Viva Cuba

Viva Cuba began when Seb McGowan and Michael Cook, friends from early school days, who after university back packed round the world, worked in bars and restaurants in Leeds and Australia and then decided to take the plunge and set up on their own business. Their first restaurant, Viva Cuba, opened in May 2001 in Leeds on Kirkstall Road in the premises of the former Yorkshire Bank.

A frantic exercise in “do it yourself ” preceded the launch of Viva Cuba, Seb and Michael took off for Cuba determined to research every bar and restaurant in Old Havana - what a sacrifice! - and returned to Leeds laden with paintings, artifacts and photographs. They stripped the old bank premises  from top to bottom , did all their own interior design, and acquired all their furniture second hand. The chairs came from the closure of a local Methodist Church with places for bibles and hymn  books ideal for restaurant menus.

A proud possession of Viva Cuba is the display of the signature of Fidel Castro personally collected by Seb’s grand mother, Stella, who was born in Santiago de Cuba and met Fidel when he was a young lawyer.

The original ground floor restaurant now boasts a balcony, and Seb and Michael  have since opened two other restaurants in Leeds, Viva Latina in the city centre and Azucar near the waterfront in brewery wharf.

Viva Cuba is popular with local residents, journalists, politicians, Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos players and Yorkshire cricketers. It is a favourite port of call for visitors from Cuba, the Cuban embassy in London , actors and musicians  from the Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse and diners regularly enjoy the music of the famous Cuban jazz violinist, Omar Puente, who is now a teacher at the Leeds College of Music. 

Viva Cuba has won many awards for its Food and Drink over the past nine years - it offers our loyal customers, fresh home made delicious tapas, authentic Cuban cocktails and great tasting Spanish and South American wines and beers.
Viva Cuba prides itself on good value and great service in a warm and vibrant Latin atmosphere.
SALUT!!

P.S As a valued customer, your satisfaction means everything to us. Please feel free to ask us any questions you may have and we shall endeavour to answer them swiftly and comprehensively. If you would like to visit us in person you can find our address and a map by clicking here.