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Tucked away between Grosvenor Square and Mount Street, 34 Mayfair is something of a modern classic.

It was opened by Richard Caring in 2011 and offers that special brand of sophistication that favours graces over airs. The setting is elegant, the food is exceptional, the staff are on point but, crucially, it is a warm and welcome place to eat. 34 Mayfair maintains an intimate, neighbourhood feel.

Its Art Deco-inspired interiors and enclosed terrace create an ambience that welcomes one into the hum of convivial conversation. The Ivy Le Caprice, Scott’s, J Sheekey and Sexy Fish are all likely stablemates and make up the rest of Caring’s herd.

Beyond the immaculate white clothed tables, the sizzle of the open kitchen can be seen, heard and smelt by all. And they’re right to show it off – the grill is where the magic happens. Each morning, the kitchen fires up to deliver expertly prepared meats, fish, and vegetables, offering a menu that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients. Steaks from every continent are afforded an entire column on the menu; and they truly are world class. Aberdeen, Pampas, Kogashima, Fukoka, Salamanca, Queensland and our very own West Country are all represented by way of marbled flesh and they’re all jostling for dripping space on your plate.

Lubricating the above is the striking marble-topped bar, stocked with a meticulously curated selection of spirits. It is this commitment to excellence in both food and drink that makes 34 Mayfair the perfect setting for Daiquiri Week, and this year, something truly special is stirring. To celebrate the daiquiri, 34 Mayfair has partnered with the acclaimed Ron Santiago de Cuba in a limited-time takeover that brings Cuban flair to central London. Known as the cradle of light rum, Santiago de Cuba is believed to be the birthplace of the classic cocktail. Running through the summer, this partnership is a celebration of all things rum, rhythm, and refreshment.

Much like the fare at 34 Mayfair, the daiquiri does the simple things exceptionally well.

It is sweet, it is zesty and it is strong. With just three ingredients (rum, lime, and sugar) it’s a cocktail that is simple in composition but challenging to master. It makes for a perfect stage on which glossier embellishments can really sing. Take the Panamericano for instance: an eight year old Ron Santiago de Cuba Añejo is mixed with fino sherry, homemade cola, lime juice and Angostura.

Running until the 30th of August, the terrace at 34 Mayfair has been transformed into Café de Cuba, a bold and beautiful homage to Havana’s colourful streets. Guests can enjoy Cuban jazz evenings every Thursday, while sipping on a variety of innovative cocktails made with Ron Santiago de Cuba, including highlights like The Old Cubano; a sophisticated mix of their Extra Añejo 11 Years Old rum, burnt coffee infusion, French orange liqueur, and vanilla.

The climax of the celebration is a three-night residency by Barcelona’s award-winning Especiarium Bar, taking place from the 14th to the 16th of August upstairs at 34 Mayfair. Known for their immersive and theatrical approach to mixology, Especiarium will reimagine the upstairs bar with Cuban flair, presenting a multisensory cocktail menu inspired by the historic spice trade routes and their ties to Latin culture.

The event will be led by Antonio Naranjo, Global Brand Ambassador for Ron Santiago de Cuba, and one of the most celebrated mixologists in Europe. From 5pm to 11pm each evening, guests will be treated to a journey through Cuba, down avenues of rum, sugar and lime. The drinks will be complemented by a curated menu of Cuban-inspired small plates, including crispy Jamon Fritas and indulgent Black Angus Pan Frito. Meanwhile, a live Latin trio will perform from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, filling the space with the soulful rhythms of Havana.

© Louis Cannell

Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado, a lover of Latin culture, or simply someone in search of a unique night out in London, 34 Mayfair’s partnership with Ron Santiago de Cuba offers a rare opportunity to experience the magic of Cuban hospitality in one of the city’s most refined settings. For a few unforgettable nights this August, Mayfair will move to a Cuban beat, and 34 Mayfair will be the place to be.

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