The Argentine-born Chef Leonel Aguirre has called London home for the past few years, following a career that has taken him through some of the world’s most celebrated kitchens. He began working with Mauro Colagreco at Mirazur in France in 2016, before continuing to One&Only Royal Mirage’s Beach Bar & Grill in Dubai and Mirazur by Mandala Club in Singapore. Today, he is based at the Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO.
A wine and gastronomy aficionado, Leonel Aguirre approaches London as he does food, filled with curiosity, an eye for detail, and plenty of time to wander. His guide to the city pairs memorable meals with art, long walks, and some of London’s best people-watching.
In celebration of London Fashion Week, Whitewall spoke with Aguirre about his favorite spots in town.
Courtesy of Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London.
Photo by Justin De Souza. Courtesy of Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London.
WHITEWALL: What’s your favorite spot to find inspiration?
LEONEL AGUIRRE: The parks in London are simply incredible. There’s one near my home in Willesden Green, with a hill where I like to sit and watch the daylight change. People pass by and I can observe all the sounds and colours. It’s quiet and I find myself very inspired while being in nature, especially while living in a busy city.
WW: Favorite place to see art?
LA: White Cube Gallery in Bermondsey always has something exciting. It’s smaller and calmer than some of the big museums, and the exhibitions are bold and contemporary. It’s a little off the beaten path, where I go when I want to disconnect or see things from an alternative perspective.
Courtesy of Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London.
WW: Which neighborhood has the best vibe?
LA: Shoreditch has amazing energy right now. You really can find everything you’d want. It’s vibrant and creative, and there’s always something new happening, be it a new restaurant opening, cocktail bars, art or music.
“Shoreditch has amazing energy right now…there’s always something new happening,”
—Leonel Aguirre
WW: Best-kept secret?
LA: Yuki Bar in Hackney, tucked under an archway. Specialising in natural wines, and seating just 20 guests – it’s one of the coziest, most relaxed spots in the city. By far my favourite spot in town for a glass and some Japanese Izakaya-style small plates.
WW: For your ideal 24 hours in London, where would we find you morning, noon and evening?
Morning: Coffee and pastries at Layla, in Notting Hill.
Noon: A stroll around the White Cube Gallery in Bermondsey, with a glass of wine at 40 Maltby Street.
Night: Wines and comfort Japanese food at Yuki Bar in Hackney.
Leonel Aguirre Picks The Best of London
1) White Cube Gallery
Howardena Pindell, “Off the Grid,” White Cube Bermondsey, London – 2025, courtesy of White Cube.
“White Cube Bermondsey opened in 2011 and is Europe’s largest commercial gallery space incorporating more than 5440m² of interior space. The building, which dates from the 1970s, was renovated and designed by architects Casper Mueller Kneer. The location on Bermondsey Street in South London is identifiable by its large open courtyard, while the gallery itself features three expansive exhibition spaces including South Gallery II which spans 778m² and the double-height naturally-lit gallery, 9x9x9. The building also houses an auditorium, a bookshop, private viewing rooms and offices and a warehouse.” –White Cube Bermondsey.
2) Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London
Courtesy of Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London.
“Welcome to Chef Mauro’s signature michelin-starred restaurant, a one-of-a-kind culinary experience that brings the excellence of the British terroir to the table with both humility and passion. Tracing a path through the English countryside and its beautiful gardens, his menu reveals more than 70 varieties of vegetable and fruit, all produced in Britain. With hyper-seasonality as one of his guiding lights, he sources flavourful ingredients from close by, forging warm relationships with local producers in the UK.” –Mauro Colagreco.
3) Yuki Bar
Courtesy of Yuki London via Instagram.
A favorite among London’s natural wine bars, Yuki Bar takes its name from owner Yukiyasu Kaneko, whose experience working at restaurants across continental Europe helped shape his expertise in natural wine and, eventually, this Japanese-influenced bar. Hospitality is central to the experience, with thoughtful guidance through a wide-ranging selection of bottles from different regions and producers.
