We are Sailing!
July 2010
Team Iguanas hit the high seas this month as part of an inaugural regatta challenge between many of the UK's best known restaurant groups in the Solent. Six of our staff set sail in a 32' Sunfast Yacht and after quickly picking up the rudimentaries of tacking and avoiding the boom, managed a respectable 12th out of 20 competitors on Day 1.
On Day 2, gale force 8-9 winds stopped play but our intrepid sailors are already in training for the return of the event in 2011.
Brazil are out of the World Cup!
July 2010
A Latin team lifting the World cup looks less likely with Brazil's defeat by the Netherlands today. Come and commiserate at Las Iguanas with one of our World Cup Cocktails. Gather the identities of all five eponymous limited edition cocktails and send the names to worldcup@iguanas.co.uk- we've got 10 meals for 2 to give away to the first ten correct answers out of the hat after the Final!
Father's Day at Las Iguanas
June 2010
Goooooal! There’s a complimentary World Cup cocktail for all Dads dining at Las Iguanas this Father''s Day*. Reserve your table now and Dad can choose one of our limited edition cocktails celebrating Latin footballing legends from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile or Uruguay when ordering an a la carte main course.
You''ll find plenty of tasty treats for the rest of the family. For the grown-ups there’s a set lunch** from £6.90, tapas deals and of course our a la carte menu packed with delicious regional Latin dishes. Tuck in to a sizzling steak or marvellous Mexican burritos and fajitas. We''ve got good-for-you superfood salad or try our Brazilian classics, Xinxim lime chicken or moqueca. Top your meal off with a super-indulgent pudding.
Kids can enjoy the Ninos menu at just £4.95 and there are smaller portions of main courses at half price for under-12's. There’s also FREE organic baby food for tinies.
It's Happy Hour all day** on Sunday too with 2 for 1 on selected cocktails and non-alcoholic coolers, plus £3.50 off a bottle of our House wine or Cava.
Book your table now...Dad''s the word! !
Latin Legends for the World Cup!
June 2010
Team Iguanas are in a football frenzy this weekend with the kick off of the World Cup. To celebrate everyone's favourite tournament, we've created a cocktail homage to some of the Latin greats and you can enjoy them for a limited time only at Las Iguanas.
Playing for..
BRAZIL
we've got a suitably coloured Caipirinha with Las Iguanas Magnifica Cachaca, muddled lime, orange juice & Galliano
CHILE
we've got Chilean Pisco shaken with raspberries, Chambord, lemon juice & a dash of Angostura bitters
ARGENTINA
we've got the blues with vodka, peach schnapps, blue curacao & lemon juice, topped with lemonade
MEXICO
we've shaken tequila with lemon and pineapple juices and added drops of Angostura bitters
URUGUAY
we've muddled blueberries & lime with vodka, blue curacao & creme de mure, topped up with apple juice
Find out which football legends we've honoured at your local Las Iguanas now!
Charity Climb for Action for Children
May 2010
Our Operations team climbed Snowdon on 22 May to raise money for our chosen charity, the wonderful Action for Children . Check out if they reached their £2,000 target for this fantastic charity here
Spring has Sprung! New menu out now
March 2010
Get a taste of spring with some delicious new dishes from the heart of South America on our new menu, out now. The spring menu is packed with fresh flavours. On the lunch and early evening set menu you will find Sopa de Calabaza (creamy butternut squash & coconut milk soup), spicy chicken quesadilla, sweet potato fishcakes and asparagus salad with feta & warmed new potatoes.
On the a la carte menu, try Moqueca with salmon, mussels, crayfish & king prawns or Sea Bass Con Coco with fat Chilean blue mussels in their shell. There are three new fajitas; a choice of shelled king prawns or asparagus & artichoke in a honey-soy marinade, plus a fruit fajita to share on the dessert menu. New salads include a revamped Pollo Caesar with Pepperdew chillies and a crayfish & sweet chilli salad.
We have also added some lovely new cocktails from summer berry caipirinhas to frozen margaritas- perfect to sit and sip in the sunshine!
It's Carnival! Play the Game Now
February 2010
We can't all be in Rio but to get you in to the Carnival mood we've launched a brand new game here
Keep the Samba girl on her float during the parade and see how far you can go before she takes a tumble. You could win a meal for two if you keep her steady in the Sambadrome. It's simple to play and great fun. Happy Carnival!
Lots of Latin Love!
February 2010
Treat your Valentine to some Latin loving this weekend with our special Valentines menu; tasty breads and a chilled glass of cava on arrival followed by three mouth-watering courses of South American cuisine at just £25 per person.
We have very limited availability at most restaurants so please book now to avoid disappointment.
Tweet and Win
January 2010
Happy New Year from all of us at Las Iguanas!
If you use Twitter, make sure you're following @Las_Iguanas this month for your chance to win a £20 voucher.
We're running a daily lucky dip until the end of January so just follow us to be in with a shot. Winners are picked at random and announced on Twitter. It's that easy!
We've picked up a Saucy Award!
December 2009
Hot on the heels of our MK Restaurant of the Year award we're chuffed to have also won Best Sauce & Ingredient at the Quality Food Awards with our friends at Bart Spices in Bristol for our Organic Yellow Chilli Sauce. It was described as 'a really innovative product' by the judges who loved its chilli but lemony, zesty flavour and the natural colour. We love it too!
Three Cheers for Milton Keynes!
