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.
Philippa Morton (25 10 2009)
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.
“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!”
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American, San Francisco, California USA (7 months 26 days ago)
“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!”
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[ Unknown ], Edinburgh (7 months 26 days ago)
“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...”
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[ Unknown ], London (7 months 27 days ago)
“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 to sit down but because of the atmosphere and vibrancy of the place, it’s so contagious you end up soaking it all up like everyone else. ENJOY!”
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Doris Aghadiuno, London (10 months 20 days ago)
“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.”
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Hanna, Sutton (1 years 7 months 22 days ago)
“Sunday is the best day for the forall, not sure if that's how it's spelt... but a truly authentic Brazilian experience!”
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Barbara Leyton, London (1 years 8 months 7 days ago)
“I've always wanted to go to Brazil so when a friend suggested meeting at Guanabara after work, I didn't need telling twice. It was quite busy when we got there and headed to the bar for their extensive cocktail menu..ordered a 'very berry mojoito' but they had run out of berrys, it must be popular! Anyway lovely barman made me a special cocktail - a Vanilla moijito. Have to say that they certainly do not scrimp on their alcoholic measures here which made me want to try a few more. Strawberry Dacquiri and a Mai Tai later was enough to persuade me to join the activity on the dancefloor. 3 experienced Brazilian dancers were on stage teaching the customers Brazilian dance moves. It was so much fun and I felt I was at Carnival and could now hold my own even with my 2 left feet. Everyone synchronized together as if we were in a carnival procession. After that needed to recharge my batteries so ordered some authentic Brazilian cuisine and it was delicious. Whilst we were eating we were entertained by a stunning martial art dance performance by some talented artists from Brazil and just when you thought that was the nights entertainment a band that were flown in all the way from Brazil came on. This bar is great value, the men were cute and my male friend fell under the spell of the Brazilian girls. I've already arranged another visit back with the girls as those lethal cocktails are worth the trip back alone...Brazil here I come...but Guanabara will do in the meantime.”
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Jeni, London (1 years 8 months 16 days ago)
“I went there on a Saturday night for my birthday and had a great time - although we had to wait quite some time before we were let in. But the security guard made the wait entertaining for us. The drinks were simply amazing, and the vibe in the place was pumping. We danced and drank right up until the club closed. The band was pretty good, and made the vibe even more electric. Although I didn't know what half the songs were, that just made it the more fun.
If you are out to have a good night, then I would highly recommend going to Guanabara. I even managed to get a few dances in with some random gentlemen!
The only thing I would fault is the toilet attendant picking greasy chicken out of a bag while handing paper towels out - not very attractive....”
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Winnie, London (2 years 26 days ago)
“We went there on Friday night and were not able to enjoy ourselves at all.
Yes, the live music is good and “should somehow make even the most flat-footed feel like swaying some part of their anatomy”. However, there are multiple issues that turn a night at this venue into a rather mediocre experience: A) The quality of the food is OK only and portions are rather small and pricey. B) The men on the dance floor are overly aggressive and quite cheap in their approach. Yes, we came to “eat, drink and play” – but with some style at least! C) We had issues with security inside the club for no reason (other reviewers have pointed out the same) and management came across as unusually unhelpful when we complained.
This club has received a lot of press coverage recently. Yet, if this tacky place is a “truly Brazilian experience” – then why are so many people in love with Brazilian culture?”
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Michelle Dolaine, London (2 years 15 days ago)
“If you love Brazilian music, dancing all night, hot capoeira dancers and a party atmosphere this is the place to go. I always have a good night in Guanabara, it's so chilled out and there is a great mix of people, inluding many Brazilians and south americans. The best Brazilian bar in London!”
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Chani, London (2 years 3 months 19 days ago)
“Really cool bar & music and crowd is very friendly.”
