Downstairs from the award-winning restaurant Roka, Shochu Lounge is an atmospheric basement bar whose interiors – designed by revered Japanese architects Super Potato - pass a knowing nod to their liquid inspiration.

The Venue
The house tipple at Shochu Lounge is, you guessed it, Shochu - a Japanese spirit that’s not dissimilar to vodka. One of the main draws of this spirit is that when it is drunk neat, it gives no hangover. The Shochu is macerated into differing varieties in-house and stored in glass-encased barrels that form a showpiece on the back wall.

Another wall of the bar is given over to a now-defunct antique brewing system, whilst a square bar occupies the main space.

The Atmosphere
Dark woods and low lighting are brightened by deep red patchwork seating within the moody colour scheme. Crystal clear ice blocks adorn the bar, handchipped by the bartenders with ice-picks for the cocktails. Meanwhile, chill-out and world beats soothe the grown-up, groomed and discerning clientele.

The Drink
The cocktails here are deftly mixed – the bar manager at Shochu Lounge also consults for Blumenthal’s Fat Duck. Don’t miss out on the Toyko Baby house punch, which comes served in a divine Hello Kitty glass bottle, so endearing that many customers sneak them out afterwards as souvenirs.

The Last Word
A night at Shochu Lounge is a refreshing experience. If you're a fan of luxurious decor, fabulous cocktails and waking the following morning minus the seemingly inevitable hangover, you will be hard pressed to find fault with this gem of a bar.

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