Shimoyama, who is also behind Hannah restaurant in County Hall, which is known for its Japanese clay pot rice, will launch the restaurant on the seventh floor of The Stratford hotel in the space that was previously home to Patrick Powell’s Allegra.
The 140-cover restaurant is described as blending traditional Japanese culinary techniques with modern sensibilities, and will feature a wood fire-focused menu that uses cherry, apple wood, and Binchotan charcoal to highlight seasonal ingredients from Japan and the UK.
One dish on the menu will be a charcoal grilled turbot made by grilling the bones with woodfire to make a stock and sauce, which is then combined with Kyoto white miso and served with the turbot.
Integral to the restaurant will be a focus on sustainable bluefin tuna with the restaurant set to host evenings dedicated to the showcasing and preparation of the whole fish.
The space will have two extensive terraces and dedicated sushi bar to complement the restaurant’s woodfire-inspired menu.
Meaning ‘past and present’ in Japanese, Kokin will offers a sushi omakase experience and a refined menu celebrating whole-fish, sustainable bluefin tuna, and cuts such as otoro and akami
Its drinks list, produced by Provisions Wine & Cheese, will includes Japanese-inspired cocktails, wine, and sake.