Shochu Lounge reviews
The food here is certainly good. But like a growing number of restaurants, they have a policy where they want to kick you out after a while and get some new punters in. Unlike a lot of restaurants where it is two and a half hours, at Shochu it is only two hours. Which means if you have forked out for their seven course tasting menu – which they are not always that prompt in bringing out to you – you risk being asked to leave before you have finished. I tried to book at 9pm in order to avoid this but was told that they still booked people until 11pm! Unbelievable. When you are spending upwards of £100 per head you would think you'd be treated better than if you were at a McDonald’s, but unfortunately at Shochu that just isn’t the case.
by acjwatt, 25 Jan 2008Service was outstanding (a true measure of how a restaurant values its customers). Food was great, although I wish the sequencing of courses was a bit more coordinated. If you're on a budget, I wouldn't recommend this place (for what we paid - £175 for two people - we could feed an army in Chicago, where we are from!). Despite this, we will definitely come back.
by James William, 15 May 2007We went to Sochu on a friend's recommendation and were really impressed. Staff are very friendly, food is fantastic and cocktails incredible! We don't know of any such place in Paris (where we live), which is a shame. We'll be back!
by Anonymous, 04 Mar 2007Don't go if you're on a budget (cocktails around £9 each), but if you feel like treating yourself or a date to a great cocktail in a really nice environment then I would highly recommend it. The drinks are original and bloody nice! Interesting variety of people, all quite absorbed in their own conversation so very unpretentious. If you want a table, book it first, otherwise you won't be sitting down. Yes, even on week nights.
by Anonymous, 21 Feb 2007I'm a local at this place and it gets better and better each time. Great staff, very friendly. Can be pricey for some, but it's well worth it. Try the food - it's excellent.
by Anonymous, 20 Feb 2007I'm afraid Shochu is actually Japanese, as you can find out from a number of sources (an encyclopaedia or wikipedia will do). In Korea, it's called Soju... One shouldn't discount a place due to putative knowledge over the origins of their alcohol. As for the place itself, I'd say quite expensive but worth it.
by Anonymous, 18 Feb 2007Just so as you know, shochu isn't Japanese, it's a Korean traditional spirit! They don't even have the right info about what they make and sell. That's totally not cool. Get it right!
by Anonymous, 20 Jan 2007An amazing place. Fancy, yes, but so well worth every penny. One of the rare bars left in London where the staff are gracious and helpful. Try it!
by Sandrine, 15 Oct 2006I called Shochu Lounge in the afternoon asking if a reservation for the bar was required for drinks that evening. They said: "No, just come on down".
My friend and I went and spent £50 on their average cocktails. We were then told we had to move from our seats as someone who had reserved the seats had arrived.
After this shoddy treatment, I will never go again and have told my friends not to either.
Best restaurant I have been to in London for ages. Have the £50 tasting menu if you are hungry.
by zutguyst (3 reviews), 23 Jan 2006Fantastic bar. Great selection of different cocktails as well as your old faves. Door policy doesn't allow the bar to get too packed, which is a blessing. Bar food is really good and I had the best edamame I've ever had.
by Noodles (7 reviews), 10 Oct 2005Absolutely amazing!! The atmosphere and food is really different from other places that in London.
by DSN (2 reviews), 07 Sep 2005THE BEST TEMPURA I'VE EVER HAD, and I've had a lot.
This has got to be one of the best places to take a date before or after a show/cinema/hang-gliding etc...
Dark wood & leather, good lighting. Reminds me of the Swiss Centre in the '70's... that's a compliment.
Had a few very tasty, refreshing cocktails at the bar before finding a comfy corner table. Two of us ordered 5 or 6 dishes to share, tapas style, and couldn't resist a couple more cocktails. Very competent and knowledgeable staff who can be friendly and informal if you want them to be.
£65 bill. Not bad really. I'll be going back.
Had a fantastic time - service was impeccable - we ate there on a Friday eve in the Shochu Lounge - it's like a little nightclub with fantastic cocktails and delish food. We will be back. A+++
by Queenie, 26 Aug 2005Absolutely wonderful cocktails served by the friendliest and most attentive staff. Such a pleasant surprise after visiting so many places where the staff can't manage a smile.
The food which was brought to the tables around us looked so good I decided to take my Mum and sister for lunch in the restaurant above (Roka) the following day - that was great too.
Can't recommend it enough, might be worth booking a table though if you want to visit, as I think we were quite lucky to get one.
Will definitely go back. What a great atmosphere! I tried some of the weirdest cocktails ever (green tea and pear bellini, chamomile cooler...) and loved it. Even my friend who generally is so fussy about everything got seduced.
The food was great and the service was none other than 5 star. The staff are really helpful, and SMILEY for a change. Great DJ too. Overall I'm coming back again and again. Try it!
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Photograph © Shochu Lounge
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