November 2009
Well done to James, Ale, Kasi and the team at Milton Keynes who have just beaten off stiff competition to win the Milton Keynes Restaurant of the Year award for the second year running.
They were up against a strong lineup of restaurants from big chains to independents, but the judges were blown away by the Las Iguanas experience from the fantastic atmosphere to the service and of course the food. We're very proud of the whole team!
Christmas is coming...
November 2009
Christmas lights are shining bright across the country and we're all starting to get in to the festive spirit! We've got lots going on over the next few weeks with Christmas parties galore- if you haven't booked yours yet there are still a few spaces available at some restaurants- give us a call and we'll try and squeeze you in if we can! We're also gearing up for some fantastic New Years Eve events- tickets are already on sale for parties happening at Royal Festival Hall, Soho and Lakeside. And finally, don't forget to enter our Christmas competition to win your own Christmas party and a year of free meals at Las Iguanas. The competition closes on 30 November.
Win! Tickets to Jungle Drums' 7th Anniversary Party
November 2009
We're helping our friends at Jungle Drums, the definitive Brazilian arts and what's on magazine in the UK, to celebrate their 7th Birthday on Friday 6th November with a big party in London. You could win two tickets to the anniversary party here. Competition closes Friday at noon. We could be seeing you there!
It's a Carnival Christmas!
October 2009
It's always a Carnival Christmas at Las Iguanas. What on earth does that look like? Check out our festive filmyou could win a party for 10 people PLUS a free dinner every month until Christmas 2010!
If you like soggy sprouts and tired old turkey, turn away now ?cause you won't find any of that in our kitchens! What you will find at Las Iguanas is lovely fresh food prepared by our proper chefs, with a range of menus and special offers throughout November and December to suit all tastes and budgets, including indulgent dinners, lighter lunches and our legendary cocktails to get the party started.
We'll also throw in a vibrant soundtrack of salsa beats, the backdrop of South American style and warmth of Latin hospitality for free! Forget you're on the high street this Christmas and come and celebrate with us in Latin America- you'll get so much more party for your Pe$o!
NEW! Autumn Menu out now
September 2009
There might be a chill in the air, but we hope we'll be able to bring a ray of late sunshine to your week with our new Autumn menu, out today.
You'll find all your favourite dishes, from sizzling & spicy fajitas to creamy Xinxim lime chicken, but we've also pulled out all the stops to bring you some tasty new recipes for Autumn & Winter.
Our lunch and early evening menu is bursting with deliciousness. For starters, choose from warming spinach & coconut milk Sopa, creamy Champinones or fruity papaya and brie Quesadillas. Main courses include a brand new Burrito bursting with mushrooms, chilli beef or chicken & caramelised onion.
If you really want to turn up the heat, order our new veggie Chilli with sweet potato and squash. We’ve included a meaty main course portion of our classic Albondigas, or why not try Fideos; pasta how they eat it in Argentina, with a chipotle sauce of creamy chicken or tomato and mushrooms. And a starter plus a main course is still just £7.90 before 6.30pm.
À la carte treats in store include new look Ensopado de Carne, this time with tender braised goat in coconut milk and tomato. We've come up with a new beef burger which we think is better than ever, and of course those tasty Burritos, served up in style on the à la carte menu with melted mozzarella and salad.
In the bar, we've introduced ten cocktails for the new season; think cherry, chocolate and spiced winter berries. And we've also added more choice with three non-alcoholic coolers available 2for1 during happy hour and selected wines now also available in a smaller 125ml glass.
Live Latin Music at Las Iguanas
August 2009
Las Iguanas Oxford - Sundays 7-9pm
Josep Vicent Garces-Pellicer will be playing Latin Classics on saxophone and clarinet every Sunday evening from 7-9pm. Come along and enjoy a chilled out mix of styles from The Girl from Ipanema and Spanish Eyes to Salsa, Latin Jazz, Romantica and Mana.
Josep has been playing since the age of 11 and is a former member of the famous La Paquibeans Orchestra
Las Iguanas scoops Top Award
July 2009
Las Iguanas' Head Honcho Eren picked up a top industry award this week. He scooped Restaurateur of the Year for a restaurant group at the Cateys at London's Grosvenor House Hotel and accepted it on behalf of the whole Las Iguanas team. He was in great company as other winners on the night included Angela Hartnett and Raymond Blanc.
Las Iguanas Reading opens 26 June!
June 2009
Salsa on down to The Oracle in Reading from Friday 26th June where we'll be throwing open the doors of Las Iguanas on the Riverside. Call 0118 956 6200 now to book your table at the hottest new spot in town. You'll find funky decor, a piazza perfect for soaking up the sun, and of course our summer menu bursting with Latin flavour!
Kids Eat Free this Half Term!
May 2009
Kids can eat free from our Ninos menu this half term when they bring a grown-up!* Our tasty Ninos menu includes a choice of main course, plus fresh fruit, ice cream or chocolate fudge cake for pudding and an endless milk, soft drink or fruit juice.
You'll always find free Organic baby food at Las Iguanas for our tiny guests, along with plenty of high chairs and crayons, or smaller portions of some of our favourite main courses at half price for the under 12's.
*terms and conditions apply. We're sorry but this offer is not available at Las Iguanas Royal Festival Hall.
KID'S COLOURING COMPETITION!
We've got a family meal for four PLUS 5 Las Iguanas T-Shirts to give away to our little visitors.
