Gaucho City

From the awning over the stairs to the buttoned black leather within, Henry Ford’s favourite colour is much in evidence at this stygian steakhouse in the vault where the Bank of England once stored its bullion. It’s dark & it’s sexy, with shades of Addams-family gloom perked up by cowhide upholstery that adds a frivolous touch of yee-ha! to the show. But it’s beef, not leather, that makes Gaucho the capital’s favourite Argentinian since Evita: 400g spiral cuts of marinated rump, slow-grilled chateaubriand to share & entraña fina (succulent marbled skirt of beef) all make an impact. Spatchcocked chicken & black cod cater for less red-blooded appetites, & there are a few options for stray veggies. The ‘prodigious’ Argentinian wine list is a vinous education, with fine & rare bottles in abundance, plus masses of beef-friendly Malbec.