If a trip to Argentina was never likely to be on the cards this half-term, perhaps it may be worth experiencing a taste of the country’s sporting culture (and sinking your teeth into some steak) by jumping on the Jubilee line and heading over to The Gaucho International Polo day at The O2 tomorrow.
Though quite an elitist sport in this country, Polo is Argentina’s national game and the tournaments there are a favourite way of spending the day for whole families. Acting in their unofficial role as ambassadors of Argentina, this is what Gaucho wants to replicate in the UK.
Tickets for this one-off London special cost £25 (discounts for children) and include access to the event from 2pm, with an Argentine and polo themed pop-up retail village and the chance to try playing polo yourself with ‘have-a-go polo’ courtesy of Ascot Park polo training centre, where Londonist has previously had a go at it. There’ll also be live music, celebrity polo matches (the website doesn’t say who) and the chance to say hello to Barnabus - the world’s smallest polo pony and Gaucho’s mascot.
This is all before the actual matches begin at 5pm, preceded by a demonstration game to help novices understand the rules. The tournament’s followed by a prize giving ceremony at 9pm after which those with any stamina left can stick around for the after-party and mingle with the players.
Obviously, Gaucho are at hand throughout to quell any hunger in suitably Argentine fashion with their range of steaks, ceviches and empanadas at their O2 restaurant. Not to mention a glass of Malbec or two.
Visit www.theo2polo.com for ticket sales and more information.
