5 Latin Music Nights & Venues in London
One of the best things about London nightlife is that you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to world music. London’s unique mix of cultures and nationalities means that you’re never more than a tube ride from your next musical discovery, and every bar, pub or venue has the potential to transport punters to a new country on the musical map.
Latin music is especially well served in this regard, with some of the finest musicians from Spain, Portugal, Central and South America calling London their home. So today, we’re offering up a few of our favourite spots to enjoy some of the best Latin music that London has to offer.
BAR SALSA, SOHO
With a huge dance floor, live music and a menu of amazing cocktails to help you loosen up, Soho’s Bar Salsa is all about dancing to some infectious Latin sounds. But if you feel like your footwork isn’t up to scratch, you might be pleased to know that Bar Salsa offer Salsa classes every night of the week with qualified dance instructors on hand to help dancers of all abilities. You can also check out Bar Salsa’s recently opened sister venue in Temple.
JAM IN A JAR, HARRINGAY
A quiet coffee and food spot by day, Harringay’s Jam in a Jar transforms into a superb live music venue every night, with a reliably eclectic lineup of artists taking the stage throughout the week. The bar has hosted everything from samba to Brazilian funk, and you’ll find regular Cuban and flamenco nights that never fail to draw a crowd. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events.
JUJU’S BAR & STAGE, BRICK LANE
Tucked away inside the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, Juju’s Bar and Stage takes pride in keeping things eclectic, with talks, film screenings and an outdoor Tiki bar to tempt in the East London crowds. There’s also a healthy dose of Latin music too, from Cuban Sundays with DJ Javier La Máquina De Cuba, to Barrio Latino’s electronic world fusion & folklore music, to weekly Brazilian Nights, Juju’s truly has something for everyone. And if all that sounds right up your alley, be sure to check out our Q&A with Juliet Kennedy to find out more about the music on offer at another Old Truman Brewery venue, Ninety One Living Room.
CUBANA, WATERLOO
It’s hard to miss Waterloo’s Cubana, with its vibrant wall-sized murals, palm trees and Cuban flags blowing in the breeze, not even a rainy day in London can dim this salsa club’s inviting glow. Inside, you’ll find live music from regulars like Latin Dimension, Salsabor and resident soloist, Miguel, as well as regular DJ spots through the week. Entry is free Sunday — Thursday, and a very reasonable £5 after 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays when the club stays open late.
THE CUBAN JAM, BALABAM, TOTTENHAM
London’s leading Cuban band, Sambroso Sambroso, present this weekly celebration of Cuban music and culture at Balabam, a live venue with an admirable devotion to live music and the local community. Internationally renowned percussionist and bandleader Oreste “Sambroso” Noda leads an all-star ensemble featuring some of the worlds greatest Cuban musicians, with many flying in from all over the world to join the band.
Did we miss one of your favourite Latin music spots? Let us know in the comments! We’ll be back soon with more of London’s best live music venues, but in the meantime, for more news and info on the latest live music events in London, be sure to follow HUM on Facebook and Instagram.
