Shochu Lounge

The wooden vats and rustic bar counter, low tables and plush, boxy red seats in enclaves make for a setting that’s half 21st-century style bar, half feudal Japan. The dim lighting and low ceiling confer a louche yet sociable mood. And as befits a bar in the basement of trend-setting Japanese restaurant Roka, there’s a pioneering focus on shochu. Here, this vodka-like spirit is tinctured with things such as cinnamon (for joy of life) or lemon (for virility) and served neat or in cocktails by Tony Conigliaro. Try a Hallo Kitty (shochu, raspberries, rose, lemon and sparkling water, £8.60) or a Plum Plum (shochu and plum vodka, £8.30). And to really push the boat out, note that anything on Roka’s tempting menu can be ordered in the bar.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008

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Entertainment: DJs 8pm Thur-Sat

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