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Sandra, London (2 years 4 months 26 days ago)
“I've been here many times and also celebrated my birthday twice here... it's one of my favourite clubs in London because it's unpretentious, the people are v nice, and the music is really funky. They always have a live band, and they don't have the same bands/nights week after week, it varies, so e.g. you can get something different 2 Saturdays in a row. Guanabara always feels vibrant and isn't boring. There are free Samba dance classes on Mon and Thurs. A great night out.”
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Cath Berry, London (2 years 7 months ago)
“I was at Guanabara last Friday the 29th of June, got there during happy hour £3 per cocktail and £2 a beer was reasonable. The music started around 7pm and was pretty cool until i noticed the bar bill double £6 per cocktail and not sure beer price. The crowd was aged between 25-35 and the vibe was great a live band came on later and the place was jumping. All in all not a bad night but it was expensive after happy hour so be aware.”
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Marcus, London (2 years 8 months 4 days ago)
“I was at Guanabara on Saturday 19 May - I had to queue to get in, but it was quick and the security guys were really polite and helpful. The live show was a surprise - you do get value for money, there's a nice and relaxed crowd (it did get packed), cheap drinks considering the location... definitely going back!”
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Tiz, London (2 years 9 months 19 days ago)
“I have been several times (nornally because my friends like the fantasy of finding a gorgeous Brazillian girl). My main problem with this venue is the dreadfull attitude of the bar staff and the over zelous security. The bar staff act like they are really doing you a favour by serving you and even after a tip did I even get a thank you? Other than that apart from the price of the cocktails (well it is Covent Garden I suppose) its a fun place although it does get extremely crowded on Fridays and Saturdays.”
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Michael, Hampstead (3 years 2 months 27 days ago)
“I had a great time at Guanabara on Saturday 18th of November 2006. The live band were first class, the DJ seemed to be able to turn his hand to any style, the bar staff were fast and efficient and the door staff were a constant presence and kept order whilst also being polite and courteous. Top marks.”
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Joby Byrne, Cork Ireland (3 years 3 months 19 days ago)
“This place has atmosphere true. The bar staff are not all friendly, some are surly and just shout the number of pounds you owe at you. The food is greasy and served in mean, small portions.”
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Pete, London (3 years 3 months 28 days ago)
“Guanabara bosts some of the most friendly staff of any bar I have been to. The prices are reasonable and drinks are well made. They do however, need to know when to stop admitting people as the place was so packed that one could barely move! I went for a friends birthday drinks and the look on my face said it all when I was subjected to (an unadvertised) Drag Cabaret. Not my cup of tea.”
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Kevin, South London (3 years 4 months 8 days ago)
“After wanting a typical samba n brazillian place, well found it! Went to Guanabara 4 my birthday with about 15 friends, every1 had a blast. The music was fantastic, lived band was good too, danced so much that i could hardly feel my feet, you'd think i'd learn that heels n all nite dancing doesn't match. Bar staff was very friendly, drinks very very good specially my favorite Berry mohito. Highly recommended.”
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nisha, london (3 years 4 months 23 days ago)
“Went to Guanabara for my birthday with about 25 friends. It was "Fantastic". The staff were all so lovely and the drinks (and people!) were very yummy. Come here if you want to get away from the typical london scene and fancy something a bit new and different. Everyone is there for a good time. ohh and try the sharing platters if you fancy a bite.”
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katie, London (3 years 6 months 2 days ago)
“Came here for my friends bday really excited about it- the music was great (live drummers top notch) decor was lovely and average price wise for this area of london. Shame about the men- very touchy feely!”
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Nikki Lockwood, London (3 years 6 months 22 days ago)
“Went to this place recently and it was great. The caipis were lovely and having different flavours adds a bit of difference.. I wouldn't go there to eat again though.. the food was very fried n fatty with not much else... didn't seem like it was really brazilian food. But all in all a great place.”
