Glass revisits Asia de Cuba, St Martin’s Lane hotel, London

GLASS was impressed by the relaunch of Asia de Cuba when celebrated Cuban chef Luis Pous was appointed Concept Executive chef in 2015 and recently decided to take a return visit to the Latin American and Asian fusion restaurant housed in the ever-chic St Martin’s Lane hotel  in Covent Garden.

As we were in a group of diverse eaters, a handful of vegetarians, a few devoted carnivores and also a couple of gluten-free diet followers, the menu. catered for all our requirements – and then some. My favourite was the plantain fried rice topped with avocado ceviche – this was such a clever, delicious combination of the two continent’s cuisines. I also adored the calamari — it was perfectly cooked and served in very generous helpings. And I have never experienced anything quite like the chilli-rubbed scallops which went so well with black rice, beans and cauliflower.

The Interior of Asia de Cuba. Photograph: David Griffen

The desserts were a particular hit. The chocolate brownie was heavenly and the tropical fruit tart was fresh and tangy — and we enjoyed the Latin and Asian take on the traditional British puddings of brownie and lemon meringue pie. It is the norm for Latin American restaurants to serve churros, but Asia de Cuba served proper traditional Mexican doughnuts, but with a Thai twist to the accompanying chocolate sauce.

Lemon and Lime Tart, with pineapple and Szechuan pepper confit, coconut meringue, tropical sorbet.
Photograph: David Griffen

Mexican doughnuts, with choice of caramel or Thai chilli chocolate sauce.
Photograph: David Griffen

We were very taken with the vibrant original wallpaper, which visually represents the fusion of Latin America and Asia central to the concept behind Asia de Cuba. The waiting staff made us all feel at home – and ensured all dietary requirements were catered for and that our drinks remained topped up.

Another view of the Asia de Cuba restaurant. Photograph: David Griffen

As well as this, over the holiday season, the hotel is offering a special package with the English National Ballet where if tickets for a festive Nutcracker ballet performance are bought via the hotel, then guests can return to the hotel for the night and are treated to breakfast at Asia de Cuba the following morning.

by Allie Nawrat 

Tickets for the English National Ballet and St Martin’s Lane hotel collaboration including a breakfast at Asia de Cuba can be bought here

Asia de Cuba, 145 St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4HX