Cuban Nights: The Rib Room BACARDI Summer Terrace

Fancy whisking yourself away to the sultry Cuban heat, but – like us – can’t afford the air fare or travel time? Well, we have the answer! We’ve been checking out the Cuban-themed BACARDÍ Summer Terrace at The Rib Room in Knightsbridge, London – the perfect location for a bit of weeknight escapism.

Located in Jumeriah Carlton Tower, the BACARDÍ Summer Terrace is in the heart of London’s swankiest district. Just swishing through the grand hotel entrance is already enough to make you feel temporarily transported to a different world.

Head on though, towards the sounds of Latin swing and the not-unpleasant sharp scent of cigar smoke, and there’s a more relaxed vibe. The secluded outdoor terrace feels private and glamorous, ideal for kicking back with a potent rum cocktail and some top notch people-watching.

Cocktails fit for a pirate king

Rum cocktails are the order of the day here – Cap’n Jack Sparrow would not be disappointed! The summer specials have some clever rum-based twists on classic cocktails. We tried a punchy champagne cocktail with Bacardi and lime (it works, trust us) and a delicious twist on a Mai Thai. They’re a bit pricey at around £11 upwards each, but worth it as a treat if you’ve popped along with a friend.

A modern take on Cuban classics

Delicious snack options are the way to go on the terrace – all of which have been given a modern update on Cuban classics. The deep-fried chicken arroz (like arancini risotto balls) had gentle chilli heat and the mojo dip they came with had a real punchy kick. The duck wrapped in lettuce was more unusual, and we have to admit confirmed for us that we can’t get on board with cooked lettuce, however nice the filling.

However, the empanadas were the star of the show. Melt-in-the-mouth morsels of delicious meat-filled pastry, with just the right balance of salt, soft chilli heat and cool sour cream for dipping. We could’ve eaten these twice over.

All in all, great snacks for soaking up the booze. We enjoyed three between two of us, which was more than enough to accompany the drinks.

The Verdict

The Rib Room BACARDÍ Summer Terrace is perfect for a catch up with a friend after work. Relaxed atmosphere, pleasant but not intrusive service, and cocktails and snacks with a twist – overall, we spent a very happy few hours here chatting and soaking up the Cuban vibes.

If you want a glamorous location to while away a couple of hours with drinks and gossip, give it a go!

Go and visit

The Rib Room BACARDÍ Summer Terrace is open from 12pm daily until 30 August. On Wednesday to Saturday evenings, the BACARDÍ Summer Terrace also comes alive with Latin swing, soul and jazz courtesy of a live band.

To find out more on the BACARDÍ Summer Terrace or to reserve a table, visit theribroom.co.uk.