Chukkachurri Bar

An Argentinian polo bar in the heart of Green Point

Well, that’s what the initial concept was anyway. “Locals didn’t really get the whole ‘Argentinian Polo bar’ thing,” explains co-owner Daniel Toledo.

“It’s a kind of dance bar,” chimes in his business partner, Tal Aviram, who’s also the chef at their neighbouring Italian restaurant, Il Leone Mastrantonio. Both men are from Israel and they started the restaurant six years ago, along with the third piece of the puzzle South African, Ivor van der Beek, nicknamed  by the other two ‘Nelsparta’ for his Nelspruit roots. The three of them have now extended the business with the advent of the two-storey bar. “We’re having fun – we’re not trying to do anything more than that.”

We’re upstairs in an attic-like room that can hold a dance floor of 150 people. The décor, a combination of old-meets-new, is relaxed and intuitively stylish. “We want you to feel like you’ve come home,” says Ivor. A point perhaps best illustrated by the far wall covered in black and white photographs of scenes from a polo match (also a nod to the original concept).

Despite it’s unpretentious nature, the bar is fast gaining a reputation for being one of the most interesting nights out in Cape Town. I say interesting, because Chukkachurri has dedicated its Friday nights to minimal tech: a sub-genre of techno, it’s the bare bones of the style, characterised by underdeveloped and repetitive beats.

Cape Town’s underground, upstairs

During the week - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - there’s no DJ, but the music is tailored to create a convivial bar atmosphere. Saturdays have an indie rock theme.

Minimal tech is not the only unusual brand of music that the bar’s embracing though. The first Thursday of every month ChukkaChurri hosts an electro-swing party; a growing scene in Cape Town pioneered by DJs like Toby2Shoes and James Copeland - think funky loops, jazzy bass lines and big, big drums. And the last Thursday of the month Chukkachurri conforms slightly, with a house party thrown by online radio station MuthaFm.

The music is not the only thing that’s underground here. “We don’t advertise,” says Daniel taking a sip of golden weiss beer. “The right people will find it; and we let them bring the identity.”

What’s in a name?

‘Chukka’ means ‘polo’ and the ‘chirri’ comes from a famous Argentinian sauce, Chimi Chirri. “In Argentina they eat it with everything,” enthuses Daniel. The venue is also available for functions, which can be catered with finger foods with a Latin twist – like empanadas served with Chimi Chirri.

“Our drink prices are reasonable too,” he adds. They have all the classic cocktails, and as well as the not-so-classic, like a strawberry and basil mojito. There’s also Paulaner beer on tap, along with a range of bottled craft beers and plenty of malbec wine (an Argentinian cultivar).

“We have a cocktail named after Alfonzo.” Who? “The king of the place,” exclaims Daniel, “the little blue donkey!” The rubber toy has been all over the world with Daniel, and now with a gin-based, curacao-tinted drink served in his honour, the unlikely mascot resides firmly in the bar. Another thing to try is classic Argentinian drink - Fernet Branca mixed with coke.

“Sometimes in life you need to be connected to your roots,” says Daniel. “This place is our dream,” adds Tal, “from the bottom of our hearts.” Both their fathers are Argentinian, and this bar is a connection to those origins.

There are a lot of new things to try here; from the music, to the drinks, and hey, you may even get to meet Alfonzo.

By Malu Lambert

Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar on Longmarket Street is another attic bar with great taste in music.

For your monthly update on what’s happening in and around Cape Town, be sure to subscribe to our popular newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.