SquareMeal Review of Bar Galante
Bronze Award
Glitzy, glassy art deco is the look at the Gaucho Grill’s standalone cocktail bar – homage to Argentina’s legendary mixologist Santiago Policastro. Under the soubriquet ‘Pichín', the ‘gallant bartender’ (crowned the first World Cocktail Champion in 1935) was the creator of renowned drinks such as El Clarito – Buenos Aires’ answer to the Dry Martini, served here in a sugar-rimmed glass. Other original recipes include his signature El Pato (the duck): referencing Argentina’s favourite hunting sport, it comprises gin, kirsch, Campari and Cointreau, plus sweet and dry vermouth. Alternatively, try something more modern such as Juan Collins, made with Hesperidina (a native orange liqueur). Latin beers and South American wines are also on offer, perfect if you fancy nibbling sliders, lobster empanadas, chicken chirricorn and alfajores (Argentinian cookies) over a tête-à-tête.