Culture Food & Travel News & features

Kwãnt bar in London teams up with Nikka Whisky for a new Omakase cocktail experience

Kwãnt bar in London teams up with Nikka Whisky for a new Omakase cocktail experience

Celebrations for the new year continue in the early weeks of 2025 as Kwãnt in Mayfair has partnered with Japanese brand Nikka Whisky to introduce an exclusive Omakase cocktail experience.

The offering is available this January until the end of March at Kwãnt, led by Erik Lorincz, former head bartender at The Savoy’s American Bar. The bar has been awarded numerous accolades and praised by regulars over the years for its innovative approach, Founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, often referred to as “The Father of Japanese Whisky”, Nikka brings together traditional Scotch production techniques with Japanese precision and attention to detail.

The term Omakase translates to “I leave it up to you” in Japanese, a concept widely appreciated in Japanese dining that Lorincz has adapted to the cocktail scene, inspired by his extensive travels in Japan. This bespoke drinking session is conducted at a specially designed six-seat bar counter, for an intimate setting. Priced at £80 per person, the experience is crafted to provide guests with a variety of flavours, featuring five mini cocktails each paired with small gourmet bites. Seats for the available slots are by reservation only, from Thursday to Saturday, beginning at 6 pm, with no turning tables.

The menu highlights Nikka Whisky’s diverse range through original mixes such as the Urchin, which blends Nikka Coffey Gin with sea urchin and key sake; the Oolong, featuring Nikka Yoichi single malt with oolong tea and wasanbon; and the Betroot, prepared with Nikka Miyagikio single malt, miso, beetroot, and maple verjuice. The gastronomic pairings are made by chef Joni Ketonen, whose resume boasts stints at prestigious establishments like The Fat Duck and St. John.

Erik Lorincz expressed his enthusiasm for the project, as he says “This experience is not just about drinking but about enjoying a full sensory experience that combines both taste and aesthetic.”

Each cocktail is presented in fine Japanese glassware by Kimura, which enhances the visual and sensory pleasure of the session. 

Food Desk

For reservations, contact the team via kwantmayfair@icloud.com or visit the dedicated webpage here.

More in Food & Drinks

The Marquee Moon supper club returns with Matt Purkis of Play with Fire for Mexican menu and DJ set in Dalston

Food & Travel Desk

Nutcracker Noir brings immersive dining and dark festive theatre to secret London location

Food & Travel Desk

Poppies to launch battered yule log in Soho to support Thames Reach this Christmas

Food & Travel Desk

New Italian restaurant and hidden cocktail bar hoax to open in Dalston this December

Food & Travel Desk

Whittard of Chelsea and The Cross Keys bring back festive Cosy Happy Hour in Chelsea

Food & Travel Desk

Kensington Hotel launches Marie Antoinette-inspired festive afternoon tea with live artist and music

Food & Travel Desk

Tripadvisor’s new YouTube series Common Ground brings British personalities together for candid conversations on food, travel and empathy

Food & Travel Desk

Madrid Fusión 2026 puts diners centre stage as global chefs lead culinary summit in Madrid

Food & Travel Desk

Courtyard Wine Cellars launch season of festive live music and wine tastings in Covent Garden

Food & Travel Desk