Shochu Lounge

Roka's dimly lit, stylish basement bar is more seductive than the glass and metal restaurant upstairs and serves the same world class Japanese menu. The decor is rich but tasteful, with low couches for diners and plenty of pillows to prop yourself up on if you eat too much. The menu is inventive and delightful, but the classy ambiance lifts this expensive dining experience above the equally delicious but austere Yakitoria and Nobu. What's more, the Shochu lounge offers a selection of brilliant liquor that draws a cocktail crowd - the house speciality martinis are a good way to kick things off - and perfectly complements their meals. The menu is lengthy, giving aficionados plenty to think about, but you can't really go wrong with a ?50 or ?75 tasting menu. Alternatively put yourself in the hands of the attentive staff. A starter platter of tuna sashimi crowned with ginger and honey are individual taste explosions - nine perfect sashimi pieces and some caviar-crowned beef rolls, tuna sushi with a tempura coating on the seaweed roll are brilliantly imaginative. Main courses include grilled asparagus, rock shrimp with sweet chilli, and some exquisite quail marinated in plum wine. If you're feeling overwhelmed by this point time out for a shot of 'Hard Wood' shochu tonic. This extremely expensive shot is laced with the natural aphrodisiac Bois Bande. It is delicious and revives the appetite completely, leaving room for green tea and chocolate pudding. Shochu provides a rarefied and relaxing atmosphere for their diners, and take evident pride in their attention to detail from the kitchen to the staff. The food is irresistibly good. Prices are a little eye-watering but for a treat, I can't think of a more enjoyable place in London. We felt like old friends as I winched myself up the stairs.