Kioku Sake Bar, the world’s first bar to feature sake in every cocktail, has launched a new menu spotlighting shochu, Japan’s national spirit and expanding its commitment to Japanese craftsmanship through a contemporary, global lens. Building on the success of its previous menu, which reshaped how sake appears in modern cocktails, the new collection explores the interplay between shochu, sake, and international spirits. The result is a concise but expressive lineup of serves that showcase layered flavours and technical precision.
Highlights include the Yuzu Daisy, blending Iichiko Saiten Shochu, Snowman Nigori Sake, Don Fulano Blanco and yuzu for a bright, textured twist on a citrus classic. The Melon 75 pairs Mujen Ai Shochu and Awa Sparkling Nigori Sake with Kioku Dry Vermouth and Murano Melon for an elegant, effervescent serve; while the Ume Fizz brings together Shirashinken Shochu, an Ume Sake blend, Victoria Plum Spirit and Three Cents Cherry Soda for a refreshing, fruit-forward finish.
For spirit-forward drinkers, the Fig Leaf Highball elevates the Japanese highball with Suntory Kakubin Whisky, Zaku Concentration Sake and Fig Leaf Essence. The indulgent Muscat Manhattan layers Suntory Hibiki Harmony, Hakurakusei Hikari Sake, Metaxa Private Reserve, Muscat Liqueur and Kioku Red Vermouth. “Shochu is an integral part of Japan’s drinking culture,” notes Bar Manager Tzanetopoulos. “Bringing it to the forefront allows us to explore flavours that feel modern yet distinctly Japanese.”
A bar steeped in craft and historic surroundings
Situated within The OWO, the transformed Old War Office in Whitehall, Kioku Sake Bar operates in one of London’s most storied addresses. The Grade II*-listed landmark once home to statesmen including Winston Churchill and a source of inspiration for Ian Fleming has been reimagined as a hub of nine restaurants and three bars led by world-renowned chefs.
Since opening in April 2024, Kioku has offered an intimate, 25-cover experience inspired by traditional Japanese listening bars. Home to Europe’s largest sake collection, including ten exclusives curated by in-house Sake Sommelier Anthony Yukio, the bar continues to refine its modern approach to Japanese mixology. Creative Restaurant Group leads the project, with consultancy support from Angelos Bafas. With its new shochu-forward menu, Kioku invites guests to explore a fresh chapter of flavour—balancing heritage, technique and innovation in every serve.
Kioku Sake Bar
The Old War Office
2 Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2BD
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Open daily from 6pm Wednesday to Saturday,
Closed Sunday to Tuesday
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