Both Sucre & Alma London offer a dazzling fusion of flavours, fire, and culture right in the heart of Soho. Sucre, the renowned Argentinian restaurant, brings the smoky, rustic artistry of open-fire cooking to London, where each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation. Beneath it, Alma, a bold Mezcal and Tequila bar, pulses with Latin American energy, where agave spirits take centre stage, complemented by electric vibes and a curated cocktail menu that showcases the soul of South America.
The Mastermind Behind it All
The magic of Sucre & Alma comes from the vision of Fernando Trocca, a chef whose culinary genius has made waves across the globe. A passionate soul himself, the fire-cooking technique represents him, given the strong knack and zeal it needs to master, enabling the food’s smoky essence to build up to the right point.
Having honed his skills in some of Argentina’s finest kitchens and travelled across Europe and the US, Fernando founded Sucre in Buenos Aires in 2001, quickly becoming one of Latin America’s most celebrated chefs. Sucre’s success led to several more openings in Uruguay, the US, and, now, London, where Fernando brings a unique approach to fire-based cooking, blending Argentine heritage with international influences.
Fernando’s cooking is rooted in simplicity but elevated through technique and respect for ingredients. His mastery of open-fire cooking, a technique that has shaped much of Argentina’s culinary landscape, is what sets Sucre apart. By taking familiar flavours and infusing them with the complexity of flame and embers, he creates dishes that are both comforting and unexpected. His philosophy celebrates communal dining, where the food is as much about the experience of sharing as it is about taste. Every dish at Sucre reflects his passion for storytelling through food, where fire and flavour meet in a harmonious dance.
Argentinian Flare at Sucre
Sucre’s ethos is all about embracing Argentina’s traditions of grilling, slow-roasting, and open-fire cooking, turning the primal act of cooking over flames into an art form. Each dish on the menu has been meticulously crafted to showcase the depth and character of the ingredients, with a strong focus on seasonality and sustainability.
The open kitchen, with its crackling fire and smoky aromas, has a lot of highlights in the winter menu. The Pincho offers a unique twist on traditional Argentine grilling, bringing together Grilled Octopus, Morteau sausage, and Ajo Relish for a flavour-packed bite. The Tuna Tartare, a standout seafood option, pairs the freshness of the ocean with the earthiness of black garlic and the tang of pickled red onion. For those craving warmth, the Corn-Fed Half Chicken with salmoriglio (an Italian-inspired herb sauce) and confit garlic is a rich, comforting dish that encapsulates the soul-warming spirit of Argentine home cooking. And of course, no meal would be complete without a dessert to tie it all together, and Sucre’s Dulce de Leche Fondant with mascarpone provides the ideal sweet note, rich and velvety with a hint of nostalgia.
Winter Menu Highlights
Sucre’s winter menu embraces the season’s hearty ingredients, offering the right balance between comfort and refinement. One dish not to miss is the Beef Short Rib, slow-cooked to melting perfection and paired with a velvety potato puree. The red wine sauce adds a deep, luscious richness that makes this dish both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a showstopper, combining the boldness of fire with the tenderness that only slow cooking can achieve.
The menu also celebrates Argentina’s love for grilling, with the Corn-Fed Half Chicken being another example of fire-cooked mastery. The chicken, with its crispy skin and juicy meat, is complemented by the vibrant flavours of salmoriglio and confit garlic, offering a comforting and flavourful experience. The seasonal dishes at Sucre are designed not just to satiate hunger but to evoke a sense of warmth and togetherness, much like the family-style meals common in Argentina.
Alma’s Fresh Identity
Beneath Sucre, Alma has undergone an exciting transformation. Now a destination bar focused on Mezcal and Tequila, it invites us to discover the complexity and craftsmanship of agave-based spirits. Alma isn’t just a bar – it’s a cultural experience, bringing the spirit of Latin America to London through a carefully curated collection of artisanal tequilas and mezcals. Each bottle is a testament to the craftsmanship behind agave spirits, sourced from small, independent producers in Mexico who embrace traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.
What sets Alma apart is its commitment to educating and immersing its visitors in the world of agave. For those new to the spirits, Alma offers tasting experiences designed to introduce the complexities of tequila and mezcal, while also offering cocktails that elevate the flavours to new heights. The intimate, stylish setting, with its vibrant colours and digital artwork, provides the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable evening of discovery and indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, Alma promises to deepen your appreciation for Latin American spirits.
Curated Creations
Under the expert guidance of Bar Manager Glenn Gicquel, Alma’s cocktail selections also embody the spirit of Latin America. Gicquel, known for his flair and innovative approach to mixology, has crafted a menu that balances tradition with modernity. The TeMate Rocks is a herbaceous, refreshing cocktail that blends clarified Mijenta Reposado Tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, honey, and mate syrup for a zesty twist on traditional agave drinks. On the other hand, the Lágrimas De Oro combines the smooth warmth of Casamigos Reposado Tequila with banana liqueur and salted caramel syrup, offering a drink that is both fresh and indulgent.
The cocktails at Alma are a journey through Latin American flavours, celebrating the bold, the fresh, and the unexpected. Alma’s bar team also embraces the social aspect of drinking, creating cocktails that are meant to be savoured and shared, much like the community-centric dining style at Sucre. Each sip is an invitation to dive deeper into the rich, cultural tapestry of Latin America.
Sucre & Alma
These two destinations aren’t just places to eat and drink – they are experiences, immersing you in the vibrant rhythms of Latin American culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. From the fire-kissed dishes at Sucre to the agave-focused cocktails at Alma, every moment spent in these vibrant spaces is a celebration of flavour, artistry, and connection. Discover the warmth, creativity, and passion of South America, all under one roof in the heart of London.
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All imagery courtesy of Sucre & Alma.