Restaurants

Havanas Bodeguita del Medio started life as an ordinary bar, busy with local bohos and rough sailors knocking back cheap beers and mojitos, and eating hangover-padding such as moros y cristianos (beans and rice). But Hemingway dropped by for a few litres of daiquiri and the bar became a tourist trap. This London franchise starts off at the end of the story, hence the distressed paintwork, faux faded posters and piped salsa music which you cant hear as the acoustics are dire. As theme bars go, the foods not exactly bad (crispy salmon ceviche, nicely grilled artichokes, tasty burgers and a gently spiced chicken main course), but its only a notch above catering fodder. Portions are rather small too. Service is well intentioned, but was shoddy on a busy Friday night, and the tables are placed too close together. The Cuban booze is good, though; the mojito mix was a finely balanced affair, and a mango daiquiri was like a smoothie, but with a mean kick. This is a place to drink and chat (or shout). If you want a memorable meal, youll have to go to Havana, circa 1955.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008