Last Nights Of Havana at Tobacco Dock
We found ourselves once again in Shadwell, East London, trying to remember the way to Tobacco Dock.
A year ago, we visited the impressive events space, once a warehouse, for the opening of Skylight – an evening of faux fur throws, cheese fondue, fairy lights and ice-skating, topped with breath-taking views of London.
But tonight’s journey was for the launch of Last Nights of Havana, a celebration of all things south American. Having first stumbled back into Skylight, we soon located this year’s destination and were greeted by a big neon sign, chatter and the sounds of Cuban music.
The room was busy, and the party was in full swing. Glasses of Argentinian ‘Chandon Brut’ lined up on a table by the entrance, disappearing fast. The room was decked out in opulent style of pre-revolution Havana, with palm trees and a hint of moodiness.
We grabbed a table on the raised floor area with a perfect 360-degree view – we watched as punters arrived, faces lit up as they entered the buzzing room.
After our contribution to help any lingering glasses of bubbly disappear, we moved onto the cocktails. The menu was assembled by Andy Mil and Elliot Ball of Shoreditch bar The Cocktail Trading Company. The drinks menu offered classic cocktails with Cuban influence and modern twist, such as ‘Modern Mohito’, ‘Cubata’ and ‘Papa Doble’. Once we managed to get served (after a very long 25 minutes at the bar), the cocktails were as delicious as we’d hoped.
The four-piece live band was excellent and entertaining, bringing true Cuban melodies to the mix, led by Cuban born musical director Oreste ‘Sambroso’ Noda.
Sambroso is Cuban Music’s unofficial ambassador in the UK, an incredible musician and one of the most soulful people I have ever met” say Jack C Abraham, from London jazz brand Kansas Smitty’s and music consultant to Meanwhile Events.
We stayed until the end without noticing the time go by, completely immersed in the magic of the night. Havana had us.
Last Night of Havana is a great night out with fabulous music, cocktails and food. Our night would have been perfect had it not been for the ridiculously long wait at the bar. The Pop-Up will run until May 2019 for a limited number of nights. Tickets cost £20 each and include a complimentary cocktail on arrival. The cost will increase to £25 in 2019, so we’d advise booking now if you’re planning on going. A New Year’s Eve Party is planned, priced at £60 per person, with the cost including a glass of Moet & Chandon.
- For more information see www.lastnightsofhavana.com. Location: Last Nights of Havana, Quayside BarTobacco Dock, Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, London E1W 2SF; Nearest Tubes: Shadwell and Wapping
