Opening its doors onto Stephenson Square in 2015, Lost In Tokyo has long-since been considered an institution in this part of town. Predating the area becoming a hub not just of Northern Quarter but city centre nightlife, the idea behind this basement joint was simple from the off. Bring the best of drinking culture from the Far East, inspired by several trips to Tokyo and other parts of Japan, to the redbrick-lined streets of our hometown. Specialising in glasses full of exquisite and often rare refreshments, it should go without saying this is not just another subterranean bar.
Nevertheless, it is underground, where visitors will find an atmospheric space boasting leather seating booths, dark woods, greenery, and murals giving a strong nod to all things Land of the Rising Sun. Albeit those feature stand alongside fixtures and fittings considered icons of our part of the world, like the iron pillars betraying this building’s industrial heritage. A cocktail establishment first and foremost, punters can get two for £12 at all times, which belies the quality of what’s being mixed.
Firm favourites include the Kyoto Garden (Beefeater gin, Yellow Chartreuse, lemongrass syrup, mint, cucumber, pineapple and lemon juice) Asa Akira (Stoli Vodka, Passoa Pineapple, lime, passion fruit, foamers) and the Haduken (mango and chilli infused Tequila, mango, lime, agave, salt). But this barely scratches the surface of the overall selection. Equally expansive is the range of Japanese whisky and sake waiting to be explored. For summertime shenanigans at Lost In Tokyo, outdoor seating is also available back up on street level, overlooking Stephenson Square, making for a great spot from which to watch the world go by.