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36 Monkspath Business Park,
Solihull,
B90 4NZ

Click here for map

Opening Times:

Monday
06:00 - 22:00

Tuesday
06:00 - 22:00

Wednesday
06:00 - 22:00

Thursday
06:00 - 22:00

Friday
06:00 - 22:00

Saturday
07:30 - 20:00

Sunday
07:30 - 18:00

Please see Timetable for bank holiday opening times

Email:

info@bardello.co.uk

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Bardello School of Dance



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By Sophie Cross : Nov 26 2009


I’m normally up for a boogie on a night out, but I couldn’t help but blush at the raunchy picture on the homepage of Bardello’s website.

And as I popped on my dress and heels to set off to the venue, billed as Solihull’s sizzling ‘Tapas Restaurant, Latin Bar and Dance venue’, I struggled to stave off visions of what might await.

Tucked away in a leafy road near Birmingham Airport, it doesn’t seem the most likely location for hot Latin grooving.

But by half past eight the place was filling up and cool Cuban music played beneath the chatter of good-time partygoers.

The venue itself has a relaxed atmosphere with comfy seating and mood lighting surrounding the dance floor. We soaked up the atmosphere while snacking on a feast of warm salted almonds along with ‘voluptuous’ olives and toasted bread with a rosemary and garlic butter, all washed down with tasty custom-made fruity cocktails.

Then, as four hungry señoritas, we selected a variety of tasty tapas to provide us with energy for dancing.

We ordered a range of chicken, prawn and vegetarian options, with highlights including the zingy Bardello chorizo in red wine, spicy Jerk chicken and juicy ‘Gambas enchiladas’ (prawns in garlic, pepper and white wine to you and me).

Barely had we finished fighting over the last pan-fried potato then it was time for our lesson to begin.

Fridays are typically a mix of salsa, bachata, merengue and samba, while Saturdays include the fun addition of old-school dances like the hustle and jitter bug.

Two raven-haired and impossibly slender dance teachers call us to the floor to show us a few basic steps.

You can’t fail to have fun trying out the moves when instructions come in the form of: "One, two, three, ticcy-ticcy-ta! Aaand MAMBO!"




The room is then split into beginners’ and intermediate groups to learn a routine.

There was a good male-to-female ratio so when it came to partner dancing there were more than enough to go round, with the ladies moving round the male "leads".

Founder Nick Crawford joked: "It’s like a swingers’ club but in dancing!

"Latin dance has seen a huge rise in popularity with men and women since TV programmes like Strictly Come Dancing, but few places do it properly."

By the end of the night I feel like I’ve had a fun workout and I am proud to have learned something new - even if it was only the basics.

If you’re after a quiet dinner, this may not be the venue for you. If, however, you’re after an all-encompassing night out with top food, drinks and entertainment, look no further than Solihull’s newest resident.

* Bardello, Damson Lane, Solihull B92 9EH. Prices for tapas range from £3-£6.50. www.bardello.co.uk.

Read More
http://www.birminghammail.net/what-is-on-in-birmingham/birmingham-restaurant-reviews/food-and-drink/food-and-drink-news/2009/11/26/strictly-having-fun-97319-25260650/#ixzz1gKN19agx



This is the original Bardello Home Page that brought blushes to the cheeks of Sophie. Look closely, it's Venda's arms and Rachel's legs. I leave the rest to your imagination.