Casa do Frango to launch Havana-inspired bar in Canary Wharf
In Reuters Plaza, Bar Bolivar launches later this month and will serve an extensive list of cocktails with a Cuban twist alongside South American street food.
“Having grown up in Havana, I was always mesmerised by Cuban culture – from architecture, to music, to bars, to nightlife, Havana offers a one-of-a-kind experience,” says Jake Kasumov, who together founded Casa do Frango with Marco Mendes in 2018.
“Taking inspiration from legendary establishments like La Bodeguita Del Medio, El Floridita and the bar at Hotel Nacional, our idea was to transport our guests into a little corner of Havana.”
Pabellón’s menu is inspired by founders Helios Gala Karla Quetglas’ time growing up in Caracas in Venezuela.
Key dishes on offer at Bar Bolivar will include arepas (grilled corn bread) with various filings; the eponymous pabellón rice bowls; and a Cubano sandwich with honey-roasted ham, Emmental cheese, roasted shredded pork pickled cucumber and American mustard.
There will also be bar snacks including tostones (plantain chips) with chipotle mayo; and grilled cheese with truffle infused honey.
The cocktail list includes The Hemingway Highball (sweet-and-sour grapefruit and cranberry juice, vermouth, white rum and 3 Cents cherry soda); and The Gin Malecon (bitters, fresh lime, pineapple juice, Orgeat and London Dry Gin).
Kasumov and Mendes now operate a brace of Casa do Frango piri piri chicken restaurants alongside outdoor street food hub and are also backing ex-Noma Mexico chef Santiago Lastra’s debut London restaurant Kol, which is also launching later this month.
