What's the draw
In the tranquil close of Heddon Street, just a hot stone's throw from the rush of Regent Street, you'll find Japanese steak and sake bar Sakagura, another opening from Tak Tokumine, the founder of ramen joint Shoryu. The restaurant – which is bright, animated and divided by elegant noren (traditional Japanese fabric dividers) – is in excellent company. Sabor, Nieves Barragán Mohacho and José Etura's first solo venture, and James Ramsden and Sam Herlihy's Magpie are just next door – arguably making this one of the most well-catered-for streets in London.
What to drink
It's a sake bar, so – well – sake. Sakagura offers an impressive selection from Gekkeikan, the Japanese Imperial family's brewery of choice. But for those who aren't too sure about sipping this Japanese spirit straight, we would thoroughly recommend a Tokyo S'more cocktail. It's a smooth and malty concoction, topped with a toasted marshmallow and made from Gekkeikan's nigori sake, rich dark chocolate and Cointreau. If a syrupy-sweet start isn't for you, though, the Furano Fields offers a refreshing floral hit, and there's often an impressive weekly Japanese wine special, too.
What to eat
Tokumine might be the brains behind Shoryu, but you won't find ramen here. Instead, Sakagura is all about yakitori, encounters with the robata grill, and the thrill of cooking your own food over a shichirin barbeque or, even better, a hot ishiyaki lava stone at the table. And, let's be honest, laying a faultless cut of Australian wagyu on a super-heated sizzling hot stone will never not be entertaining – or quite frankly, delicious. Take that with a side of some of the best prawn tempura and gingery dashi dip we've ever had the pleasure of eating, and you're onto a surefire winner.
Sharing plates from £4.70, cocktails from £10. 8 Heddon Street, W1B 4BU; sakaguralondon.com