Visit theKIDS page and print off Iggy's colour-in pages. Get your kids colouring in and send their works of art along with their name, address and age to: Kids Competition, Las Iguanas, 38 Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2LG
Our favourite five received before 5th June will receive a T-Shirt, and the best entry will also receive a voucher for a family meal for two adults and two children at Las Iguanas. Entrants must be 12 or under and must have the permission of a parent or guardian to enter.
Happy holidays!
Cardiff Cafe Quarter Launches CoffeeFest!
May 2009
Head down to Mill Lane in Cardiff on Saturday 23rd May to join in the first ever Cardiff Coffee Festival. At Las Iguanas we'll be doing tastings of our Rainforest Alliance approved Ipanema Coffee as well as holding a prize draw to win a fab coffee machine and a year's supply of coffee. You'll find all the fun happening from 10am-6pm.
Kick up your Cuban Heels for Independence Day!
May 2009
We're going Mojito mad next week for Cuban Independence Day. Whether you make like Che (OK, we know he's not really Cuban!) or Fidel, dig out your Cuban footie kit or are flying a Cuban Flag on your person, come along to Las Iguanas on Wednesday 20th May sporting a Cuban vibe and we’ll rustle you up a complimentary Mojito*, a classic long glass of mint and Havana Club rum guaranteed to put you in the party mood.
Remember we’ve also got 2 for 1 Happy Hour on selected cocktails until 9pm (7pm at Royal Festival Hall) and our usual selection of great food offers including our set lunch menu from £6.90 and Tapas selection if you just want to share a few finger licking dishes.
*Subject to availability. Offer valid 20th May 2009- over 18’s only. Special offers, lunch set menu and Happy Hour not available at The O2 during arena events. Please check with the restaurant.
Cinco de Mayo!
May 2009
Join us to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Tuesday and enjoy a great taste of Mexico with 4 bottles of Corona Extra, Mexico's favourite beer, for just £10. It's the perfect way to round off the Bank Holiday weekend!
Get a spring in your step with our NEW MENU!
April 2009
You'll find our new menu for Spring/Summer at Las Iguanas now. From burritos bursting with flavoursome fillings to superfoodie salads or the creamiest and dreamiest of new cheesecakes, there are a whole lot of reasons to come down and check it out. The new menu is crammed with fresh, sunshine flavours so fingers crossed we've done our bit to encourage a long hot summer this year!
Mothers Day at Las Iguanas!
March 2009
There's a complimentary glass of bubbly for all mums dining at Las Iguanas on Mother's Day, and the rest of the family will also find something delicious to tickle their tastebuds.
For the grown-ups there are lunch and tapas deals and of course our a la carte menu packed with delicious regional Latin dishes, from char-grilled tuna steak salad with South American quinoa to gourmet venison fajitas with black cherry salsa.
PLUS Kids Eat Free!* Kids accompanied by an adult ordering a main course can eat free from the Ninos kids menu (one child per adult), and there are smaller portions of main courses at half price for under-12's. There's also FREE organic baby food for tinies.
It's Happy Hour all day* on Sunday too with 2 for 1 on selected cocktails and non-alcoholic coolers, plus £3.50 off a bottle of our House wine or Cava
What better way to keep Mum in the pink!
*Offers not available at The O2 during arena events.
Live Latin Music at Spitalfields
March 2009
*Update! Our Chill out music nights at Spitalfields are proving so popular that we are now running them every Monday plus don't forget it's Happy Hour all day with 241 on selected cocktails and a bottle of House wine for £9.50*
Get down to Las Iguanas in Old Spitalfields Market on Monday 9th March to enjoy the music of Everaldo Cruz. The perfect chill out zone for City boys & girls. Come along and relax with some tapas and 2 for 1 happy hour all evening.
Kids Eat Free at Half Term!
February 2009
Bring the kids to Las Iguanas this Half Term and there’ll be plenty to tickle their tastebuds.
There’s a free kids meal from our tasty Niños set menu for every accompanied child which includes a main course, dessert and endless soft drink*
You’ll also find free Organic baby food at Las Iguanas for our tiny guests, along with plenty of high chairs and crayons, or smaller portions of some of our favourite main courses at half price for the under 12's.
Happy Holidays!
*Usually £4.50. Each child must be accompanied by an adult ordering at least one main course. Terms and conditions apply
Announcing our Eat Free for a Year Winners!
February 2009
WINNERS! A big Mexican Wave to our Eat Free for a Year winners drawn from the mailing list 2 for 1 vouchers used in January. They are Alison Stutter and Runner Up Shula Berg... Your fab prizes will be winging their way to you this week! Remember there are more prizes to be won here
Whatever the Weather!
February 2009
If you are looking for a warm welcome in London today, you can find refuge at Las Iguanas! Our teams have braved the snow and the transport chaos, and are ready and waiting with a lovely bowl of butternut squash soup, a sizzling fajita or just a creamy cup of South American hot chocolate. Come and keep us company!
Another chance to catch Masterchef
January 2009
If you missed us on Masterchef on Thursday you can watch it again here!
Las Iguanas set to spice up Masterchef !
January 2009
Catch Masterchef this Thursday (BBC2 8pm) to find out what goes on behind the scenes of our busiest kitchen at Las Iguanas, Royal Festival Hall. Can our three Masterchef amateurs survive a busy lunch shift working alongside our skilled chefs, or will the pressure of turning out dish after dish from scratch prove too much? Head Chef Abs certainly doesn't give them an easy ride as the tickets come flying in. Who will make the grade? Tune in on Thursday 15th January to find out.
