Since 2000, this samba club has been home to some of the best up-and-coming samba stars in Rio. Placed in-between a row of bars on the busy main road in Lapa (Avenida Mem de Sá), the old historic house stands tall and proud.

Like all the bars in this area the venue is crazy busy at the weekends, jam-packed with a multi-cultural crowd and tourists squashed into the small room. There’s a stage and walls filled with exposed brickwork and wooden pillars… it’s rustic. If it’s atmosphere you are looking for this is the place for you, you can smell it in the air, or that could be sweat (whatevs). Although this place can feel a little cramped at times you can still dance the night away, make room by grinding up on your neighbour, ai!

Drinks wise it’s pretty much Caipirinhas or ice cold beer. If you are hungry go to their sister pizza restaurant next door, there is a cover charge of 45 Reals but it’s worth it.