Does Newcastle really need another bar/club? We have hundreds to choose from and a night out can get pretty overwhelming choosing where to go. The problem is, so many of our clubs are samey and have little to no diversity. We desperately needed something different and Revolucion De Cuba provided that for us. They kindly invited me along to try some food and cocktails, and at a later date, I went back to do some work for them via Instagram. This post is not paid for, however, I was gifted the meal and drinks in exchange for this review. Now, transparency aside – here’s the review.
I’m not too familiar with Cuba, I don’t know that much about it except what I’ve seen on Tar Mar’s vlog (check it out, she’s an amazing content creator) and the fact they really don’t like America that much. The decor inside is beautiful, full of colour and life. They had a full band playing some amazing music and if you caught my Instagram story, you’ll have seen how lively the place was. It was pretty busy considering it was early on a Friday evening so the word of mouth had obviously spread fast. During the day, Revolucion De Cuba is a restaurant and bar, however, on a night time, there is a downstairs area that turns into a club.
I’m just going to put it out there that I ordered WAY too much food. But I have to sample it all, right? I didn’t expect the menu to be so Mexican inspired, as someone who rolled burritos for almost 2 years, I’ve eaten my fair share of Mexican food. I understand that Cuban food is a mixture of American Taino food, African, Spanish and Caribbean cuisines and I really thought the menu would reflect that more. Nevertheless, I thought it was a good mix and I enjoyed what I had.
The standout of the evening was definitely the cocktails, I do think Newcastle lacks somewhere for decent drinks with good music. The cocktails were fantastic and I had the best strawberry daiquiri. It’s worth a trip for one of those alone. I started off with a Carnaval Tropicana (Bacardi Carta Oro rum, pineapple, passion fruit and strawberry, topped with Red Bull Tropical Edition) and it was wonderful. I love this cocktail and it’s a more upmarket version of the one I used to get in Whetherspoons (Rum Punch, you’re the real MVP). My friend went for a Mariposa (Koko Kanu coconut rum and Chambord black raspberry liqueur shaken with passion fruit, pineapple, cranberry and lemon) that came garnished with a lovely little butterfly.
For our starter, my friend and I shared 3 of the tapas. We went for the Pulled pork with caramelised pineapple and salsa, served in 3 soft corn tacos, sliced sweet potato topped with spinach, peas, sour cream and crispy bacon bites and calamari. The tacos were beautiful, a twist on something I’ve had many times with the addition of the pineapple. It was a dish I knew I’d either love or hate but, I really liked it. As for the sweet potato, it was a little undercooked and not as soft as you’d expect a sliced sweet potato to be. The sauces and crispy bacon bites were great and the flavour was all there, however, it just wasn’t as cooked as I’d have liked it to be. My friend really enjoyed the calamari, and next time I would definitely order the cheeseburger tacos which sound both weird and wonderful.
I made the brave decision to go for a burrito bowl for my main. I love pulled pork burritos, and well, pulled pork anything. A burrito bowl is a burrito without the wrap, it came with zesty rice, black beans, peppers, onions, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. I really enjoyed it but after my starter, it was pretty colossal. I didn’t even make a dent in it. I did feel as though there was maybe a little bit too much food, considering it was pretty stodgy with rice, beans and nachos. The presentation was colourful and it looked really attractive to eat. I definitely did enjoy it but wished I’d ordered something a little smaller after the three tacos and sweet potato. I love anything that involves pork, sour cream and nachos. It’s pretty much Katie in a dish.
My friend opted for the Cuban Cheeseburger with melting Manchego and cheddar cheese. Served on a toasted bun with fries and rum mayo. The burger was premium 8oz Steak Burger and looked so good. She went for cajun creamy fries which I pinched one to try, and it was really good. As a side order for myself (yes, I know what you’re thinking…) I went for the Cheesy Cuban Fries and they were so good, totally smothered in cheese, like mac and cheese.
We ordered some more drinks and sat and chatted for a while, I nipped to the loo and took about 45 selfies in the mirror because the bathroom is pink and well, if I can get a picture with a cute pink background, I will. Just to note, everything is just so Instagram worthy. It’s hidden away near Flares but it’s a really good gem for some cute pictures.
It was time for round two of the cocktails and I couldn’t say no to a Strawberry Daiquiri (Bacardi Carta Blanca rum with strawberry, cranberry, lime and sugar.) Madhatter cocktail.(Bacardi Carta Oro and Carta Blanca rums with pineapple, vanilla, passion fruit and lime. The Daiquiri’s are poured straight from a slush machine and seriously, they taste like the best ice lollies. The thing with Revs De Cuba is, the cocktails are strong but they’re so good you barely taste the alcohol. I can’t explain how good the daiquiri is so you’re just going to have to go and try one for yourself. I’ve had many a good strawberry daiquiris when I’ve been abroad, but nothing quite matched it in the UK until now.
We finished the meal off with some Churros because well, how could we not?! They were so good and I already want more just looking at this picture. Mmm ?
A huge thank you to Revolucion De Cuba for inviting me down to try out the food and drinks, I had a great time and I’ve already been back since and know I’ll be back again.
Don’t forget, Monday-Friday 3-7pm is happy hour, 2 cocktails for £10. You won’t regret it (unless you drink too many and end up with a monumental hangover)
K x
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