Scorching New Menu Offers to warm up your January!
January 2009
You'll find even more perks for your PE$O from this week with the launch of our sizzling New Year menu. We've come up with some great new offers to defrost you as the temperatures plummet including:
Lunch & Early Evening Set Menu now available nationwide - 2 courses and a drink from just £8.90
Tapas Deal - 3 big dishes for £12, 5 for £20 now available all day
Happy Hour - now 12-9pm and all day Sunday & Monday on selected 241 cocktails and £3.50 off House Wines by the bottle
Happy New Year!
NEW YEARS EVE- Royal Festival Hall SOLD OUT
December 2008
Our incredibly popular New Years Eve at Royal Festival Hall is now sold out. Don't despair though as there are still a few tables left at Las Iguanas in Soho, and the Soho bar will be open for business throughout the night. You can call Soho to book now on 0207 494 4716.
Manchester Deansgate Opens This Friday!
November 2008
Following the success of Las Iguanas in Manchester's Trafford Centre, we have descended on Manchester City Centre with our latest restaurant which opens this week.
Situated on bustling Deansgate we think this is the best looking Las Iguanas yet. You'll find all the features you have come to expect, from quirky lighting to contemporary Latin artefacts. You'll also find a great atmosphere (perfect for Christmas celebrations), smiling staff and fabulous fresh food cooked to order by our proper chefs!
If you want to come along and check out the latest addition to the Las Iguanas family, call Phil and the team now on 0161 819 2606
Restaurant of the Year for Milton Keynes!
October 2008
Over 30,000 votes were cast by the people of Milton Keynes and the surrounding area to find Milton Keynes' Restaurant of the Year for 2008. James and his team at Las Iguanas scooped the top prize and also picked up the award for Best Newcomer at the awards ceremony at the Ramada Encore. The judges agreed that Las Iguanas definitely ticked all the boxes. They visited on a wet Friday lunchtime, were greeted warmly, served by knowledgeable staff and the food they were served was excellent. They also said that Las Iguanas represented excellent value for money. They came out feeling that they'd had a trip to the Copacabana Beach!
http://www.mkweb.co.uk/restaurants/displayarticle.asp?id=61215
A Double Helping of Las Iguanas- Soho and Liverpool now Open!
September 2008
With Las Iguanas opening with a suitably carnivalesque party in Dean Street, Soho last week and Liverpool officially throwing open the doors for Liverpool ONE Shopping Centre's lavish launch this week accompanied by VIP guests and a spectacular firework display, there's been a double helping of Latin celebrations doing the rounds!
Both restaurants have their own quirky style. Soho buzzes with a cool London vibe just yards from the Groucho Club. Liverpool occupies a stunning glass-fronted building overlooking Chavasse Park, seconds from retail heaven in the multi-million pound Liverpool ONE development of Liverpool city centre.
Find details of both new restaurants on the website.
Winter Warmers at Las Iguanas!
September 2008
With summer a distant memory and the ever shortening days, we hope we'll brighten up your Autumn and Winter with our new seasonal menu. You'll find new dishes on the menu at Las Iguanas now, with some old favourites making a return by popular demand, (welcome back Sopa de Calabaza!) and some tasty new dishes we think you'll love.
Try Cordero with a new Winter twist; roast lamb rump with a merlot and cocoa jus served with butternut squash and sweet potato, or tuck in to a selection of our new Tapas dishes, like Seafood Empanadas or our spectacular Gambas Grande; a sharing platter of 12 split tiger prawns in lemon, garlic and chilli. Delicious!
The kids don't miss out either... We've launched a brand new kids menu with some tasty stuff for toddlers and tastebud tickling choices for under 12's. There are some fun new activities to keep little ones occupied and even tokens to collect for an exclusive Las Iguanas t-shirt.
We hope you'll love the new menu, and remember you can turn up the heat even more by adding a good splash of our new Las Iguanas Organic Chilli Sauce from Bart Spices, which you'll find on every table!
Find ou more about Bart Spices here
SPITALFIELDS UPDATE - We're Back!
September 2008
Good news for all of our Spitalfields customers at last! We're back in business after a frustrating fortnight without water. If you've been missing your moqueca or pining for a pina colada, we'd love to see you.
Pete and the team at Las Iguanas, Old Spitalfields Market
LAS IGUANAS SHEFFIELD IS BACK FOR THE BANK HOLIDAY!
August 2008
We've been away for a few weeks in Sheffield adding a fresh splash of Latin loveliness to the restaurant in West One and hope you'll love the results. We'll be throwing open the doors on Friday 22nd August just in time for the long weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for some rare Bank Holiday sunshine, but we promise that even if the sky is grey outside, you'll find a corner of Copacabana beach at Las Iguanas where you can soak up some Latin American rays.
You'll find all of your favourite Latin dishes from fearsome fajitas to Pele's favourite Xinxim cooked fresh to order. Happy hour is back too with 2 for 1 on selected cocktails including our legendary Caipirinhas made with our own Las Iguanas cachaca, the spirit of Brazil.
WINE GIVEAWAY! We've set aside some feisty South American wines to get the party started and we're giving them away if you book early. On Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August the first 50 people (and 70 people on Saturday) to book will each receive half a bottle of wine with our compliments; that's one bottle for each couple.
