formerly of Happiness Forgets and Experimental Cocktail Club, the drinks menu is inspired by Japanese culture and philosophies, such as Nikkei Martinez, a blend of aged sake, mosto verde pisco, vermouth, black salt and flowers or Bonita Appleplum, a zesty mix of sugarcane umeshu, sugarcane, amontillado, rum, lemon and orange bitters.
A particularly playful addition to the 7 Tales menu is Champagne Papi, a cocktail combining Perrier Jouët NV, umeshu, banana and lactic sugar, served with a 7 Tales ‘coin’ which enables guests to use a bespoke vending machine within the bar that dispenses a sugar cube designed to enhance the flavour of the champagne.
Designed by Shanghai based studio Neri & Hu, also responsible for Jason’s Pollen Street Social, the striking interiors of the 75 cover restaurant play with notions of Japanese domesticity. The ground floor is framed by an abstract timber structure, inspired by traditional minka houses, evoking the intimate experience of sitting in a Japanese home. Downstairs, guests can experience the more urban side of Japan in basement bar 7 Tales, where Tokyo’s subculture is reflected through walls plastered with a bespoke wallpaper depicting Japan’s golden age movements in the early sixties, and a playful neon sign set to be an Instagram sensation.
Set to open shortly after Sosharu, Kisetsu, meaning season, will be an entirely separate dining space with its own kitchen, accessible via the main entrance to Sosharu.
Here, a tasting menu will be served in fine dining style adopting the ‘omakase’ tradition. Loosely translated as ‘trust the chef,’ diners are offered a bespoke daily changing menu chosen by Alex. Guests will be seated around a kitchen counter with the interiors changing seasonally to coincide with the Japanese name.
Sosharu is an exciting addition to Clerkenwell’s thriving community, offering a unique dining and drinking destination for London foodies, locals and international commuters alike.
