Viajante87 relaunches with new leadership team

London-based late-night cocktail bar Viajante87 has relaunched under the management of drinks industry veterans Pietro Collina and Veronica Di Pietrantonio.

Unveiling an all-new cocktail concept inspired by the duo’s travels through Latin America, Collina and Di Pietrantonio will lead the creative direction of the Notting Hill venue as bar director and brand manager respectively, alongside founder and owner Markus Thesleff.

Collina, who has previously led New York-based venues Eleven Madison Park and NoMad as beverage director, commented: “We’re excited to collaborate with the Thesleff Group as we aim to redefine west London’s cocktail scene.

“Markus’ team-building prowess and commitment to enriching guest experiences resonates with us. Together we are passionate about shaping the future of hospitality and creating an energetic destination that blends excellence with warmth.”

Former member of the Mr Lyan management team, Di Pietrantonio, added: “It’s incredible how our journey brought us together. Markus’ love for new cultures and community, as well as for the guest experience, works as immense support for the project, giving us a great platform to express ourselves and our creativity as well as creating a community space for west London.”

The pair will make their mark on the venue with the launch of a new Latin American-inspired cocktail menu, which will ‘mirror the stages of immersion in a new culture’.

The menu will be divided into five sections, each embodying an adventure.

Guests can expect serves such as the Glacier Martini, inspired by the glacial fjords in Patagonia, and the 90210, which is said to be inspired by the Argentinian love of Fernet and Coke.

Meanwhile, the Ya Esta is the duo’s Latin twist on the Last Word cocktail, combining Tapatio 110 Tequila and the lesser-known Mexican Nocheluna sotol instead of the usual gin. The sotol’s grassy tones are blended with celery and apple cordial, while Chartreuse elixir adds a dry, herbaceous finish.

Thesleff said: “Appointing Pietro Collina and Veronica Di Pietrantonio reflects our dedication to excellence and innovation of both cocktail creation and guest experiences. With their remarkable journey and passion for wines and spirits, and having worked with such exceptional institutions internationally, we see a unique and inspiring vision being brought to our bar.

“Together, we’ll craft an unforgettable cocktail experience, embodying the spirit of adventure and creativity.”

Guests can visit Viajante87 now to preview a selection of the serves before the full menu launches in late October.

Collina is a co-founder of ready-to-drink cocktail brand Whitebox Drinks.