Call Darren now to book your table on 0114 252 1010 and remember to let him know whether you prefer red or white! We look forward to seeing you.
SPITALFIELDS NOW OPEN!
July 2008
Come on down to the latest Las Iguanas in Old Spitalfields Market and you'll find 'loose-hipped waiters, funky samba sounds and a nicely relaxed ambience fostered by a bubbly workforce' according to viewlondon.co.uk. We're open from 9am daily so why not pop in for a South American-style breakfast.
COMING SOON... We'll be opening Las Iguanas in the heart of Soho in September. Watch this space!
Las Iguanas opens in Old Spitalfields Market
June 2008
Las Iguanas has chosen the vibrant and fashionable market quarter of Spitalfields for its 3rd site in London.
Old Spitalfields Market, in Tower Hamlets, is home to a flourishing creative community and is a place to discover hidden gems of fashion, arts and interiors as you wander through streets steeped in history but recently immersed in cutting edge style.
Las Iguanas? new restaurant enjoys a great overview of this exciting area from a glass-roofed first floor terrace. Las Iguanas? commercial director Ajith Jaya-Wickrema said that Old Spitalfields Market was a very exciting prospect. This area is thriving with just the right balance of business and pleasure. The specialist markets and beautiful shops bring in an impressive numbers of visitors, and it's just a great area to stroll around in and work up an appetite.
Las Iguanas in Old Spitalfields Market opens to the public on 18th July.
Las Iguanas brings the Carnival to Lakeside
January 2008
Las Iguanas will be creating its own carnival spectacle when it opens on February 1st at the Boardwalk at Lakeside the same weekend as the Rio Carnival.
Guests will be invited to the VIP opening party to experience Las Iguanas famous hospitality and enjoy carnival-style entertainment from live bands and dancers.
The Boardwalk is the social quarter of the massive Lakeside shopping complex. It's home to a state of the art Vue cinema and an array of renowned restaurants, each with large alfresco terraces enticing Lakeside customers into the great outdoors.
The 760 square metre site has 306 covers. Interior designers Fusion DNA will be embellishing the interior with Copacabana beach-style mosaic flooring, a feature staircase with a Rio backdrop and a timber raft that emerges from the downstairs bar, wraps up above the staircase and finishes behind the first floor bar, thereby enhancing the connection between the two levels and the natural flow of the building.
Add intoxicating Latin rhythms, the rich colour palette of the southern hemisphere and authentic, exotic fixtures and fittings and you've got a measure of Las Iguanas style.
The restaurant opens to the public on February 2.
Milton Keynes Now Open
August 2007
Summer might be reaching an end, but the people of Milton Keynes will discover a ray of South American sunshine lighting up the exciting new hub:mk development on Midsummer Boulevard today when we throw open the doors of our latest Las Iguanas for the first time.
The hub:mk is a dynamic mix of eateries, hotels, offices and apartments around a central Piazza; just the place to soak up the sun over a Caipirinha or three and some tasty Latin tapas.
The L Word
August 2007
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay enjoyed a leisurely Latin-style lunch at Las Iguanas in Nottingham recently.
He was taking time out with his production crew, who are in town filming a new series of Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. I'm very glad to say that it's not our restaurant that they are filming at, laughed Las Iguanas manager Matt Nelligan.
Mr Ramsay enjoyed crayfish cocktail and enchiladas for his lunch, and was given a bottle of Las Iguanas Magnifica Cacha to take away with him.
The restaurant group own their own sugar cane plantation near Rio where the Cacha is made by a master distiller. It's a very fiery spirit, so I thought he'd like it! said Matt.
Oxford set to Welcome Las Iguanas
April 2007
Las Iguanas arrive in Oxford next month bringing with them heir unique brand of Latin American hospitality. Taking over a prime waterside location on Park End Street, Las Iguanas are creating a 140 cover restaurant and bar incorporating their trademark interior of funky lighting, specially commissioned Brazillian wood mosaics, loungey seating areas and booths and a Copacabana-style floor in the bar. Diners will be able to soak up the sun on the pretty piazza area overlooking the water. The restaurant opens with a VIP launch party on May 18th.
Las Iguanas are currently recruiting energetic, smiley and enthusiastic full and part time staff for all positions. nyone interested in joining the team should call the hotline on 07805 795352
Las Iguanas arrive at The Trafford Centre
March 2007
Las Iguanas have opened their twelfth restaurant in the new Great Hall development at Manchester's Trafford Centre. With its capacious glazed structure, Chinese marble balustrades and sweeping staircase there is no doubt that the Great Hall is a unique experience and what better setting for a unique brand like Las Iguanas.
The restaurant has space for 140 diners as well as a bar and will soon throw open the doors to a spacious piazza area with plenty of outside seating so visitors can soak up the sun whilst enjoying some Latin hospitality.
General Manager Stewart Emery says, This is the first time that we have created a Las Iguanas within a shopping centre and we're delighted that we have been able to come to such a prestigious venue as The Trafford Centre. We think the new-style open plan restaurant looks fantastic and hope that diners will agree. We have something for everyone, with great lunch and early evening offers, tapas, a la carte dining and amazing cocktails and I know that visitors will enjoy discovering a little corner of Latin America in the Great Hall.