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Hattie Mordaunt, London (3 years 7 months 26 days ago)
“I'm extremelly disappointed with the treatement we received last evening before the game and concert. We were previously informed that doors would open at 5pm, as it was also in the tickets and that we should arrive early to guarantee our places. After following this advice we needed to wait for almost 2 hours standing outside as door only opened at almost 7pm. Meanwhile the door staff were giving us disconected information and lacking respect to deal with the public. By the end of the concert we were also verbally abused and assaulted by the staff and also had problems to get our bags back. It's a shame that people are treated like that at Guanabara. I hope that they can revise the kind of treatment they want to give to their customers.”
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Fabiano Barga, London (3 years 8 months 16 days ago)
“Not sure why there's so much negative comment, Guanabara is a fantastic place, fantastic atmosphere, bar staff were very friendly. If you are into the international scene then you will def enjoy it. Plenty of activity and music. Drinks were cheap.
Gr8 Night.”
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X, Y, X, SE (3 years 10 months 13 days ago)
“Went there on Thursday before Easter and had the most fantastic night. Amazing atmosphere, cocktails and people... speaking of which if cute guy Adrian I was speaking to sees, sorry if I disappeared but if you want to get in touch please leave a message on this page or contact them for my e-mail!”
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Cassie, London (3 years 10 months 15 days ago)
“I went there last night, after much consideration. What is the problem with the staff in there?? From the hostess through the barmen (including the girls at cloackromm), they were so rude and snobbish...somehow they think they are gods! At one point I counted 7 distracted men playing with each other behind the bar (while I had to wait to be noticed), just after one of them had spilled vodka on my face 2 times and did not apologise!!!!Instead, he was striking his best Tom-Cruise-Cocktail pose...
What about the decoration? I have never ever seen such an impersonal brazilian venue.
If it wasn't for the band, which was absolutely brillant, I would never go back there again.”
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Melissa, London (4 years 29 days ago)
“Hi, I am Tom.
This is a wonderful bar. Friendly staff, great people and sexy bar staff... I had a wonderful time.
I pulled a bird called Brenda who was from Rotherham and she also agreed that the place was the best on the planet... can't confirm universe yet as I've not been anywhere that far yet.
Also, I can't confirm the quality of food and drink yet... I find out tonight I guess.
Bye Bye!
Tom x”
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Tom Rogers, London (4 years 1 months ago)
“I tired really hard to find some w*nkers in this bar. All my friends had been raving about the atmosphere and how unpretentious it was. I couldn't find any - I really tried!
The capacity is 600 and it fills up early. Fridays you should be there before 8 if you don't want to stand in a line for about 45mins to get in. After 9 they charge £8.00 - even if you've been waiting outside before 9.00. Even then, it's worth it. It's just lots of people having fun and enjoying themselves without much pressure to be cool. If you're going to try and pull as many people as possible in as short a time as possible, you're in the wrong place. Go with a group of friends and be surprised how many more you make while you're there.”
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HappyMolly, London (4 years 4 months 6 days ago)
“Been here a few times now and always had an excellent night. Especially love the live music and of course Caipirinha's!!! Definitely recommend it!”
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Jo, London (4 years 6 months 24 days ago)
“That's a really nice place. I went there with friends on a Thursday night and it was so cool, not too busy, not too empty. Great music, we danced a lot and of course we'd lots drank of caipirinhas.”
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Samantha, london (5 years 7 days ago)
“Absolutely appalling service and the manners of the staff is so incredibly disgraceful they should ashamed of themselves.
Make sure you eat and drink before you go because the main food portions are very tiny and the drinks are well over priced.
Totally NOT recommended, your better off staying at home with a bottle of tequila and putting on some Santana playing to the max, which I guarantee you would be a zillion times more fun.”
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caroline, london (5 years 8 days ago)
“what a cool bar,
great drinks, ii recomend the argentinian beer called quilmez, really nice and the cocktails are amazing.
The live music makes you want to shake your hips.
A top night out for a birthday etc.”
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Terry, London (5 years 1 months 7 days ago)