Cubana, London

Cubana is one of those places that you find purely by accident and love instantly. The bar and restaurant have the look and grandeur of a decaying old ballroom. The Virgin Mary statue, flags and other revolution paraphernalia add to charming shabby chic look. The bar serves fresh fruit cocktails with at least one and a half measures of spirits or liqueurs. You must have a deeply refreshing mojito cocktail, which is quite possibly the greatest Cuban export of all. During happy hours (5p-6:30p), selected cocktails, including jugs, are two for the price of one. Creole cooking is served with pork, chicken, plantain and beans dishes on the menu. Get in on some of that hot salsa action on Friday and Saturday nights, when bands from Cuba provide music to shake the house down. As any self-respecting Cuban joint, Cubana also offers a selection of cigars - just ask!