London City

Opened in its current incarnation in 1954, London City is less than a block from the Plaza de Mayo on the corner of Peru and Avenida de Mayo. Named for 2 large English stores that has occupied the site in the early 20th Century, it’s easy to miss in the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown area.

Upon entering, it’s not immediately obvious why the bar has Notable status. Whilst it hasn’t had a total atmosphere transplant like the Bar Iberia, it doesn’t really stand out from dozens of similar Confiterias in the city.

At the back, in what was once a smoking area, lies a clue to the more glamourous past of London City. During the first half of the 20th Century, the bars and cafe along the Avenida de Mayo attracted many artists and writers who would sit around with an espresso, wrestling with the great philosphical and artistic questions of the day.

Influential Argentine author Julio Cortazar was one such artist and his favourite was the London City, going as far as mentioning it in his work, Los Premios.

These days however, the artists have moved on to be replaced by local office workers and tourists and London City has lost most of its charm.

London City: Avenida de Mayo 599
Subte: Peru, Line A

This page is part of a series examining the Notable Bars of Buenos Aires.