Revolucion de Cuba: Bringing a taste of Cuba to the heart of Manchester…

As the classic northern rain smattered onto the windows of Revolucion de Cuba in Manchester, we took summer into our own hands as we tried and tested an array of Cuban-inspired cocktails and food jam packed full of the countries flavours.

Stepping inside from the heavy downpour, we were welcomed into the largely open and warmly lit Cuban-esque bar and restaurant. Multiple fans hung from the ceiling to match the aesthetic (although we wouldn’t be needing them in Manchester’s climate!) alongside classic colourful Cuban décor.

Latin inspired music softly radiated around the room whilst we sipped on our first cocktails. The Miami Vice was reminiscent of the classic Pina Colada with an added twist- topped with Revolucion de Cuba’s own iced Strawberry Daquiri. The coconut cream meant the drink went down almost too easily.

Nachos with freshly made salsa and guacamole

If you’re one who likes to start their drinks as they mean to go on (the stronger the better!) then we found that the Pineapple Passion Spritz did just that. It wasn’t strong enough to make you wince, but certainly had a kick behind it- consisting of Bacardi Cuatro Rum, pineapple liqueur, prosecco, passion fruit and soda.

Our servers were very attentive and polite, providing us with nachos accompanied by freshly made guacamole and salsa to snack on whilst we scoured the extensive menu. Serving a range of lunch deals, tapas and mains we were spoilt for choice.

We finally opted for three tapas dishes to start between two (£14) ; the Chorizo Croquetas (chorizo croquettes served with a garlic aioli), Albondigas (meatballs made from beef, chorizo and pork in a rich tomato sauce) and Charred Halloumi (halloumi and butternut squash served in a chilli jam glaze). The halloumi was most definitely the highlight; giving it a smooth texture that paired hand-in-hand with the glaze.

Halloumi in chilli jam

Our mains arrived next alongside our next helpings of cocktails, with the Mad Hatter cocktail seriously impressing. Presented with a quirky playing card, lashings of Bacardi rums were combined with pineapple, vanilla, passion fruit and lime. What’s even better about this cocktail is that there’s the option for a sharer teapot (£18), which means double the amount (we’re certainly not complaining).

Choosing the Pealla and Carribean Curry from the menu, we couldn’t help feel that the portions were a little small and were initially disappointed that the Paella wasn’t made with authentic rice. However, as we indulged we realised these lighter portion sizes complimented the cocktails so we weren’t over faced.

The Paella and curry

The running theme of lighter dishes continued through to the deserts where we were served a delicious chocolate mousse cake and coconut ice cream. Once again, the sizes complimented the drinks and left us feeling content with room to wind down with a strong coffee that set us up for the rest of our afternoon.