Tipped

Roka lite with great cocktails

January 18, 2008

Little known secret - if you can't get into Roka you can still eat their entire menu downstairs at Shochu. It is a little more cozy than upstairs even. Plus with the bar next to you, think of how fast your service will be for all those different flavours of shochu.

Honestly, I think that one of the most intoxicated afternoon / evenings of my last decade was spent in Shochu. Had a great time that culminated in me trying to order singing telegrams for the rest of the schmoo's that were stuck in the office still (probably not the best way to make friends with colleagues on a Friday afternoon).

Go there, have a drink, get a little crazy - but my only advice is to not show everyone where your secret tattoo is in the middle of the bar. Oh and be forewarned, that shochu stuff is POTENT!

No hangover...or so they say

January 16, 2008

First of all I agree that Shochu Lounge should be kept a secret, although - by looks of the place last night - the secret has been out for a while. There were a lot of people there and many had more than a smidgen of meeeedja or City about them.

However, the atmosphere and service is lovely and the cocktails divine. We sat by the bar and the guys working behind it were charming and even gave us a free cocktail to taste (a lemony zesty kind of ice thing. Like sorbet. But better. And alcoholic). So, my tip is - go. But don't take a big group of people. This place is perfect for a date.

Apparently, shochu has medicinal benefits and doesn't give you a hangover. With regard to the medicinal stuff - I have no idea but I sure felt good. And the hangover? I felt great this morning but my date didn't. So, it's open to debate.

Tags: cocktails, sushi, ice, atmospheric lighting

Stop telling everyone about Shochu!

October 31, 2007

It's getting too popular!

A couple of years ago, this was our fave haunt. Not so much now as it's kinda been done. But even so, it's a great little bar for mid-week pre dinner drinkies. And there are plenty of places on Charlotte street to follow for dinner. (Fino, Chez Gerard and many more).

If you want to haul in for the evening, better to book. And stick to cocktails and sushi.

Sushi here is divine but very expensive. If you don't care about the cash, by all means eat here. But a sushi snack and a few cocktails stacked up a bill of about £180 between me and my date... I think we got carried away.

Avoid the green tea chocolate desert. It's green liquid inside and tastes ghastly.

But, the venue is sexy, music very chilled and a great atmosphere as the evening gets on. A sound choice for cocktails, and a good place to hide.

Tags: hiding, cocktails, expensive sushi