An Exclusive New Year Treat at Las Iguanas, Royal Festival Hall
December 2006
We're cooking up a real treat at Las Iguanas on the South Bank this New Years Eve… How about enjoying the best of London’s celebrations but without the crowds? Well we’ve got the perfect package! Spend your New Year at Las Iguanas and you’ll enjoy a signature caipirinha cocktail on arrival and a superb Latin four course feast in the restaurant. Then grab your complimentary bubbly and stroll out on to the Royal Festival Hall terrace, which will be closed to the general public, to enjoy an exclusive view of the world famous fireworks display over the Thames. Tickets are limited and selling fast so snap yours up now at just £60 per person! For tickets and further information call Mike and the team at Las Iguanas on 0207 620 1328
Las Iguanas at Royal Festival Hall
August 2006
We throw open the doors of Las Iguanas at Royal Festival Hall on Saturday 12th August.
As part of the iconic South Bank Centre, Las Iguanas is superbly situated between the London Eye and the Festival Hall itself which is currently undergoing major refurbishment. Created in the arches of Hungerford Bridge, this is the most ambitious Las Iguanas to date and we can't wait to introduce some Latin Life to the area.
Las Iguanas at Royal Festival Hall won't take bookings but come along and we will accommodate you and your party.
Las Iguanas bring a taste of Latin Life to London
July 2006
This summer Las Iguanas makes its first move on the capital with a premier site at Festival Walk at the Royal Festival Hall on London?s South Bank.
Las Iguanas have grown from small beginnings in Bristol to become the largest privately owned group of Latin American restaurants in the UK, with restaurants well established in Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leicester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds and Brighton.
Las Iguanas will be flinging open the doors of its first ever London restaurant opposite the Royal Festival Hall in August. The new 225-seat restaurant positions this ambitious, independent operator in the heart of the capital. The new site boasts impressive views over the river Thames and is positioned next to the Golden Jubilee Bridge which provides a popular pedestrian link between the north and south banks.
Las Iguanas new site on Festival Walk is part the redevelopment of the whole South Bank Centre which spans 21 acres of land dedicated to the arts. The centre is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Hayward Gallery and Queen Elizabeth Hall and attracts 3 million visitors each year. The Royal Festival Hall, widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of Britain's post-war architecture revival, is currently closed for a £91million refurbishment which will re-establish it as a world-class concert hall and arts venue. A number of renowned food operators are already established at Festival Riverside, the first phase of the redevelopment, including wagamama, Strada, Giraffe and EAT.
Las Iguanas director Ajith Jaya-Wickrema is delighted with the group's first site in London as it represents the pinnacle of the evolution of the brand so far.
The Royal Festival Hall is a national institution and, arguably, we have found one of the best sites in London. It's really a credit to the Royal Festival Hall that they have given this development so much thought. There were many bidders for our site but we were given a fair and equal chance of success as the criteria was based upon what was appropriate for visitors, not on balance sheets.
Londoners and visitors to the capital can look forward to an unrivalled authentic Latin American experience at Las Iguanas. This will be the place to enjoy a feast of fresh and imaginative regional dishes with a twist. Start or end your night with a visit to the in-house cocktail bar - the Cachaaria (ca-sha-sa-ria) - where the cocktail of choice is a Caipirinha made from Las Iguanas' Magnifica Cacha produced by the company from its own sugar cane plantation just outside Rio de Janeiro.
The bright and bold interiors of Las Iguanas' restaurants are inspired by regular visits to South America where the team source modern interior design features and eye-catching artefacts. The group shuns the carbon copy chain mentality and endeavours to make every restaurant look different and enhance its neighbourhood.
The Festival Walk site extends to 6000 sq feet on two levels. Historic brick arches frame the interior and the contemporary glass frontage floods the restaurant with light. Look out for specially-commissioned Brazilian wood mosaics, bamboo furniture, curvy booths and cool lighting. The Latin style extends outdoors to the piazza where there are a further 140 seats for al fresco diners.
Las Iguanas always had London in its sights, but has put its formula to the test in the big metropolitan cities of England first. Its expansion has been strategically planned so that the big step into London has been a relatively small step in terms of finance. Five new sites are planned for 2007, a further six in 2008 and the same in 2009
Las Iguanas is heating up Bristol's Harbourside
June 2006
They’ve been spreading Latin fever all around the country for the past 15 years; now Las Iguanas comes back to its roots with a brand new site at one of Bristol’s hottest harbourside locations.
Las Iguanas have grown from humble beginnings in St. Nicholas Street to become the leading Latin American food and drink brand in the country, with well-positioned sites in the biggest cities.
Eren Ali, Managing Director of Las Iguanas says: “We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate our 15th birthday at home in Bristol with what is a funky and contemporary take on Latin America. We are sure that Bristolians will love the vibe just as much as our original restaurant in St Nicholas Street, or Las Iguanas in Cliftonâ€
The new 140-seater restaurant and bar on Anchor Square Bristol is already taking shape. Its bright and bold interior has been inspired by the team’s regular visits to South America where they source modern interior design features and eye-catching artefacts. Look out for specially-commissioned Brazil wood mosaics, bamboo furniture, curvy booths and cool lighting.
The style extends outdoors to the piazza where diners will be able to eat al fresco while soaking up the sun and watching the world go by in true Latin style.
