a 5-star restaurant serving up the finest Latin inspired cuisine; however the kitchen can whip you up your spicy favourites from fajitas, tapas to share to quesadillas.
There are every manner of drinks available at Fiesta Havana to go along with the flavourful menu, some with pretty extravagant names. You can also get a GIANT margarita for the whole table to share and mini cocktails specially made to complement your dessert, a real treat!
Tired from all the salsa? Rest your legs in the sexy boudoir-like seating...
Summary
Fiesta Havana has something for everyone and is a haven for the Latin soul in the middle of London’s grey and bleak weather. It’s something a little different, warm and inviting and totally unpretentious. Try it out for yourself and see how Cuba treats you.
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