Brazilian evenings in London

BARRACO, Kilburn

Modelling itself on the revered Brazilian institution that is the ‘boteco’, or neighbourhood, bar, this authentic little restaurant’s charm lies in its totally relaxed – if slightly chaotic – Rio vibe. Permanently rammed, despite being hidden away down a cul-de-sac, Barraco offers live music and a London Brazilian cuisine menu littered with reasonably priced fresh South American specials make it pretty much the closest you’ll get to a real Brazilian experience this side of the Atlantic.

FLORIPA, Old Street

While not quite the genuine South American experience, Floripa’s self-declared ‘hedonistic bohemian cultural fusion’ has its own unique appeal. Acknowledging the contradiction of the culture clash between London’s melting-pot music scene and the cabanas of Ipanema and Florianopolis, this Latin bar in London aims to combine the best of both worlds. To please the Shoreditch-loving hipsters, surreal touches like a bike attached to the wall feature throughout, while generous jugs of classic cocktails (the Batilda de Salto with passion fruit, mango, coconut and lime was a highlight) and Bossa Nova beats lend plenty of Brazilian personality.

COCOBANANAS, Battersea

Inspired by the 'It' destination of 2014, this new club aims to transport guests straight to the heart of a Latin American beach party. A gloriously kitsch celebration of all things Brazil, this is one World Cup fiesta with all the trimmings – boys clad in surf shorts and girls in bikinis serving cachaça in cocktails, capoeira dancers, Brazilian street food, palm trees, and even a version of Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer.

CLERKENWELL CABANA, Farringdon

The Well Clerkenwell are also jumping aboard the cabana bandwagon this summer as they open their very own subterranean cocktail lounge. With an exotic and playful cocktail list (including a refreshing and zingy Raspberry Mojito), street-food inspired snacks, Latin beats and, of course, a beach-y interiors vibe, this is a more low-key option.

BARZINHO, South Soho

With grand carnival décor and Rio graffiti adorning the walls, newly-launching Barzinho is a veritable Brazilian oasis bang smack in the heart of London. To mark their launch, they’ll be offering a range of sumptuous cocktails, including the legendary Caipirinha and ‘The Redeemer’ (to be enjoyed after sucking on a Miracle Fruit Sweet for the ultimate taste sensation). Expect flowing drinks and lively samba, plus a resident DJ spinning the decks from his very own replica Brazilian shack.