Masterful mixology meets authentic cuisine. Writer Alissa Stroud laps up the flavours of Latin America with an evening at cocktail bar Viajante87 and its Culture Exchange pop-up
Tucked away off of Notting Hill Gate, just minutes from the underground station, you’ll find cocktail bar Viajante87. However, if you blink, you might just miss it – so I’m here to give you a heads up to make sure you don’t!
Giving off serious speakeasy vibes, the entrance to the bar is discreet and tucked away, and it feels like you’re uncovering a hidden London gem as you descend the stairs from street level and step into a buzzy and vibrant bar.
The décor is sleek and stylish with blue-teal velvet covered seats and banquettes, and marble-esque topped tables, offset with gold accents and details and foliage throughout. Low, comfortable seating and dark and cosy corners a plenty make this a great date night spot that’s sure to impress.
I was invited along to experience one of the sensational supper clubs that is part of Viajante87’s Culture Exchange series, that sees the best flavours of Latin America transported to London. The supper club I attended was hosted by chef Marsia Taha of Bolivian restaurant Gustu (placed at No. 23 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023), and Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni, the owner of one of Argentina’s best bars, Florería Atlántico (currently No. 30 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list).
I was sat at a low table with a number of people I’d never met before – as was the rest of the room. We soon found out this was intentional, as the team told us about how they hoped these supper clubs would be a social occasion that bring people together over a shared love of good food and drink, and was inspired by time they’d spent together in kitchens across the globe doing just that.
It was wonderful hearing from both Marsia and Tato to kick off the evening, with each sharing a little about their story and the creations we were set to try, creating an intimate and exclusive feel to the evening.
We were welcomed with a tempting tipple made with Singani 63 – a Bolivian spirit distilled from Muscat grapes – and mixed with apricot, blood peach and Champagne. It was sweet yet fresh and with a light fizz from the Champagne. Truly a delicious start, with more flavour sensations soon to follow.
First up was trout crudo with fresh mango, Bolivian chilli emulsion, green pickled mango and coconut milk. This plate was visually striking with contrasting bright orange and creamy white colours, and it extended to the flavours too – the smokey taste of the trout being offset with the sweetness of the fruit. I think this was my favourite dish of the night purely as it was so interesting and unlike anything I’d tried before.
This dish was paired with a La Kantuta – a blend of Singani 63, peach, dry vermouth and eucalyptus. This delicate pour offered subtle flavours including an almost minty taste from the eucalyptus, that worked well with the zing of chili in the dish.
Next up from chef Marsia were small cubes of smoked duck accompanied by fried yellow corn, black garlic and chives. The crispy corn provided a great variety of texture against the tender duck meat. Alongside this the Fresa Fresca – 1800 Cristallino with fig and sparkling Argentinian strawberry tea.
The main event was slow cooked lamb in a corn tamale that was melt-in-your-mouth tender, served with roasted veg, Bolivian chilli crema and kimchi. This was paired with the Holando Argentino – made with Three Way Apostoles Gin, Mate Milk Tea, Strega and Lillet.
I will say I consider myself first and foremost a foodie over a cocktail connoisseur, and whilst the food was delicious, I was (ever so slightly) more impressed overall by the drinks. Sometimes ‘fancy’ cocktails can be overpoweringly strong, so much so that you lose the flavour, but not with these served by Tato.
Every single sip was exquisite and I feel so privileged I had the chance to try his masterful mixology. From the unique spirits and liqueurs to the gorgeous glassware and impressive ice (maybe it’s just me but I’m a sucker for a really good ice cube – you know the really large ones with a logo imprinted on them? Well – those!), every moment of the sipping experience was sensational.
The evening I attended was one of a select few dining experiences which Viajante87 will be hosting throughout the year to honour the time the team spent in Latin America, which also served as the inspiration for the bar.
The next event is on Sunday 19th May and will give you the chance to try never-before-seen dishes from Chef Jamie Rodríguez Camacho of Columbia’s ‘Celele’, No.16 in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, paired with incredible cocktails from ‘Alquímico’, No.9 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023.
The series provides an incredible opportunity to sample some of South America’s top culinary and cocktail talent, without having to leave London.
Make it happen
How: Reservations are required and can be made via opentable.com
Where: 87 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JZ
When: The next takeover will take place on Sunday 19th May
Words by Alissa Stroud, writer
