Bento Box, Kurobuta, ©Georgia Glynn Smith

Opening in September 2013, Kurobuta is a new izakaya, a traditional Japanese-style pub which serves small plates of food as well as beverages. Kurobuta will be located in London’s Connaught Village and will offer its guests an authentic taste of Japanese social culture.

Open from early morning through to late evening, Kurobuta will seat 80 but will also offer food-to-go services to suit all requirements.

Breakfast at Kurobuta will include coffee, Japanese tea and patisseries. An eclectic range of small dishes will be served throughout the day, suitable for either sharing or single consumption. Guests will also be able to construct their own customised meals, or choose from the many bento boxes on the menu, at very reasonable prices. Sweet snacks and delicious desserts will also feature prominently at Kurobuta.

This seasonal Japanese food will accompany a broad selection of drinks, such as sake and shochu, alongside wines, beers and spirits.  Furthermore, the impressive cocktail menu will feature a wealth of Japanese-inspired, house-made infusions with fresh ingredients.

The name Kurobuta is derived from the Japanese word for a Black Berkshire pig, a gift once presented to Japan by Britain as a diplomatic gesture. This delicacy, renowned for its succulent meat, is one of the many highlights of Kurobuta’s extensive menu.

Kurobuta has been designed by Salon Edesia. The design will emulate the urban izakayas of Tokyo, balancing Japanese materials and joining techniques with stylish interior features.

The founder of Kurobuta is acclaimed former Wabi and Nobu head chef Scott Hallsworth. Hallsworth, who is joined by business partner Andrew Stafford (formerly of Nobu and The Ritz), commented: “This is by far the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. Creating expensive high‐end dishes is like shooting fish in a barrel, it’s almost commonsensical! I set myself a challenge to deliver that ‘high‐end’ appeal at a sensible price point and without the air kissing pretence. Kurobuta is all about having an awesome time. It’s a four on the floor, no-nonsense ride!”

Address: 17 – 20 Kendal Street, London, W2 2AW
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