Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

Why London Sake Is One Of The Best Places In The UK To Get Your Sake Fix

London Sake.

In the UK, sake is experiencing something of a revolution through the likes of places like Moto and Kanpai Brewery in the South of England and The Sparrows in the North. Distributors are also leading the charge for getting nihonshu into the hands of the masses, with London Sake being at the forefront of the conversation.

With an ever-growing and diverse portfolio of sake and shochu to choose from, London Sake is a brand that should be on the list of sake fans across the UK and beyond. 

Continue reading “Why London Sake Is One Of The Best Places In The UK To Get Your Sake Fix”

Pop Culture and Japan

Touring Kanpai Sake Brewery: A Story Of Innovation, Passion And Resilience

Lockdown may have stopped hospitality venues from operating normally, but the resiliency shown across the sector should be applauded. Businesses have adapted through embracing eCommerce, offering takeaways and launching virtual events to strengthen their connection with customers.

It’s during this time that I toured my first sake brewery and was able to do so from the comfort of my own home. At a virtual tour of Kanpai Brewery in London, I was able to peek behind the curtain and see how nihonshu is produced and the passion of the people involved.

Continue reading “Touring Kanpai Sake Brewery: A Story Of Innovation, Passion And Resilience”

Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

Step Into Sake Heaven With A Visit To The UK’s First Independent Sake Bar And Shop Moto

Moto is the UK's first independent sake bar and shop.

There’s a drink revolution going on in the UK and it’s all to do with Japanese sake. And if you want to experience it firsthand, then London is one of the best places to step into the world of nihonshu at Moto, the UK’s first independent sake bar and shop. While sake has always been a staple of menus in Japanese restaurants, Moto has taken it a step further by making the alcohol the star of the show and the results are electrifying. Continue reading “Step Into Sake Heaven With A Visit To The UK’s First Independent Sake Bar And Shop Moto”

Japanese Cuisine · Pop Culture and Japan

Experience The Magic Of The UK’s Sake Revolution At Kanpai Brewery In London

Kanpai Brewery in Peckham is a hidden gem and well worth visiting for the craft sake selection.

It’s an exciting time for the sake industry in the UK. A steady surge in popularity has led to consumers seeking more information about Japan’s national alcohol and one of the best places to start your journey into the realm of nihonshu is in the UK’s first sake brewery, Kanpai. Located in Peckham, Kanpai Brewery is the definition of a hidden gem.

Continue reading “Experience The Magic Of The UK’s Sake Revolution At Kanpai Brewery In London”

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: Erika Haigh

Japan represents many things to many people. For some, it’s the history. For others, it’s the unique food and drink. For Erika Haigh, it’s a passion for sake and elevating the industry. Erika is the co-founder of Moto, an artisan sake bar that’s opened up in London.

Yamato Magazine recently caught up with Erika about the message behind Moto and how it differs from other Japanese hospitality spaces in the UK. From stocking rare sake, to functioning as a retail space, Erika reveals what’s in store for anyone who steps into Moto in future. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: Erika Haigh”

The Kokoro Files

The Kokoro Files: John Callow

The Kokoro Files is a series that celebrates Japan through the stories of everyday people. Sake is a well-known aspect of Japanese dining, but some people may be unware of how it’s brewed or what kind of temperature the drink can be enjoyed at. That’s why it’s worth asking an expert like certified sake sommelier John Callow.

I enjoyed interviewing John about his experiences as a sake sommelier and the differences between specific blends of sake. Read on to find out what kind of sake John would recommend and the types of food that work best with this classic Japanese concoction. Continue reading “The Kokoro Files: John Callow”