We don’t know when, and we don’t know where, but the rum and cocktail bar Revolución de Cuba is coming to Glasgow.
Just a few days ago, our favourite South American themed bar announced that they are opening their very first Scottish venue. Ten Revolución de Cubas already exist across England, so we went and visited a couple to let the good people of Scotland know what’s up.
The atmosphere in the Revolución de Cuba in Manchester was electric, and this was 5pm on a Saturday. We’d been expecting a few quiet drinks, assuming that most people would be at home getting ready for their nights out – we were wrong. Unluckily for Scotland, the busy bar and amazing buzz might have been because Rev de Cuba offers generous happy hours six days a week (3-7pm Monday-Friday, and 5-7pm Saturdays) which have been illegal in Scotland since 2009. Never fear though, there is plenty to recommend these bars apart from their drinks deals.
The venue itself deserves some discussion first of all. While the bar is Cuban themed – the name is a bit of a give-away – it’s not tacky or in your face. Mosaic tiles surround the bar, and wooden barrels acting as tables are scattered between regular high tables and stools. Near the huge windows, a fantastic band plays salsa music and as it gets later a few tipsy couples get up to dance.
Just a few days ago, our favourite South American themed bar announced that they are opening their very first Scottish venue. Ten Revolución de Cubas already exist across England, so we went and visited a couple to let the good people of Scotland know what’s up.
The atmosphere in the Revolución de Cuba in Manchester was electric, and this was 5pm on a Saturday. We’d been expecting a few quiet drinks, assuming that most people would be at home getting ready for their nights out – we were wrong. Unluckily for Scotland, the busy bar and amazing buzz might have been because Rev de Cuba offers generous happy hours six days a week (3-7pm Monday-Friday, and 5-7pm Saturdays) which have been illegal in Scotland since 2009. Never fear though, there is plenty to recommend these bars apart from their drinks deals.
The venue itself deserves some discussion first of all. While the bar is Cuban themed – the name is a bit of a give-away – it’s not tacky or in your face. Mosaic tiles surround the bar, and wooden barrels acting as tables are scattered between regular high tables and stools. Near the huge windows, a fantastic band plays salsa music and as it gets later a few tipsy couples get up to dance.
There’s a party atmosphere, and a drinks menu to match. This is where the South American theme really kicks in, with seven mojitos on offer, as well as Brazilian caipirinhas and Puerto Rican piña coladas – to name just a few. The cocktails are fun and quirky, with novelties such as “One for the Road” which comes in a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag, and punch served in adorable plastic pineapples. Our favourite was the “Backhanded Compliment”: a fruity rum cocktail that comes with a small card attached with the promised backhanded compliment (we got “I love how you just wear anything!”). If cocktails aren’t really your thing though, then Rev de Cuba still has you covered. There is a long wine list (check out the red wine sangria pitchers if you can’t make up your mind!) and various beers and ciders on draught from all around the world.
We never really thought that a rum and cocktail bar would be a let-down, but Revolución de Cuba exceeded our expectations. Even when we visited during the week, the Leeds bar was full downstairs and although there was a bit of a wait for drinks, we weren’t disappointed when they served us a "Zombie” set on fire and garnished with pineapple leaves.
Without the happy hour deals (damn Scottish laws!), the cocktails aren’t as cheap as the usual pint-at-the-pub after-work drinks but since they’re far more lethal you won’t be downing as many anyway! The bar is warm and fun, and with their fantastic mix of salsa-inspired party tunes, it livens up any evening. As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, who could say no to a splash of South American carnival heating things up in the centre of Glasgow?
We never really thought that a rum and cocktail bar would be a let-down, but Revolución de Cuba exceeded our expectations. Even when we visited during the week, the Leeds bar was full downstairs and although there was a bit of a wait for drinks, we weren’t disappointed when they served us a "Zombie” set on fire and garnished with pineapple leaves.
Without the happy hour deals (damn Scottish laws!), the cocktails aren’t as cheap as the usual pint-at-the-pub after-work drinks but since they’re far more lethal you won’t be downing as many anyway! The bar is warm and fun, and with their fantastic mix of salsa-inspired party tunes, it livens up any evening. As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, who could say no to a splash of South American carnival heating things up in the centre of Glasgow?
Anna Williamson
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