Bar Galante

Anglo-Argentinian diplomatic relations may be glacial at the moment, but the welcome is warm enough at Gaucho Grill’s new cocktail lounge. The name references 1930s Latin master, Santiago Policastro, whose soubriquet was ‘el barman galante’. Today’s gallant efforts include his signature, el pato (basically a negroni with dry vermouth, Cointreau and kirsch for good measure), and zonda – a must-try white rum, apricot brandy and gin martini. The consistently entertaining list also pimps Latino lovelies with a European angle – think una vueltita a la sangria (Cognac, Tempranillo and Hesperidina) or torta galesa (a plummy rummy flip based on a cake introduced to Argentina by Welsh immigrants). Otherwise, drink, native wines and beers with tapas-style ‘copetines’ (ceviche, pesto-wrapped prawns, oysters chimichurri, burger-itos). Galante’s arresting decor mixes Barry White bling with icy art deco touches.