Shochu Lounge

Close to Heaven

28 Aug 08, 02:59 Above expectations

This bar is exactly the place to go after work. It's definitley one for relaxation and enjoyment. The feeling is friendly and honest. And the only thing you need worry about is what drinks you're going to order. I love it and vow to become a regular.

Named after a Spirit

23 Aug 08, 11:38 Above expectations

Yes this dark lounge bar is named after a Japanese spirit (Alcohol) named Shochu. They do some really interesting things with this "Shochu", the cocktails are really nice. The food served here is contemporary Japanese, it really is good. Reserve yourself a table in advance and indulge, but a fair warning: don't set yourself a budget if you want the full experience. This is a great place to entertain clients or friends.

For a good night out

22 Aug 08, 19:59 Above expectations

For a good night out I would recommend this lounge/bar. The setting is slightly rustic, but the drinks are good (even if they do cost a small finger). The atmosphere is friendly and dare I say quite sexy. It does get really busy so if you would like a table, I recommend you book in advance. Nice place though.

A good night out

17 Aug 08, 10:49 Above expectations

I was at Shochu last night and had a really good time. It wasn't too busy, giving the staff ample time to chat to the customers, and giving us the opportunity to grab a table and enjoy some snacks. To drink I recomend the Elegante, it's a concoction made in a blender with lemon and lemon sorbet (really delicious) and for desert you have to try their Chocolate pudding!!!! Every girls best friend.

Best Cocktails in London

16 Aug 08, 13:43 Above expectations

This bar is defintley one for the cocktail enthusiast. They offer a great selection in their cocktail menu, they do all the classics and they even infuse their own spirit with fruits!!!! Although I didn't try the "flavoured Shochu" I did have the most amazing Cosmopolitan and a cocktail called the Rose Petal Martinni. They were both "Above expectations" and the service was very friendly and informative. It was quite busy but never-the-less it wasn't too hard to get a bartenders attention. The food looked great, but unfortunatly you have to reserve a table for dinner, it's just too busy to "walk in". But nice place, amazing cocktails.

same menu as Roka, better atmosphere

13 Apr 08, 19:19 Beyond expectations

This is the sister bar to the restaurant Roka, and in my opinion a far superior dining experience. Roka could be anywhere with its minimalist design, but Shochu is dark, atmospheric, and serves the best cocktails in London. The food is absolutely incredible too. The menu is a bit confusing as all the small dishes are mixed up with the bigger ones, but my advice is to take a gamble with your order - whatever you choose you won't be disappointed!

Show me the Shochu

18 Oct 07, 19:13 Above expectations

I touched on this place briefly in my review of Roka, but it's worthy of its own. While a lot of people will only see it fleetingly while waiting for a table, if you want a sleek evening in slick surroundings, it definitely fits the bill.

Although I've never eaten down here, they apparently they also serve the full Roka menu so if you can't get a table upstairs, see if you can sneak in downstairs.

The dark, subterranean lounge has a bit of Bond feel to it. You can just imagine a seductive Bond girl being plied with a shot or two of Shochu before the baddies pile in and James is forced to impale a couple of evil geniuses on chopsticks, before returning to sweep her away to some silk-sheeted bed.

Anyway, delicious cocktails come at a price, so unless someone else is paying, it's probably best to restrict yourself to just one. I'm a particular fan of the Lychee Martini but whichever of their fresh fruit / alcoholic combos you choose, you're probably not going to be disappointed.