One of region’s best-loved independent venues is celebrating a remarkable milestone this autumn.
Life could have been different for Leopold Square’s Cubana which celebrates its 25th birthday in a few weeks time.
The day Aleida Guevara – daughter of Che Guevara (middle) – visited
When it opened it first opened on Trippet Lane in 2000, its owners were hit with an unexpected snag — they couldn’t serve alcohol. Paperwork delays left them without a licence for the first few weeks, so customers were told to bring their own wine. The setback forced the fledgling team to focus on food, setting the foundations for a restaurant that would become one of Sheffield’s biggest success stories.
Since then, Cubana has evolved into a true Sheffield institution. The venue has hosted members of the Buena Vista Social Club, Che Guevara’s daughter Aleida Guevara, and even Sid Wilson of rock band Slipknot, who famously left a €100 tip after a jazz set during a visit to Sheffield in 2015. Over the years guests have also included iconic boxers such as Panama’s Roberto Durán and British legend the late Ricky Hatton.
It has become renowned for for its tapas, cocktails, live music and late-night dancing.
Adrian Bagnoli, who co-owns Cubana with Brad Charlesworth, said: “When we started out, we just wanted to bring a bit of Havana to Sheffield. We never dreamt it would become part of the city's fabric in the way that it has. The people who've supported us - our various staff members over the years and our many
loyal customers - have made Cubana what it is.”
The venue’s list of accolades is long. Its rum collection — more than 300 varieties sourced from across the globe — was hailed by world rum ambassador Ian A. V. Burrell as one of the finest in the world. Cubana also made national headlines for selling Havana Club 1519 at £250 a shot, the first bar outside Cuba to stock it.
The venue’s ‘Salsa in the Square’ festivals , staged outside its Leopold Square home, now attracts thousands and is regarded as one of the UK’s largest open-air Latin events. It runs three times a year on bank holiday weekends. Live music remains at the heart of the venue’s identity, with a busy programme of jazz, world and Latin acts every week.
A VIP anniversary event is planned for November, bringing together the people who’ve helped shape Cubana’s story — from its early Trippet Lane days to its status today as one of Sheffield’s most distinctive venues.
Cubana Tapas Bar is situated at Unit 4 Leopold Square, Sheffield S1 2JG. Bookings can be made on 0114 276 0475. More info from www.cubanatapasbar.co.uk
