Leeds cocktail bar Tabula Rasa to headline one-night takeover at London’s Sambaroom

London’s Sambaroom bar will host Leeds-based Tabula Rasa for a special one-night event on 16^th March 2026, as part of its ongoing Night Shifts guest bartender series. The event, taking place on the 39^th floor of Heron Tower, is designed to showcase leading talent and inventive cocktails from across the UK, offering Londoners an opportunity to experience the work of some of the country’s most respected bartenders.

Tabula Rasa, which is ranked among the UK’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars, will be represented by founder Filippos Filipoppoulos and his protégé Euan Ronaldson, who was recently shortlisted among the UK’s top five emerging bartenders. The duo will collaborate with Sambaroom’s own mixologists to create a refined and expressive menu, featuring a selection of original cocktails developed especially for the occasion.

The Night Shifts series, held quarterly at Sambaroom, brings acclaimed bars from around the world to London for one-night-only collaborations. The aim is to foster creativity and exchange within the cocktail industry, giving guests a chance to sample unique drinks that are not part of the regular menu. Sambaroom is operated by the team behind Sushisamba, known for its fusion of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian influences.

The menu for the Tabula Rasa takeover comprises four cocktails. The Lotus Whisper combines KAY Sake, Belvedere Vodka, elderflower, verjus, and yuzu, served straight up. Coco Kyoto features KAY Sake, Champagne, coconut, and ginger ale, served long. Nami Velvet is made with butter-washed sake, yuzu liqueur, salted caramel, banana, and verjus, and is carbonated and served long. The non-alcoholic Hana Samba blends hibiscus, salted caramel, verjus, orange blossom, and coconut milk.

Filippos Filipoppoulos, founder of Tabula Rasa, is regarded within the industry for his signature blend of craft and creativity. Euan Ronaldson, who will be working alongside him, is cited as a rising star in the UK bartending scene.

Following the March event, Sambaroom’s Night Shifts series will continue with a takeover by STRAY on Monday, 11^th May. 

Food Desk
Photo: Johnny Stephens

For further information and reservations, visit Sambaroom’s website here.