Sunshine Sippin’ in London: Where to Drink Sake this Spring

The sunshine-starved population of London have finally been graced with the presence of good weather – and we know not to let it go to waste. After months of grey skies and drizzle, the city’s outdoor spaces are bursting back to life, offering the perfect excuse to swap the indoors for some much-needed vitamin D. London is abundant with bustling beer gardens, quaint local bars, and sun-drenched terraces, all serving up healthy doses of Aperol Spritzes and chilled drinks to toast the arrival of warmer days. You can’t beat it.

Call us biased, but lounging outside with a chilled glass of sake in hand? Game changer. There’s something about the unique charms of sake that can elevate any warm afternoon, whether you’re catching up with friends or simply sipping solo, with the sunnies on.

The only problem is finding the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a glass.

Fret not, we’ve picked out a few of our top choices for the perfect spot in the sunshine (plus sake). From restaurants with charming outdoor seating to vibrant shops where you can grab your own bottle for an impromptu picnic, we can promise fresh air, great vibes, and of course, excellent sake.

Sumi

Little sister to Endo at the Rotunda, this chic Japanese restaurant is located in the charming neighbourhood of Westbourne Grove. When the weather permits, you’ll find that their outdoor seating is the place to be for sake in the sun. Sumi offers a fabulous food and drinks menu to peruse, as well as a ‘sake of the month,’ where they choose a unique sake to promote from breweries across Japan. Whether you’re in the mood for a full meal, or a light bite to eat to accompany your drink, Sumi is a fantastic choice.

Click here to visit their website for more information.

Dinings SW3

Marrying Japanese technique with European charm, and championing the Japanese hospitality concept of ‘omotenashi,’ Dinings SW3 offers a refined dining experience focused on seasonal dishes that showcase the freshest ingredients. Their large, arching windows flood the main restaurant with light, creating a bright, welcoming atmosphere inside. Meanwhile, their outdoor dining terrace is a great spot to soak up the sunshine while enjoying expertly crafted plates made to complement your sake. With a menu that changes to highlight the best seasonal produce, and sake selections that bring out all the right flavours, Dinings SW3 is truly a restaurant that nails the whole food, drink, and sunshine combination.

Click here to visit their website for more information.

Delay No More Bottle Shop

Caught thirsty and sake-less on a sunny day? A true catastrophe. Delay No More Bottle Shop in Bermondsey has you covered. Just a 13-minute stroll from London Bridge station, this shop specialises in a fantastic range of artisanal drinks (including Mai) — ideal for enjoying al fresco. Whether you want to grab a bottle for a spontaneous picnic in the park or to accompany an impromptu rooftop gathering, the fantastic team will help you find the perfect sake to suit your sunny day plans.

Click here to visit their website for more information.

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In the meantime, why not take a look at our digital bottle shop - we have plenty of options to keep you sated on sunny days. From fruity and floral to full and rich, our categories will help find the perfect flavour profile for you this season (p.s - don’t forget to make the most of our Golden Week Sale and stock up on the essentials)!