Japan’s been on our radar for a while now: ramen bars, Japanese pubs, sake pairings… but now, things have really taken a Nippon turn. With a wave of new restaurants, festivals and even a Love Hotel on the horizon, we’re set for a fast and furious (sorry) hit of J-culture.
The izakaya trend continues – and it’s no surprise that trailblazer Scott Hallsworth is backing yet another riff of the Japanese pub experience with the introduction of its new weekend party brunch, with all the essential ingredients: DJs, a build-your-own-ramen bar, salmon sashimi pizza, fried chicken and, of course, bottomless beer, wine and brunch punch. On the other side of town in east London, Brett Redman (Elliot’s, The Richmond), is trying his hand at the trend with Jidori – a sticks ‘n’ skewer yakitori joint opening in December.
As for culture, this year we’re swapping our usual Christmas market for Hyper Japan’s version. Billed as an alternative destination in London’s Christmas roster, come here to replace mulled wine with sake cocktails, carols for ‘baby metal’ (performed by Japan’s chart topping LADY BABY), and DIY bauble lessons for origami-style gift-wrapping. Or, want to get serious? Learn the 101s at Presenting Japan, the week-long event dedicated to the country’s main pillars: food, art and design, sport, social innovation, and… robots.
And, finally, the neon’s are up for Night Tales’ latest installment: Tokyo Nights. Opening this week, their 25,000-sq-ft home in Shoreditch has been transformed into Japan of yesteryear. Flickering lights, birdcages, lanterns and rusty balconies set the scene. Plus, there’ll be four new concept bars, eight private Ryokans (Japanese houses), all available for private hire, and six new food vendors serving a mix of Japanese and international street food. Don’t want to balance your gyoza and sushi plates? Book in for the eight-course tasting menu in one of the private Japanese dining rooms. Or, go your own way and throw a private party in their replicated Love Hotel…
Kanpai!
