Shochu Lounge ROKA

SHOCHU Lounge ROKA

http://www.rokarestaurant.com/home-shochu-lounge

37 Charlotte St, London W1T 1RR

Looking for a great atmosphere somewhere half hidden, in the middle of Charlotte street, through the doors of the excellent ROKA restaurant, downstairs into underground gem of a bar/restaurant lies Shochu Lounge. It is a quiet Bank Holiday evening and not many customers are present but that doesn't make the place feel empty at all. The seating is so comfortable it makes you feel right at home and as if nobody sat near you even exists. I notice the artful wall art covering the main wall of the place - a Japanese drawing of a kind - it really blends in with the rustic-chic theme of the place. Low lights and red hues contrasted with black make you feel very cosy indeed.

Shochu lounge has got its name from shochu - the vodka-like distilled spirit made popular in Japan. It is not quite as strong as vodka and local Japanese regions started to make their own variations using local produce (sounds a lot like my Martini Search of slightly altered flavours). Shochu is traditionally infused with fruits and herbs to enhance its flavour and invigorate the soul.

Looking to finish the evening with a delightful tasting of a Martini cocktail, we opt for something that takes our attention at first sight - Shisho Smash and Twinkle. 

Shisho Smash is a mix of shiso infused fords gin, yuzu shochu, vanilla green chartreuse, pineapple and lemon. It is a long drink that creates a mysteriously subtle tropical flavour. I have found that pineapple juice often changes the flavour of drinks completely and throws you off your senses a bit. This was one of those drinks that you really like: really refreshing and pleasant but you can't quite put your finger on what it is that is tasting so good in the mix.

Twinkle - a mix of ketel one vodka, elderflower cordial, champagne and lemon twist for garnish. A sparkly Martini with a personality of a bubbly, adventurous young person enjoying their life to the fullest while maintaining their professional passions. I was so pleasantly surprised how Twinkle kept its bubbliness so well - usually when champagne is introduced into drinks like that, they don't quite deliver as well as the words on the menu describe and make you expect them to. Every sip was like sipping enthusiasm and brightness. I truly believe I have found a new category of perfect Martini Mule experience here - a sparkly Martini (stirred, not shaken, of course).

Shochu Lounge....I cannot wait what else you have to offer. I am pleased to have found a place I know I can return to with great confidence that my party will not be disappointed. I will be returning to discover the ever changing seasonal cocktail menu offerings. May the bubble be with you.


MM Rating 10 out of 10