Ray's Gigs

Daily news and reviews of gigs bars clubs restaurants product launches films theatre fashion shows books art galleries hotels competitions interesting places to visit ...and much more!

Friday 18 November 2022.

Friday 18 November 2022...5.15pm to 1am. BARRIO COVENT GARDEN - launch party - Parker Street, Covent Garden, London. Barrio Bars presents the newest (their fifth) member of the familia BARRIO COVENT GARDEN. Barrio Covent Garden is the newest Barrio and set to be bigger and better than ever, being their largest bar to hold 600 amigos at any given time. Believed to be the largest tequila bar in the world, Barrio Covent Garden is guaranteed to offer a full-colour, full-flavour experience, serving Latin-inspired cocktails, Mexican street food, live entertainment, and of course, plenty of tequila. Bringing feel-good vibes through the vibrant concept and interiors, Barrio aims to give guests’ the best Latino party on the London scene. Expect cracking party music including everything from Latino, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Funk, Soul and Old Skool Party Classics. Plus added entertainment for the extra WOW factor, incredible packages and party sharers, the biggest Barrio dancefloor and a happy hour that includes 2-4-1 cocktails and £3 tacos. Not to mention the newly crafted cocktail menu and authentic food creations. There will be no fiesta quite like it. Barrio Covent Garden is also the perfect venue for corporate hire and Christmas bookings with full bespoke catering and drinks packages available, full venue hire and two semi-exclusive spaces that can hold up to 200 people. ---------------- The venue used to be The Tropicana, and inside it looks pretty much the same look and vibe. A massive event as there must be 400 or 500 folks here at the 7pmish time. We are greeted by four female carnival dancers in full attire, who also perform later. We have VIP/press wristbands for a reserved table. This gets us Moėt champers all night, while non-wristbands have to settle with prosecco. Half a dozen nice cocktails on offer including espresso martinis. Also wines, beers and lots of tasty food, including crispy chicken burgers. Churros for dessert. Lots of folks dancing on the floor once the DJ started spinning mainly Latin dance tracks. Half a dozen toned males in their shorts, for the ladies. There was a fun photo booth. An excellent party, much better than expected. www.barriobars.com - Visit Barrio Bars website here. --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Thursday 17 November 2022. 5.30pm to 7pm MOUNT STREET Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On, Mount Street, Mayfair, London W1. Several hundred folks are here in this street that is full of very upmarket stores. Many are giving out complimentary drinks and snacks including... Malone Souliers (Taittinger champers and mince pies) The Audley Pub & Restaurant (very tasty pork & cranberry sausage rolls) Others are handing out mulled wines, hot chocolate, crepes, mince pies etc. There are Carol singers and ballet dancers and the lights are switched on at 6.30pm. Then 7pm to 8pm at... MATCHESFASHION at 5 Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1. They have a nice garden space out the back. Complimentary Ruinart champers and Kracken Spiced Rum Cocktails. then a 30 mins walk to... PAUL SIMONON DJ set in a West London pub. Clash bass legend playing his usual Thursday night stint to help out his mate , who runs the pub. Nice to see so many friends here. Packed inside when Paul is spinning tunes. Folks on the pavements outside, but getting chillier in the evenings now.