Floridita

 

Floridita

 

VO

Cuba is officially the new hip party destination for Londoners, but if you haven’t quite go the money to fly over for happy hour then a trip to Floridita in Soho is a fun alternative. The bar is a modern day replica of Ernest Hemmingway’s favourite haunt in Havana.

 

INV

The inspiration for the London branch of Floridita that we’re in at the moment obviously comes from the famous bar in Cuba which in 1954 was voted one of the top ten bars in the world, and what we wanted to do was rejuvinate that name and bring it to London and give it some more vibrancy and life and update some of the cocktail recipes they had, bring over authentic Cuban music, and bring some fantastic food to the restaurant as well.

 

VOX

Brings to London what is Cuba. Cuban atmosphere is amazing, and I think together with all the cigars and cocktails here it really does create a sense of the Cuban experience.

 

VO

Probably the most convincing way to experience the spirit of Cuba is by drinking it.

 

INV

Cuba has a really rich history of cocktails, but there’s two predominant cocktails, the daiquiri and the mojhto. Daiquiri, really really simple cocktail, good quality Cuban rum, fresh lime juice and sugar. Simple as that, just getting the proportions right. Mojihto, very similar, longer drink, with the addition of some mint in it and some soda to crown it off.

 

VO

If the cocktail barmen have done their job properly and dignity is a distant memory you should be ready to try and dance like a Cuban too. The music varies from classic Cuban songs and salsa to the latest Cuban hip hop.

 

VOX

I love the music because the whole salsa culture and everything about Cuba it just screams about parties, and that’s one thing that really grabs me about this place, it’s really good.

 

VOX 2

I think it’s fabulous, it’s fantastic.

 

VO

Now all you need to do is work on your rhythm.