Sosharu

It’s safe to say that Londoners are now familiar with the term ‘izakaya’. So when Jason Atherton opened Sosharu – his rendition of gastro-style Japanese dining – the anticipation was nail bitingly high. Luckily, Atherton and his Kyoto trained Exec Head Chef Alex Craciun have it all under control.

It’s high end chic, with staff wearing Evisu aprons, a funky basement bar playing Japanese hip hop and all singing, all dancing, self-flushing Japanese loos.

The set up is so smooth that both corporate meetings and beer glugging social sessions can be held here in harmony. It’s high end chic, with staff wearing Evisu aprons, a funky basement bar playing Japanese hip hop and all singing, all dancing, self-flushing Japanese loos.

Dishes are prepared with signature Japanese precision, but if you’re expecting sushi then think again. Open salmon temaki is served crispy and textured with a mini squeezy bottle of spicy mayonnaise, the O-Toro tuna appears fresh and plump sitting on a neat block of ice, and the parmesan coated broccoli tempura instantly melts in the mouth. Meat lovers will find heaven in the Tonkatsu crumbed pork and rich kombu dressing, although this is a whole meal in itself. You may be too full for dessert but there’s a good-looking Matcha mill crepe on the menu, eye-catching in bright lime green.