Spring has sprung and so the season of Sakura (the Japanese word for cherry blossom) blooms between March and May every year in Japan. The tradition of Hanami marks this beautiful season and the spectacle that is the flowers that accompany it.
In honour of this custom, Suntory Japanese Whisky is bringing Sakura season to London at the Shochu Lounge at ROKA Charlotte Street this April & May, with a spectacular, all encompassing cherry blossom installation and a Sakura-inspired cocktail menu.
Contemporary Japan celebrates Hanami with al-fresco parties, taking in the vibrant, breathtaking layers of cherry blossom. From 1st April – 31st May, guests at the Charlotte Street Shochu Lounge will be gilded with cherry blossom, evoking this beautiful Japanese custom, where they can enjoy a bespoke Sakura season cocktail menu, created exclusively for Shochu Lounge at ROKA Charlotte Street, with Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Enjoy the Yozakura (Hanami at night) in an award-winning Japanese restaurant, where you can also sample the delights of the robatayaki cuisine served upstairs in the main restaurant.
Hibiki & Shochu Lounge present to you:
- Match a Rack – an elegant fusion of matcha-infused Arrack and Hibiki Japanese Harmony, umami spirit and mango cordial, served straight up in a nick-and-nora martini glass
- Suntory Blossom – a short concoction of Hibiki Japanese Harmony, ume sake, blood orange and Sakura tincture. Served in a rock glass with carved ice, garnished with a dry blood orange wheel and Sakura blossom
- Happo Harmony – a sweet and spicy, refreshing amalgamation of oriental flavours, combining Hibiki Japanese Harmony, rhubarb and ginger syrup, soda water and sprayed lemon flower essence. Served in a highball glass with carved ice, garnished with a rhubarb twist.
Hamish Brown, ROKA Group Executive Chef, has also created especially for the occasion the small plate, Hokkaido snow crab with tapioca crisp and nori, to pair with the Match a Rack cocktail.
The Charlotte Street location not in your zone? No problem! A Sakura-inspired cocktail will also be on the menus at ROKA’s three other locations: Aldwych, Canary Wharf and Mayfair.
When?
1st April – May 31st
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Sunday 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Where?
Shochu Lounge (ROKA)
37 Charlotte St
London
W1T 1RR
How much?
All three cocktails are £10.90 each.