How to do Latin London

Como No has propelled Latin culture in London since planting their musical roots back in 1986. They founded the La Linea fest, hosted shows with legends like Celia Cruz and Rubén Blades, and even formed Mexrrissey – the much-adored Smiths cover band with a Mexican twist. 

Find their next event at comono.co.uk

This popular spot in Waterloo definitely emits the vibrant spirit of its Caribbean namesake. Boasting bright murals and authentic food, Cubana keeps its doors open until the early hours, enlisting local Latin live bands and DJs who will keep the vibes rolling until you’re ready to watch the sun rise over the nearby Thames.

Find out more at www.cubana.co.uk

LGBTQ+ collective Exilio is creating safe spaces for London’s Latinx queer community. Expect to rub shoulders with Latin drag acts and dance to the finest salsa and reggaeton. Perreo – reggaeton’s premier dance move – is an art. Master it at one of these raves.

Find their next event at www.exilio.co.uk

This two-floor haven has long brought Latin flair to Camden’s Stables Market. There’s something on the calendar every night for salsa and merengue enthusiasts looking to dine, drink and dance well. It’s one of the few places in London where you can take a bite out of a fajita while you get down on the floor. The dream, tbh.

Open daily. Find out more at gabeto.co.uk

You may recognise this name from Pete Rodriguez’s iconic boogaloo hit – or, more realistically, the Cardi B super-bop which sampled it. Party planner I Like It Like That reps the famed song with its salsa dura (or ‘hard salsa’) vinyl parties. These sessions are perfect for anyone craving hip-shakers.

Find their next event at ilikeitlikethat-salsa.com

Hidden inside the Truman Brewery, Juju’s feels like a little pocket of paradise where it’s summer forever. It’s home to a varied programme of Latin events – from the monthly Oye Como Va night to salsa gigs and capoeira classes.

Open daily. Find out more at jujusbarandstage.com

Feeling fancy? K-Che’s stylish, neon-lit settings are raising the glitz levels in London’s Latin club circuit. Here you can get down to salsa and the newest reggaeton sounds, all pumping through the state-of-the-art soundsystem.

Open Fri-Sat. Find out more at kchelondon.com

If a venue could be personified, La Bodeguita would be your zany nan – reliable, warm-hearted and always up for a party. This authentic diner-slash-club is a long-standing fixture in Elephant & Castle. Equipped with booming speakers in the centre of the room, its late-night parties are as close as you’ll get to Cali in London.

Open daily. Find out more at labodeguita.co.uk

Distriandina has been an essential hub for London’s Latinx diaspora since 2002, making it the oldest operating Colombian venue in the capital. The community space also doubles as one of the most buzzing Latin clubs in the city, pumping out the best cumbia and vallenato.

Open daily. Find out more at thecolombian.co.uk

Named after the iconic cumbia anthem of the same name, London Bridge’s La Pollera Colorá is bursting with energy. Voted the UK’s Latin Nightclub of the Year, its dancefloors come alive with classic sounds of bachata and cumbia.

Open Thu-Sat. Find out more at titosperuvianrestaurant.com/la-pollera