Phillip Oppenheim sets opening date for second Cubana site

Former Tory Treasury Minister Phillip Oppenheim has confirmed an October opening date for his second Cubana bar and restaurant site. 

The businessman, who announced he would be opening a second Cubana in Smithfields last May, said he was excited to finally have an opening date for the new 3,000 sqft site which will feature a coffee roaster, gelateria and Latin-American bakery alongside a cocktail and food offering. 

With the opening Oppenheim also plans to launch a single origin Cuban coffee brand, named after the venue. 

“With just four months to go until launch date, we are excited to be bringing our vibrant brand to the heart of London whilst, at the same time, introducing our very own Cuban coffee and onsite coffee roaster," he said. 

"We hope that this will be the beginning of a small group of similar sites – what we will never do is try and become a huge chain which sells out on its principles of ethical sourcing and quality like so many other have.”

Cubana Smithfields' menu will centre around a street food offering as well as a range of Cuban slow-cooked dishes such as ropa vieja and Pollo Criollo.  

The first Cubana opened in 1998 at Waterloo after Oppenheim finished his Ministerial career which included working in the UK Treasury for Kenneth Clarke.