MAKUMBA

Theme bars can sometimes feel very 'Las Vegas' or 'Euro-Disney' but there's something suprisingly authentic about this African bar on Peel Street. Makumba is quite large compared to all the other hole-in-the wall bars in Soho. There's even a small stage where singers and bongo players can perform. There's also a spacious dancefloor where you can get down to Zouk music and African beats.

The decor is tribal: big safari-inspired murals, cheetah-print drapes and wooden statues. There are three separate seating areas with ethnic-print pillows, banquettes and stools. Plus there's also seating at the bar. Zouk has special theme nights, guest DJs, performances and- they even have African dance classes!

Makumba is not the kind of place where you find too-cool-for-school hipster types. Generally speaking, the crowd is somewhat random. There are people of every color and nationality. You will also find some real Africans here. The patrons are mostly people in their late 30s and up. After dinner, the crowd gets dancing and you can see people trying to seduce each other on the dancefloor. It's very entertaining. Makumba is a good place to take a date or a group of friends for a campy drink. Everyone I've ever taken to this bar has loved it for it's truly unique atmosphere.