You'll find the tiny, characterful Buen Ayre restaurant on Broadway Market, one of East London's most charming streets, and this December it's available for Christmas party bookings of up to 30 people.
Buen Ayre has been here since 2004, when founder and chef John Rattagan opened what was at the time, one of the country's first traditional parrilla experiences. John's story starts in Argentina where he was raised and learned to master the family asado BBQ. Every week people would come together around the grill, something that inspired his career heavily. When he left for London, John chose one of Hackney's coolest areas to set up shop, making Buen Ayre an eatery which revolves around good, simple, deliciously-cooked food, alongside pared-back rustic decor and friendly staff.
The restaurant is intimate and the atmosphere reflects that, with regulars being treated a little like family. For example, measures have been set up to eradicate no shows, after ghost bookings put too much pressure on this - in their words - tiny restaurant and its close-knit team. This helps diners understand just how home-grown Buen Ayre is, and hopefully, encourages their support.
This Christmas, you're always welcome to book a table for friends, family or colleagues to be merry and bright, but there's also a private dining room for up to 30 people which lets you take over the space and enjoy a private service. You'll be dining from the main menu which starts with smaller dishes such as chorizo cooked in cider sauce, marinated ox tongue, pan-fried asparagus, and buffalo burrata with grilled tomato and toast.
Of course, main dishes are steak-focused, with all cuts being sourced from Argentina, free-range and grass-fed. Try the grilled sirloin, rib-eye, fillet and flank. Salads include a mix of lettuce, seeds, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and Goji berries, alongside sides like French fries seasoned with fresh garlic and parsley.