Cubanista Bar London Review: A Hidden 1920s Cuban Speakeasy in South Kensington

November 8, 2025

Cubanista bar in London is one of the more intriguing cocktail dens in the city. It is a Cuban-inspired speakeasy tucked behind a red telephone box in South Kensington, serving as the covert lounge of Paloma Club. It’s the kind of bar that doesn’t shout its presence; you have to call to get in. Step through the phone booth, and you enter “Casa Isla,” a nostalgic, moody retreat filled with tropical rhythms, vintage flair, and expertly made rum-forward drinks.

Walking into Cubanista feels like stepping into a 1920s Latin-American salon hidden beneath London. The ambience leans dark and sultry, with faded tropical palettes, vintage Bacardi posters, distressed leather seating, mismatched furniture, and soft lighting. The decor is purposeful but not overdone: the vintage posters and tropical decor whisper rather than scream. The room feels intimate—more cocktail hideaway than grand bar—making it ideal for conversation and close tables.

Cubanista bridges two moods. Early in the evening it’s secretive and relaxed—a speakeasy for pairings and small talk. Later, it features more music and energy, making it a stylish prelude or counterpart to a night out at Paloma. The owners crafted an imaginary Fuentes family backstory to ground the design in Cuban heritage and lend authenticity to the décor.

This venue is exactly what a luxury bartender’s dream could look like—a hidden room with a narrative, artistic cocktails, and an ambience curated to reveal itself slowly. It’s not for casual passersby; you need to commit to the experience.

Cubanista Bar London Menu

Cubanista’s cocktail programme is rooted in Cuban spirit traditions, with a twist of theatrical creativity. Rum is king, but expect playful, layered concoctions rather than straight classics.

Some standouts include the Presidente, a house signature combining Plantation rum with Lillet Blanc. The bar describes it as “just better” than classic Manhattans or Martinis. The Montecristo is a moody, rich mix of espresso, rum, tobacco, and chocolate notes. Taste the Margt‑rita, a riff on a margarita with jalapeños, and the Love Birds, where grilled pineapple meets rum, lime, vanilla, and cardamom.

If you’re curious, the bar also hosts cocktail masterclasses (Thursday–Saturday nights), where guests make four themed cocktails, enjoy a sushi break, and gain access to Paloma for the rest of the night.