Rio 2016: Where to eat and drink in London during the Rio Olympics
London is turning into its own verison of the Brazilian captial to celebrate the Rio 2016 Games
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Your support makes all the difference.Despite being around 5,700 miles away, London isn't about to let that – and the small fact of miserable and unreliable weather – get in the way of celebrating all things Brazilian during the games. Discover the best places to take in all the action of the Games and the beautiful country, with its zingy street food and tropical boozy drinks, bright colours and of course as much sport as you can take.
Bunga Bunga, Battersea
Bunga Bunga is being transformed into London's ultimate Brazilian hub, featuring an exclusive Olympic-themed pop-up upstairs in the form of an South American-inspired beach shack, Cocobananas. The pop-up will be decked out with the flags of Brazil, palm trees, banana leaves, beach balls, exotic flowers and lounge chairs and features a Caipirinha bar, a dedicated Olympic-themed cocktail menu and Samba dancers. The Cocobananas Olympic pop-up is also available for private hire during the Olympic Games.
The Brewery, Barbican
This summer, The Brewery pulling out all the stops for their own Brazilian bonanza and are transforming their courtyard into a stunning and riotous Brazilian-themed bohemian beachside hangout and tropical paradise – available to hire for private parties of 60 to 1000 guests – complete with carnivalesque sets, beach shack décor and Brazilian BBQ menu by chef Brazil native Fernando Granzotto (previously of Sushi Samba). Price pp starts from £80.
Rio Boteco, London Fields
Celebrate Rio 2016 Olympic Games at pop-up restaurant Rio Boteco, showcasing the best of Brazilian gastronomy. Inspired by the bohemian “botecos” (traditional grocery stores), Rio Boteco is the brainchild of events company MargoCamilo, whose founding members are both Brazilian natives, in partnership with the Institute of Light in London Fields – Hackney’s newest collaborative space. Discover traditional tapas and charcuterie, as well a selection of fusion dishes created in collaboration with renowned chefs such as Roberta Ciasca from Rio's restaurants Miam Miam, Oui Oui and Petit in Rio and Leon Borja from Harley-Dogs.
CopaCabana Beach, South Bank
All summer long, Cabana is recreating the best of Rio’s most famous beach on London’s iconic South Bank, in celebration of the Rio Olympics. Along with 85 tonnes of sand they are serving up their best-selling street food items including spicy Malagueta chicken, pork & papaya sausage and sweet potato fries from the brand new “Bonde” food tram. The beachside bar recreates Rio’s famous lifeguard towers, known as “postos”, and will be serving cocktails, such as fruity Caipirinhas, the national cocktail of Brazil.
Pop Fields, Brixton
Pop Brixton has launched a new temporary project, Pop Fields, which is the ideal outdoor place to celebrate the sporting highlights taking place over summer, including the Rio Olympics. Watch all the action on the biggest screen in South London and run around on a 4-a-side football pitch, mini-tennis court, basketball and touch rugby surfaces. Food and drink is provided (on rotation) by Pop Brixton’s community of traders and a partnership with Brixton Brewery.
Beach East, Stratford
More than 1,000 tonnes of sand has been shovelled into a space the size of two Olympic swimming pools beside the canal in Stratford. The UK's largest urban beach also features a sizeable paddling pool, funfair rides, two beach bars (Coconut Joe's bar or Pub Tropicana) and a host of sporting events and activities (from volleyball to fitness classes), plus a special Team GB FanZone for the Rio Olympics. Open daily from 10am.
Sushisamba, The City
Join in Olympics fun at the 38th floor Heron Tower bar. From 5 to 21 August, live broadcasts will be shown and you can sip on Brazilian-inspired cocktails, from the Mango Batida and Kaffirpirinh and nibble on “petiscos” (snacks) where pasteis de bacalhau and custard tarts with Caipirinha are on offer in addition to their usual range of award-winning sushi and Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian cuisine. After your visit, cast your vote as Sushisamba has recently been short-listed by Food and Travel for “Bar of the Year”.
Hoxton Grill, Hoxton
Hoxton are bringing South America to Shoreditch for a Brazilian-themed summer pop-up (until 21 August), which will be screening all of the games in their garden. Expect a bespoke Brazilian menu –including braised beef rib with chimichurri sauce and BBQ'd sweetcorn – alongside a pop-up Brazilian bar serving Brazilian-inspired drinks.
The Refinery, Southwark
This “Great British Summer” pop-up features a super-sized outdoor screen (screening the Olympics) on the terrace and this year comes with a Latin twist. Until 31 August, the Cuban-styled terrace, adorned with palm-trees and deck chairs transports you to a holiday hot-spot and features chequered wooden tables which double-up as draughts (checkers) tables, and also provides the perfect perch to enjoy one of The Refinery’s tropical-themed cocktails.
Percy & Founders, Fotzrovia
Head down to Percy’s Den to host your own event in their private dining room. Equipped with a 60” Full HD Apple TV to catch all the Olympic action, Bose surround sound system to play your own music as well as a floor-to-ceiling, bespoke designed wood and glass bar which comes fully kitted out. It even boasts a pull out drinks trolley. Make sure to order the Brazilian inspired tipple ‘A little Brazil in the land of the Incas'
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