What: The relaunch of a spendy Japanese restaurant in Belgravia. SACHI is billed as a kappo-style venue, a type of restaurant that originated in Osaka that is characterised by a relatively informal approach and the chef cooking in front of diners in an open kitchen. SACHI first launched in 2021 as one of four F&B ventures within what was then called Pantechnicon but the whole venue closed later that year for a refurbishment (which was a little odd given that it had only been open for a year or so).
Who: The Pantechnicon site has been acquired by the Antonio Gonzalez-led Sunset Hospitality Group, which operates over 80 venues in 22 countries including MOTT 32, Ammos, Azure Beach and Black Tap. The new iteration of SACHI and the other three venues that make up 19 Motcomb Street – as it is now called – are being overseen by operations director Claudio Vigilante. He is a well-known figure within London’s upscale hospitality scene having been general manager at Mayfair private members club Annabel’s between 2015 and 2018. SACHI’s kitchen is headed up by culinary director Kyung-Soo Moon and Joonsu Park. The latter’s cooking CV includes senior roles at several major hotel groups including Hyatt Hotels & Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
The food: The new menu is split into sections including starters, sushi and sashimi, maki rolls, robata and tempura. Dishes include sea bream with miso vinaigrette; scallop with foie gras and crispy leek; and crispy Japanese red bream with potato chips, yuzu ponzu sauce and padron peppers. There is also a snack menu exclusive to SACHI’s rooftop bar that includes slow-cooked octopus with shiso, and yuzu mayonnaise; and crispy monkfish with lime and tatar sauce.
To drink: The liquid offering at SACHI kicks off with an impressive selection of sake (there is a dedicated sake sommelier on hand at all times). There are around 50 to choose from, 10 of which are available by the glass or carafe. On top of this are 200 or so wines – per bottle prices start at £45 - and a large selection of premium spirits. The cocktail list is split into subtly-updated classics; fine whisky cocktails; and finally seven cocktails that are inspired by Japanese proverbs.
The vibe: SACHI was originally on the building’s basement level but has moved up to the Grade II-listed building’s second floor. The space is inspired by Japanese ‘energy and performance’ and has a huge open kitchen and a dark, modern aesthetic. The rooftop bar features a lighter colour palette, with tortoiseshell detailing and embossed leather walls. SACHI shares 19 Motcomb Street with Provençal-inspired restaurant Amélie (on the ground floor); cocktail bar LUUM (in the basement); and Café Kitsuné (also on the ground floor). The latter continued to trade while the rest of the venue was closed.
And another thing: SACHI translates as fortune, happiness or blessing.
19 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB
www.sachirestaurants.com
