Barrio Central in Soho, London

Fluid Eating's Review of Barrio Central

When you leave a Latin-themed bar wondering how soon you can book a flight to Cuba, it’s definitely a sign that they’re doing something right. Barrio Central has managed to capture something of the ‘barrio’ (Spanish for ‘neighbourhood’) spirit to an impressive extent in its first couple of months since opening.

Upon arriving at this cosmopolitan cantina, we were taken downstairs and seated at one of the intimate table-desks that line the edge of the room. The decor is so intriguing that we spent far too long pointing out the upside-down umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and the 1940s style pin-up girl prints on the walls, and not nearly enough time looking at the menu, forcing the waitress to wander back and forth several times before we were ready to order.

The menu was not extensive, but it’s a million miles from standard bar-side cuisine. I opted for the ‘pinchos’ (plantain and halloumi skewers), which weren’t the most shareable of dishes, but were so yummy that I was secretly thankful for the impracticality. Alternatively, the freshly fried nachos are perfect for sharing and delightfully unlike the reheated Doritos that are so often served from snack menus.

The drinks list, on the other hand, featured one of the most extensive and vastly imaginative cocktail ranges I’ve ever come across. There were several variations on the classics as well as a whole host of unique blends that were as intriguing as they were delicious. At first I decided my favourite was the Cafe Louco – a bizarrely tasty blend of fresh orange, coffee, mint and Leblon cachaça – before the manager recommended the exclusive Rum and Raison Swizzle, which tasted a little like drinking a huge Turkish Delight (never a bad thing).

All the cocktails are listed under particular South American regions, in accordance with the origins of their alcoholic components. Naturally, there are a lot of rums and whiskeys and it’s a collection which doesn’t shy away from the flavour of these strong spirits, but that’s simply because it doesn’t have to: each is chosen specifically to compliment the overall flavour of the drink. I’m no cocktail-connoisseur (although I’m starting to consider it...), but the effort and originality in Barrio Central’s selection is obvious.

Barrio Central wasn’t packed during our visit but then, having recently acquired a 3am weekend licence, the night was still young. The patrons that had arrived were as eclectic as the surroundings: a mix of those winding down after a day’s work and those just beginning their night out. The result is an electric atmosphere which, combined with the dimming lights and ‘ghetto beats’ played by the DJ, is sure to turn into quite the tequila-drenched party by the end of the night.

Whilst the straw-roofed decking adorned with glowing light-cables, the decorative cacti, and the glamorously tropical cocktails all contribute to the creation a vibe rarely found so close to the busy streets of Oxford Circus, it was undoubtedly the welcome which we received from the chilled-out staff that best conveyed the vision of Barrio Central. Well worth a visit.

Reviewed by Leah Harper

DESCRIPTION: Barrio Central is a cocktail bar, kitchen and basement club located in the heart of London’s Soho, minutes from Oxford Circus. A clash of Latin cities, cultures and quarters, with a warm and welcoming neighbourhood vibe, we have a passion for exquisite drinks, fresh cooking and great music.

WE LOVE NEIGHBOURHOOD!

Barrio Central’s neighbourhood is inclusive of anyone with a similar mindset rather than geographic locality. A love of music in all its worldly genres, an appreciation of upcoming musicians, artists and urban poets, combined with an appetite for food and drink sourced from all corners and served how they should be - you're in Barrio's 'hood!

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
(Updated 02/06/2010)

Barrio Central Food & Drink Menus

Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at Barrio Central. These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's offerings and assciated prices.

Barrio Central Food menu

Our food menu takes all things Latin and stops off a few times in the tropical Caribbean. From pinchos and small plates, to lunches and glorious platters; all dishes cooked from fresh ingredients, with a respect for authentic recipes but with our own added twists and flourishes.

Item	Price

Barrio Central Drink menu

Globe trotting beers, new world wines, cocktails from all corners and spirits from across the seas… our drinks menu is organised by regions and our bar tenders excel in giving you a guided tour.

We’re naturally heavy on the rums and premium tequilas and hold regular tasting sessions to show off our ever growing collection.

Our signature cocktail, The No Brainer, is a sharing cocktail served in a custom hand-made ceramic mug in the form of a Luchador's (Mexican wrestling) mask - a must have!

Item	Description	Price
Brazilian Lady	An exotic seduction of Abelha cachaça,passion fruit and cool lemon / Brazil..	£7.00
Rum & Raisin Swizzle	Rich flavours of El Dorado rum, berries, lychees & rose petals / Guyana..	£7.00
Flor de Rita	A floral marriage of Arette tequila, vanilla, hibiscus, cherry & lime / Mexico..	£7.00
Tropic Plunder	An exotic flambé of fruits and Appleton rums / Jamaica..	£8.00
The Hoodrat	Refreshing Zubrowka bison grass vodka, red pepper, vanilla and southern spice / US of A..	£7.50
Thai Whisper	Lychee infused 42 Below vodka, coconut and oriental orange / Thailand..	£7.00

Barrio Central Special Offers

Apply for your "FRIENDS OF BARRIO" card & feel the love whenever you're in the neighbourhood. Sign-up is FREE (www.barriocentral.com) and gives you mates rates, 2-for-1's & other perks & benefits.

Barrio Central Opening Hours

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Closed	12:00pm - 1:00am	12:00pm - 1:00am	12:00pm - 1:00am	12:00pm - 1:00am	12:00pm - 1:00am	12:00pm - 1:00am

Barrio Central Map

• Show me a Printable map

“Barrio Central is my favourite bar in London. I had my birthday drinks there last summer and we also held our engagement drinks there in March this year. Both nights were lots of fun and the Barrio staff couldn't have been more helpful - they gave us tips as to which part of the bar would suit us best, and, for our engagement drinks, they even very kindly threw in a bottle of bubbles to help us celebrate our news. I'm sure we'll be back again soon!” Rating: — Miss Charlotte, London (03 May 2012)

“We came across this bar by chance and so pleased we did! We booked an area for a party and the staff were really helpful in making sure everything was organised for this, and indeed the evening went smoothly. We had a lovely lady looking after us on the night and despite the bar being very busy she was attentive (without being annoyin) and everything was brought over quickly! The cocktails were generous and delicious, the music was fun (and not so loud you couldn't hear yourself think) and there was just a great atmosphere! Thanks Barrio for a great night!” Rating: — Miss Laura B, London (29 Feb 2012)

“What a cool little venue. I like what they've done with the place. Very colourful, very inventive. The cocktail and beer menu is great too, covering all areas of the World nearly. It has a very Caribbean/South American vibe to it. And there are lots of hot girls there too. Definitely go back.” Rating: — Tommy, West Hampstead (20 Jun 2010)

“I just discovered Barrio Central last week and wish I'd found it earlier! The atmosphere is so friendly and the drinks are superb - not overpriced like so many London bars. It was quite busy by the end of the evening, so go early to get a seat - although most probably you'll want to be dancing anyway!” Rating: — Kate, Ruislip (03 Jun 2010)

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