Barrio North London Review
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Like many of the establishments with which it shares a postcode, Barrio North is a well executed affair on the Essex Road. The drinks cabinet is exceptionally well stocked and tailor-made cocktails pack quite a punch with double measures as standard. Rums on offer range from well-recognised Bacardi to scrumptious Venezuelan Centenario; Caiparinhas are made from a selection of traditional Brazilian cachasas with not a vodka substitution in sight and the tequila range would impress even the most hardened Ranchero.
When Fluid visited it was bustling, even on a wintry midweek evening. Latin American tracks shake the decks and there’s the added entertainment of sitting in a caravan if you’re lucky enough to nab it early. With a regularly changing art exhibition adorning the walls between umbrellas, Mexican paper lanterns and Spanish tiles, it’s a great homage to the Latin word, encompassing everywhere from Mexico to Brazil with a stopover in Barcelona. Once we’d warmed up from the chilly London air, it felt just like we’d just dropped our backpacks and found our way to a sophisticated Lapa watering hole in Rio’s party district.
Barrio has a wide appeal, patrons range from Islington's best-heeled, supping champagne cocktails, to London's Latinos getting in a spot of samba. Students are happy heading here for a night out with the selection of prices to please the most expensive tastes or impoverished purses. The cocktails are averagely priced for the area but the quality of spirits, expertly and generously poured from behind the bar, will more than likely tempt you to treat yourself. If cocktails aren’t your tipple of choice, the beers and wine menu are reassuringly affordable and a non-alcoholic page offers plenty of virgin options including delectable home-made lemonade – worth keeping that New Year's resolution for.
Snacks are on offer, though the menu is a little complicated, with Moroccan and Mediterranean bites sharing the page with Chinese, tandoori, pizza and even Sunday-lunch style Yorkshire puds. However, the range is well executed and once we'd made our choice, we were happy to munch on giant slabs of chorizo and dip warm pitta into pots of hummus.
It seems difficult not to enjoy yourself at Barrio North and it will appeal to those who appreciate particularly fine or unusual spirits; or those who are pining for days spent travelling; or those who have a penchant for salsa beats; or those who just want a colourful night spot to spend the evening. It’s a great place to take a date, with alternative vibes and considerate lighting and consistently draws in those wanting something a bit different. The antithesis of the cheesy gay bars round the corner offering a cultural touch and cheerful decorations that can’t fail to raise the spirits.
Kimberley Smith (04 01 2010)
Barrio North London Description
Barrio North is a neighbourhood cockatil & DJ bar that combines the spirit of community and collaboration with street culture from the ghetto archipelago. Taking in the vibe from London to New York, Miami to Mexico, Rio to Havana, Lisbon to Barcelona and any other city where music, art and culture collide and meld in their own unique way.
Barrio North's neighbourhood is inclusive of anyone with similar mind set rather than geographic locality.
A love of music in all its worldly genres, an appreciation of up coming musicians, artists and urban poets, combined with an appetite for drinks sourced from all corners and served how they should be - you’re in Barrio's 'hood!
Customer Reviews for Barrio North
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Barrio North.
“Absolutely bloody love this place, great apple mojitos!”
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Kelly, London (7 months 27 days ago)
“I've been checking out barrio since it opened and it's really good to start seeing someone stepping up to the mark in islington and playing some good music. If you know anything about the Latin, funk, soul hip hop scene then you need to check this out, i've just seen on their website that they've hooked up with Mr. Bongo records from Brighton and the Breakin Bread guys, as a DJ myself i can safely say this is the choice for all you beat connoisseurs.”
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Michael Winek, London (2 years 8 months ago)
“Barrio North is such a find. I've recently moved to the area and its my new favorite place! AMAZING cocktails!”
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genny, london (2 years 8 months 28 days ago)
“Really nice place - a definite improvement on the Warwick before it. Good music and great drinks with a hotdog for the journey home - sorted.”
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Jonathan Wrigley, London (2 years 8 months 28 days ago)
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Barrio North Opening Hours
| Monday: |
Closed |
Friday: |
4:30pm - 2:00am |
| Tuesday: |
4:30pm - 12:00am |
Saturday: |
4:30pm - 2:00am |
| Wednesday: |
4:30pm - 12:00am |
Sunday: |
4:30pm - 12:00am |
| Thursday: |
4:30pm - 1:00am |
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Additional Information
- Cuisine Type: Latin
- Average Price: £10.00
- Dress Code: None, come as you are!
- Barrio
Map & Nearby Venues