On Thursday 12th February, if you happened to be strolling through the streets of Covent Garden you might have been forgiven for thinking you were in the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro. Not a claim that London can often make and certainly not a result of our inclement winter weather. No; this February Rio Carnival was transported to our nation’s capital in a week long extravaganza hosted by popular Brazilian club, Guanabara. The celebrations kicked off that Thursday with a Carnival Parade marching through the streets, bringing the party officially to this iconic 600 capacity party venue.
Between February 11th-17th Guanabara put on 7 non-stop days of Carnival celebrations including a masked ball, samba dancers, circus acts, live Brazilian bands and of course…plenty of authentic street food and rum cocktails.
Between February 11th-17th Guanabara put on 7 non-stop days of Carnival celebrations including a masked ball, samba dancers, circus acts, live Brazilian bands and of course…plenty of authentic street food and rum cocktails.
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I went down on the 12th to experience the party for myself. On walking into the venue and onto the trademark circular dance floor I was greeted with the sequin-bedazzled sight of multiple dancers shaking their tassels across the stage to the sounds of a live Brazilian band! The place was packed out with Caipirinha wielding revellers dancing and nibbling on the remnants of their street food.
I soon became one of said Caipirinha wielders and made my own way to the dance floor. I can’t claim that my samba rivalled that of the performers but making up for it in sheer rum-filled enthusiasm made for a fun and energetic evening!
I even bumped into fellow London blogger, The Foodaholic!
Although this was a special week in honour of the carnival events going on in Brazil, Guanabara parties like this all year round. I actually first discovered it a couple of years ago on a work Christmas outing – it seems to be popular with big groups; they are well set up for catering numbers, the drinks aren’t unreasonable and every time I’ve been it’s been busy, making it a reliable option for a bit of a boogie.
Thanks to Guanabara for a wicked night. Although I can’t pretend you helped my head on Friday morning, you certainly brought some Brazilian sun to my rainy London world. At least for one night.
Thanks to Guanabara for a wicked night. Although I can’t pretend you helped my head on Friday morning, you certainly brought some Brazilian sun to my rainy London world. At least for one night.
www.guanabara.co.uk/
New London Theatre, Parker Street, London WC2B 5PW
020 7242 8600
