Santos y Desamparados

What looks to be a personalised death notice with a Gothic feel about it adorns the cover of the concise drinks menu at Santos y Desamparados. Says one of the founding partners, Alberto Villarroel, 'We have two key principles: don't copy anything or anyone – not when it comes to aesthetics, attitude or even selecting music – and create a community, one of flesh and blood, where you can come and have a friendly chat with the bartender or with other customers.' The cocktail bar, lined with low-lights and singular details (paintings by the tattoo artist Robert Hernandez, an exclusively designed iron and wood confessional, a display cabinet with custom Bottesi cocktail tools...) shows off a completely unique character.

With seating capacity for 60 people, the space welcomes you to an old-fashioned (if you've had a bad day) or a daiquiri (if you're up for a celebration), and beyond. With a firm code of cleanliness, discretion and elegance, the staff dress in rigorous Johnny Cash black and set the scene with a playlist that's always aware of the surroundings. We have found ourselves a new lair.