Annabel’s, the iconic London private Members’ Club, has opened its sixth restaurant, The Japanese Restaurant. Located on the first floor of the club’s 26,000-square-foot venue in London’s West End, the new restaurant offers a refined setting and a menu focused on exceptional Japanese ingredients and techniques.
© The Birley Clubs
The menu, which launched in July after six months of careful development, showcases a selection of signature dishes that celebrate Japan’s culinary diversity. Highlights include grilled wagyu sirloin served with fresh wasabi, tuna tataki, rock shrimp with yuzu kosho, and a composed dish of eggplant with kinome miso and tomatoes. Lighter plates include seaweed salad with apple and thinly sliced seabass dressed in a yuzu truffle vinaigrette. Desserts feature refined Japanese-inspired treats such as matcha eclairs with cherries.
Beverage pairings have been crafted to complement the food, with a focus on premium Japanese sakes and shochu alongside a curated selection of rare Champagnes offered by the bottle. For the first time at Annabel’s, Coravin is used to serve Champagne by the glass, allowing guests to sample top vintages without committing to a full bottle. The bar also stocks a wide range of Japanese whiskies, including exceptional expressions such as a rare bottle of Yamazaki 55.
© The Birley Clubs
The cocktail menu draws inspiration from Miyamoto Musashi’s The Book of Five Rings and is organized into five chapters: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth and Void. Each chapter contains cocktails designed to reflect those elements. Examples include Flames of Tokyo, blending Suntory Toki whisky, flame shrub and nori leaf oils, finished with soda water, and Airbender, a lighter mix of Ki No Bi Sei gin, Honjozo sake, a Japanese-spiced cordial, a touch of absinthe and apple, topped with soda.
© The Birley Clubs
The dining room blends contemporary design with traditional Japanese touches to create an elegant atmosphere. The space is enriched by Japanese prints and decorative details, antique rugs, and dramatic handblown Murano glass chandeliers. Turquoise accents add a fresh note, while ochre and terracotta velvet banquettes and hand-embroidered cushions provide comfortable seating for members and their guests.
The Japanese Restaurant at Annabel’s aims to deliver an immersive dining experience that honors Japanese culinary traditions while fitting seamlessly into the club’s luxurious and sociable environment. With thoughtfully sourced ingredients, meticulous plating, and a beverage program designed to enhance each course, the restaurant offers a distinct new destination for members seeking refined, intimate dining in the heart of London’s West End.