A Hidden Gem in Soho: Kanpai Classic
Tucked away in the heart of Soho, Kanpai Classic Soho is one of London’s best-kept secrets – a serene escape where Japanese culinary tradition meets contemporary London flair. From the moment you walk in, you’re immersed in an environment where every detail has been designed with purpose. The handcrafted wood interiors, warm glow of paper lanterns, and soft murmur of clinking sake cups create a transportive experience – it feels like stumbling into a tucked-away izakaya in the backstreets of Tokyo.
From Brewery to Table: The Kanpai Legacy
Kanpai Classic is the latest chapter from the team behind Kanpai London, the UK’s first sake brewery founded in 2016 in Peckham. What began as a passion project between husband-and-wife team Tom and Lucy has grown into an award-winning brand that helped bring fresh, unpasteurised sake to the British public. Their journey from microbrewery to full-fledged restaurant reflects their dedication to craftsmanship, experimentation, and hospitality – and it all comes together at Kanpai Classic, their first full-scale izakaya concept.
Unforgettable Service in an Intimate Setting
Service at Kanpai Classic is a standout feature. The staff are warm, professional, and truly enthusiastic about what they do. Whether it’s guiding you through the sake pairings, describing the nuances of the dishes, or just knowing when to give you space, they strike the perfect balance of attentiveness and ease. It’s the kind of hospitality that makes you feel immediately at home.
Flavour, Fire & Seasonal Simplicity
The menu celebrates Japanese izakaya-style cooking with refined simplicity and open-fire flair. Dishes are rooted in seasonality, focusing on the quality of the ingredients and the technique used to elevate them – never overcomplicated, always intentional.
The Highlights? The Wagyu grilled over fire is absolutely unmissable – rich, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth, and cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that stops conversation. Alongside that, the chicken and rice dish is comfort elevated – deeply flavourful, with just the right balance of savoury and soul-soothing warmth. Both speak to the heart of what Kanpai Classic does best: fire, finesse, and flavour.
An Impressive Drinks Program
While the food is phenomenal, the drinks list deserves equal applause. Their house-brewed sake is not just a pairing – it’s an integral part of the meal. If you’ve never had fresh, unpasteurised sake before, you’re in for a revelation. Each pour brings subtlety, complexity, and character.
Prefer something else? The wine list is equally sharp, with a strong focus on low-intervention, food-friendly bottles. For cocktails, the Smoked Umeshu Old Fashioned is a bold, aromatic must-try, and the Yuzu Margarita is pitch-perfect – zesty, salty, and utterly refreshing. Lighter drinkers should go for the Shiso Spritz, an elegant, herbaceous sipper ideal for warm nights or as a pre-dinner aperitif.
Planning a Visit or a Special Occasion
Kanpai Classic is ideal for everything from date nights to birthday dinners and low-key celebrations. For a special occasion, book ahead – especially on weekends. The space is intimate, so availability can be limited. If you’re celebrating something memorable, mention it in your booking — the team are more than happy to help make your evening feel extra special.
A Must for Foodies & Visitors Alike
Whether you’re a local gourmand or entertaining friends from abroad, Kanpai Classic is a place that impresses without trying too hard. With its unique fusion of exquisite food, expertly crafted sake, attentive service and atmospheric design, it’s the kind of restaurant that leaves a lasting mark. A true one-of-a-kind experience – and a rare chance to taste the future of British-Japanese dining.
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