Trying to recreate ‘the night-time atmosphere of Tokyo’ in the heart of London is no easy feat. For one, we don’t have quite the same mesmerising city lights and architecture when walking out of Farringdon Underground. But that hasn’t deterred Jason Atherton – of Maze fame – to open his izakaya-style restaurant Sosharu with the Japaneses cocktail bar 7 Tales underneath, and this is a man who certainly knows what he’s doing. With recent openings from Dubai to Hong Kong, Jason sure knows how to deliver a mighty fine evening out on the town.
7 Tales is a neon-lined sake-lovers delight. With hip-hop on the sound system and reassuringly dim lighting (perfect for those lust and alcohol-infused dates), you’ll be hanging out with the young professionals of nearby Clerkenwell, who have a plethora of trendy drinking establishments to choose from. Unsurprisingly, 7 Tales is a favourite. Each cocktail has a Japanese twist on a classic; an ‘Alien Jones’ combines coffee-infused Cocchi Americano with lemon, egg white and bamboo charcoal for instance. A ‘Cold Tea’ infuses toasted coconut with Nikka whisky. These are drinks for serious cocktails drinkers.
The nibbles ain’t half bad either. Wagyu salami, chicken karaage and squid tempura will all help to keep those eyes fuzz-free. For a night out East, it can’t be beaten. Unsurprisingly they don’t take reservations so be sure to wear your best shoes and flutter those eyelashes on entry.