Eren says: “Anchor Square is definitely more uptown Rio compared to the cosy neighbourhood feel of our much-loved Whiteladies Road restaurant, but both are unmistakably Las Iguanas. Despite our growth as a company we don’t have a chain mentality and endeavour to make all our sites uniqueâ€
This new microcosm of Latin life in the centre of Bristol will be the place to eny a feast of fresh and imaginative regional dishes with a twist. On the menu you’ll find influence from countries including Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Puerto Rico and whether you’re looking for an intimate meal for two or a fun place to party with friends you can rely on Las Iguanas’ famous hospitality.
Start or end your night with a visit to the in-house cocktail bar - the Cachaçaria (ca-sha-sa-ria) - where the cocktail of choice is a Caipirinha made from Las Iguanas’ Magnifica Cachaça produced by the company from its own sugar cane plantation just outside Rio de Janeiro.
Hot on the Cuban heels of the opening of Bristol Harbourside in June, Las Iguanas be flinging open the doors of its first ever London restaurant at Royal Festival Hall near the London Eye. The new 225-seater restaurant positions this ambitious, independent operator in the heart of the capital at what is expected to be one of the busiest new pedestr thoroughfares in London.
Destination Rio for top team from Las Iguanas
January 2006
Hard work has definitely paid off for four members of staff at Las Iguanas in Leeds who have been rewarded with a trip of a lifetime to Brazil
The eight-day, all-expenses paid holiday to Rio's famous Copacabana Beach includes spending money, a paid-for guide and a trip to the restaurant's very own sugar cane plantation where their own brand of Cachaça, Brazil's most popular spirit, is made.
They'll meet master distiller Joao Luis and have plenty of opportunities to sample the latest batch! The team will also be visiting the Ipanema coffee plantation which supplies the restaurant back home.
Las Iguanas has nine restaurants across England and came out top in mystery diner reports that were carried out over six months last summer.
Leeds General Manager Andy Williams chose to relinquish his place and picked four members of staff he felt most deserved the holiday in January. Deputy manager Matt Fraser, waitress Jennifer Goddard, bar supervisor Michael Harding and Camil Krawczyk, the kitchen porter, were the lucky winners.
Mos Shamel, Operations Director, said that, as a company, Las Iguanas was very proud to hold an Investors in People accolade. This is the first time they have arranged a trip like this to reward staff, but Mos said they hoped to make it an annual treat for the most deserving team.
Soccer Shot Earns Prize for Louise
November 2005
A student has won top prize in Las Iguanas' first photography competition.
The shot of young Brazilians playing football in a shanty town earned Louise Bowler a £200 cash prize and vouchers to use at Las Iguanas. Louise, aged 19, comes from Leicester but is studying physiology at Bristol University. She was on her gap year in Brazil doing voluntary work for the Good Shepherd Project in near Belo Horizonte when she took the picture.
The teenagers In the photograph were part of a government youth project which keeps them off the streets when they are not at school, as they can only attend school for half of the day.
You can see other entries or enter your own photographs of 'Living Latin Life' on the photo competition page.
Salsa by the Sea
October 2005
Las Iguanas introduced Salsa to the seaside when we opened our ninth restaurant in Brighton recently. The launch party attracted the Brighton and Hoveglitterati who enjoyed classic Caipirinhas and mini Latin tapas whilst swaying to the sounds of Palenke, our favourite band.
"Our restaurants ooze vibrancy, authenticity and lively atmosphere, and mix custom-made furniture from Brazil with authentic Latin American dishes, cocktail menu and Latin American music to create that all essential Latino atmosphere any time of day or night," said General Manager Rory Ireland, "We are very excited about introducing a little Latin life to Brighton."
The restaurant and bar occupy a 3,700 square foot site on Jubilee Street, in the trendy North Laine area of the City, overlooking the Pavilion. The Jubilee Street site is part of an entire streetscape development between Brighton City Council and Norwich Union centered around a new public square and public library for the city.
Las Iguanas Brighton Coming Soon
August 2005
Las Iguanas opens in Brighton's multi million pound Jubilee Street re-development this October, alongside the new City Library and neighbouring restaurants and bars including Yo Sushi and Carluccios. Watch this space!
Las Iguanas launch in Leeds
June 2005
Las Iguanas is now open in Cloth Hall Street, Leeds, and The Leeds Guide have summed us up perfectly in the current issue:
'Summer's on its way, which can only mean one thing: long, hot balmy evenings and deliciously hot days. Yeah, right. Rain is the only thing we're certain of. But don't go rushing abroad just yet as Leeds is hotting up with the opening of Las Iguanas, a restaurant that's planning on bringing a bit of Latin paradise to the city. Sitting amongst all the other top eateries on The Calls, Las Iguanas will offer a diverse menu inspired by authentic regional dishes from Brazil, Columbia and other exotic countries, bringing us the best their cuisines have to offer. Highlights include fajitas with black tiger prawn fillings and 'moqueca', a coconut and tomato curry, to name but a few. With striking décor, a sunny terrace and a vibrant atmosphere it may well turn out to be the closest thing to a night out in Rio you can get in Leeds.'
Nottingham Restaurant Awards Update
June 2005
Las Iguanas were delighted to be named as runners up in the Best Newcomer category at the finals of the Nottingham Restaurant Awards this week against some tough competition from some excellent local independent restaurants. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for us, and congratulate Mike and the team at Las Iguanas Nottingham for their success.
Las Iguanas Nottingham scoop Theme Award
February 2005
The Las Iguanas team in Nottingham are celebrating today after picking up the award for Best Ambient Experience at the Theme Bar Restaurant Awards 2005 Final (Midlands & Wales region) at Birmingham’s Custard Factory last night.
