Erika Haigh’s guide to where to drink sake in London

Mad Cats is a brilliant hi-fi bar tucked away on one of my favourite streets in Shoreditch - Redchurch Street. The vibe is spot on, with a feel that nods to the listening bars of Tokyo, but with its own London edge. Here, they serve Middle Eastern dishes, creative cocktails and sake, blending Lebanese and Japanese influences and tapping into an exciting new space for drinking sake. They’ve also got a fantastic vinyl collection. It’s rare to find something in London that channels the spirit of Japan’s jazz kissa, but Mad Cats offers a contemporary take on that traditional culture. Good vibes, great food and sake in a seriously cool setting. 

A must-visit for sake lovers! Home to one of Europe's largest sake collections, including rare bottles shipped directly from Japan, Kioku by Endo offers an atmosphere and culinary experience that evoke the essence of Tokyo, while its setting is unmistakably London. Helmed by third-generation sushi master Endo Kazutoshi, the restaurant is perched atop the historic Old War Office, providing panoramic views across central London. After your meal, descend to the ground floor to visit Kioku Bar - a destination in its own right. With its beautiful interior, warm hospitality and premium pricing, it's a treat-yourself kind of place. 

I have to mention my own sake bar! Moto is the UK’s first independent sake bar, shop and eatery. We offer a diverse range of sakes by the glass in a cosy, intimate setting with a team always ready to help with recommendations. All bottles are exclusive to us and have never reached the UK market, so you can only try them at Moto or in Japan. We also have a selection of small plates available for the full izakaya experience. Our fridges are also stocked with take-home bottles, so your sake journey can continue at home.

Dinings, headed by chef Masaki Sugisaki, has an extensive, ever-changing sake list that pairs perfectly with the menu’s fresh, seasonal produce. Japanese and European influences meet beautifully here, both in the food and the sake. The knowledgeable team are passionate about guiding you through the sake list - especially Chris, the Head Sommelier, who is a big sake fan!​

Behind, the Michelin-starred restaurant from Chef-Owner Andy Beynon, is worth visiting for the food alone, which is almost entirely seafood-led. Their sake pairings are exceptional and showcase how well seafood and sake go together beyond Japanese cuisine.​

Carousel is home to a revolving line-up of guest chef collaborations, workshops and events with a revolving wine bar. Carousel’s rotating guest chef programme hosts chefs from around the world, so there is also a new experience - different cuisines paired with sake, guided by the friendly and knowledgeable Carousel team. An immersive, ever-changing dining experience allows for endless opportunities to discover new sake pairings.

Chinese cuisine’s umami and depth pair perfectly with sake. China Tang has an expanding sake selection and a knowledgeable drinks team on hand to guide your choices. Located in the Dorchester, Mayfair, this is a fantastic premium option.

A modern British fine-dining restaurant and a must when in London, Counter 71 is based around an intimate 16-seater counter, where you can chat with the whole team. Sommelier Harry brilliantly pairs sake with Chef-Owner Joe Laker’s menu. Here you’ll find British food meeting Japanese food done right. The focus is on seasonality, sustainability and craftsmanship in the food and sake.

This basement wine bar and shop is an unexpected place to find sake - making it all the more intriguing. The bar has a long history, serves classic British comfort food alongside good sake and is approachable and relaxed. Right in Leicester Square, it’s ideal for a pit stop between sightseeing, Chinatown or bar-hopping in Soho.

A traditional kaiseki experience – watch the chef at work and enjoy sake in a truly authentic setting. Attention to detail in food, drink and décor feels like being transported to Kyoto. Great sake selection by the glass – no need for the full omakase experience if you just want a few drinks in their beautiful downstairs salon. The sommelier, Ryosuke, ex-Umu, is a fellow IWC sake judge with an expert palate.

This is the sister to the prestigious Endo at the Rotunda - elevated but in a more casual setting in Westbourne Grove. It has indoor and outdoor seating and a wide selection of sake, whisky, cocktails and wine - there’s something for everyone. The team is enthusiastic about sake, and they feature different bottles each month, so you can discover something new on every visit!