06:05 AM
Alma de Cuba: Fiesta almighty
Besides a sip of sacred red wine from time to time during communion you don’t often get to have a nice drink at church. Well, in Liverpool, that’s no longer a problem, thanks to Alma de Cuba.
This is one of the craziest places on earth. Imagine a 220 year-old Roman Catholic church with all its majesty and splendour turned into a cosy bar-restaurant specialized in South American culture and you’ll have a pretty clear picture of what Alma de Cuba looks like.
Opened in 1788, St Peter’s Church quickly became one of the first catholic elementary schools of England by 1817. In 1976, the church was transferred over to the Polish community and for a short time was known as “Our Lady of Czestochowa”. That’s the reason why today it is still known in the Liverpool area as “The Polish Church”. In 1978, two years after the hand over took place, the Parish was closed and by 1993 the church was deconsecrated. Twelve years later, in September 2005, Alma de Cuba opened its doors and gave a second life to the old and noble building.
Although the venue is very attached to its Cuban, Hispanic and Latin American influences, it still keeps a place for the traditional Liverpudlian spirit. This audacious mix seems to be a success as Alma de Cuba keeps being nominated for and winning award after award. The venue has been appointed Best Bar, Best Restaurant and UK’s Best Venue in 2008 and 2009.
Besides its unusual architecture, the bar has another great asset: its music. Every Thursday, Alma de Cuba offers live music nights. At the weekend, there is the Sunday Service Gospel Brunch with a live gospel choir. Throughout the weekend, the bar puts on its carnival gear and invites a bunch of beautiful Brazilian dancers to come and entertain the guests.
A true piece of Latin fun in an unusual and stunning setting: Alma de Cuba is a must-see.
This is one of the craziest places on earth. Imagine a 220 year-old Roman Catholic church with all its majesty and splendour turned into a cosy bar-restaurant specialized in South American culture and you’ll have a pretty clear picture of what Alma de Cuba looks like.
Opened in 1788, St Peter’s Church quickly became one of the first catholic elementary schools of England by 1817. In 1976, the church was transferred over to the Polish community and for a short time was known as “Our Lady of Czestochowa”. That’s the reason why today it is still known in the Liverpool area as “The Polish Church”. In 1978, two years after the hand over took place, the Parish was closed and by 1993 the church was deconsecrated. Twelve years later, in September 2005, Alma de Cuba opened its doors and gave a second life to the old and noble building.
Although the venue is very attached to its Cuban, Hispanic and Latin American influences, it still keeps a place for the traditional Liverpudlian spirit. This audacious mix seems to be a success as Alma de Cuba keeps being nominated for and winning award after award. The venue has been appointed Best Bar, Best Restaurant and UK’s Best Venue in 2008 and 2009.
Besides its unusual architecture, the bar has another great asset: its music. Every Thursday, Alma de Cuba offers live music nights. At the weekend, there is the Sunday Service Gospel Brunch with a live gospel choir. Throughout the weekend, the bar puts on its carnival gear and invites a bunch of beautiful Brazilian dancers to come and entertain the guests.
A true piece of Latin fun in an unusual and stunning setting: Alma de Cuba is a must-see.
By Thomas
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