This award recognises a venue which both looks and feels great and shows innovative use of both lighting and sound, and Theme Magazine were particularly impressed by our colourful and carefree interior and samba soundtrack.
The award was presented to General Manager Michael Parnham, who said “We work incredibly hard to give our guests the definitive Latin American restaurant experience when they visit Las Iguanas. It is great to be recognised within the industry not only for our great food and drink, but also for serving up such an innovative and exciting environment in which to enjoy it!â€
Las Iguanas say HOLA! To Nottingham
July 2004
‘As loud and proud as Joaquin Cortez‘s Cuban heels, as intense as Antonio Banderas‘s gaze and as brazenly sumptuous as J-Lo‘s curves‘. This is just one reviewer‘s take on the culinary delights awaiting diners at Las Iguanas Restaurant & Cachaçaria who launch their unique blend of Latin American style on Nottingham on 30th July.
Imagine a night out in Rio - edgy and energetic. Add a backdrop of contemporary décor with specially commissioned furniture and artefacts flown in from Brasil, natural wood, stone, mosaic and glass, a soundtrack of sultry salsa and superb fresh food served with a smile and you've got Las Iguanas.
The award winning Latin American specialists will be serving up a feast of fresh and imaginative regional dishes with a twist. On the menu you'll find influence from countries including Argentina, Chile, Brasil and Puerto Rico, each with their own diverse flavours. Fresh fish, chicken and steak all get the Latin treatment along with favourites like Fajitas, but there‘s also plenty for vegetarians and children, and parties are welcomed with typical Las Iguanas hospitality.
Visit the Cachaçaria (casha-sa-ria) for an education in real cocktails. Cachaça, the Brazilian sugar-cane based spirit (and the third biggest selling spirit worldwide), provides the inspiration for a bar menu overflowing with fresh watermelon and berries, honey and Brasilian limes, created with love and attention to detail. ‘Las Iguanas Cachaça‘, is the perfect finishing touch, produced from Las Iguanas‘ sugar cane plantation just outside Rio de Janeiro in partnership with João Luiz, one of Brazil‘s premier distillers.
General Manager Michael Parnham comments "We are delighted to be adding a new dimension to an already diverse eating and drinking offer in Nottingham. We will be offering the ultimate Latin American dining experience, capturing the energy and spirit of Latin culture, and we also hope that our guests will pick up a little more knowledge about this fascinating continent along the way."
Las Iguanas stirs up a new blend
October 2003
In Latin America the drink of choice is cachaca (pronounced ca-sha-sa). It's always been a favourite at Las Iguanas too, and now the Bristol-based Latin American chain has gone one step further and invested in its very own cachaça production plant just outside Rio in Brazil. At the Magnifica Ranch raw sugar cane is pressed, fermented and distilled before being exported to the UK in branded Las Iguanas Magnifica Cachaça bottles.
The fast-expanding restaurant chain has such a belief in this potent spirit that they are re-branding their bars as Cachaçarias - cachaça bars for lounging and enjoying a Caipirinha or three. The scene is set and the mood is Rio at carnival time or a night out in Sao Paulo, sultry, sassy and unpredictable.
By volume cachaça is already the world's third most popular spirit, despite being little known outside South America. Master distiller Joao Luiz is attempting to turn around the fortunes of this indigenous drink by producing quality brands matured in wooden barrels and the spirit's success is set to soar in the UK if Las Iguanas plans work out.
But no one else is better placed to spread the word than the team behind Las Iguanas, who have dedicated the past 13 years to spreading Latin American culture across the UK. The original Las Iguanas opened in April 1991 in St Nicholas Street, Bristol, and offered an exciting and exotic menu of dishes from Brazil, Chile and Peru in an interior decorated with a palette of hot Latin colours. Cool, up to the minute salsa tunes were the final touch.
Las Iguanas is now the largest privately owned group of Latin American restaurants in the UK with restaurants in Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leicester and Sheffield. The new restaurants have a contemporary twist, but all keep the feel of that first restaurant in Bristol; a great atmosphere, first class service for our guests and fabulous, innovative food created from the freshest ingredients.
Having successfully repeated the formula in other cities, it was time to give the Bristol branch in Whiteladies Road a makeover and install a Cachaçaria. This is what awaits customers old and new. We'd recommend a Caipirinha (whole lime crushed with sugar, topped with cracked ice and Las Iguanas Magnifica Cachaça), but whatever you choose from the Cachaçaria be prepared to be intoxicated by a really authentic Latin spirit.
Las Iguanas Unleashed on Leicester
September 2003
Las Iguanas Restaurant & Cachaçaria launch their unique blend of South American style on Leicester this September.
Take a backdrop of contemporary décor with specially commissioned furniture and artefacts flown in from Brazil, natural wood, stone, mosaic and leather, add a soundtrack of sultry salsa and superb fresh food served with a smile and you've got Las Iguanas.
The award winning Latin American specialists will be serving up a feast of fresh and imaginative regional dishes with a twist. On the menu you'll find influences from the continent's twenty one countries, each with their own diverse flavours. Fresh fish, chicken and duck all get the Latin treatment, but there's also plenty for vegetarians and children and parties are welcomed with typical Las Iguanas hospitality.
Las Iguanas opens mid-September at 13-15 Belvoir Street, Leicester.
