Preservation Hall

An acclaimed bar celebrates the heritage and ingredients of Colombia

- STORY BY TERRY ZARIKIAN

The interior spans three floors, each with a different menu; Yuca cocktail

ON A recent trip to Cartagena, Colombia, away from Bocagrande, the newly developed area housing art galleries, shops and restaurants, I visited one of The World's 50 Best Bars—to be more precise, number eight on the list. Alquímico proudly showcases Colombia's agricultural biodiversity within the walls of a historic mansion in the center of Cartagena's Old City. The house was built by French architect Gastón Lelarge, known for such important works in Colombia as the Marroquín Castle, the Palace of San Francisco and Club Cartagena. He also built the Marble Palace in Tehran and was involved in the construction of the Paris Opera.

As one enters the main floor, one is greeted by the exhilarating sounds of cumbia and Colombian salsa. Alquímico spreads its personality across three packed floors, thanks to French-Vietnamese owner Jean Trinh, who fell in love with Colombia and wanted to give something back to the country he now calls home.