KANPAI London Craft Sake Brewery has today announced it will be moving to new premises on Druid Street, London Bridge. The relocation brings a new and unique taproom to the top of the famed Bermondsey Beer Mile as the sake trend grows in the UK.
After seven years of pioneering the UK craft sake scene in Peckham, the move to London Bridge marks an exciting chapter for KANPAI, which has decided to expand its brewery to take its sake production to new heights, making it more accessible for visitors from across the capital and beyond.
What is sake?
Sake is a fermented beverage made from rice. Its roots are Japanese and stretches back more than 500 years. It is easy to drink as it is not strong like a spirit and has a relatively low alcohol content making it more similar to wine in strength.
Junmai Sake (which KANPAI mostly make) is made from only four ingredients: rice, water, yeast and koji – a magic mould also used to make soy & miso. See how sake is made at https://kanpai.london/whats-sake.
This new home, for British sake, will offer a true slice of Japan in London. Situated at the heart of London’s cultural and business hub, the move will position the brewery amidst a thriving community of food and beverage establishments, continuing to attract locals and tourists alike.
The state-of-the-art facility is set up in a prominent railway arch on Druid Street and will feature a larger brewing space, enabling KANPAI to scale up its craft sake production while maintaining its commitment to traditional Japanese brewing techniques and using the highest-quality ingredients.
With increased capacity, the brewery strives to meet the rising demand for its exceptional range of award-winning artisanal sakes and elevate the overall craft sake experience for its customers.
The new premises will include a modern taproom bar with ten dedicated sake draft taps pouring the freshest sakes straight from the tanks, seasonal Japanese cocktails, craft beers and Japanese spirits. As well as a dedicated tasting space and a viewing platform overlooking the brewery.
Visitors will be able to indulge in unique sake experiences, participate in brewery tours and tastings, and learn about the rich history of sake and the intricate process behind KANPAI’s creations. There will also be an onsite Kitchen serving up delicious Japanese small plates in a relaxed izakaya style. KANPAI promises to continue the curious and welcoming atmosphere it has become known for.
“Having enjoyed many an afternoon on the Beer Mile over the years, it’s a real pinch-yourself moment to be opening our own unique brewery and bar in this vibrant neighbourhood,” said Lucy Wilson, Co-Founder of KANPAI.
“This is a real milestone for the sake revolution. We can’t wait to showcase the artistry and complexity of sake brewing. We look forward to welcoming sake enthusiasts and curious newcomers to our new home and sharing our passion for sake and all things Japan,” added Tom Wilson, Co-Founder and Head Brewer at KANPAI.
KANPAI’s move to London Bridge is scheduled to take place over the summer of 2023, with launch events in the lead-up to World Sake Day on 1st October 2023. The taproom and kitchen will be open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday.
During the transition and throughout the summer, KANPAI’s brewery and taproom will continue to operate from its current location in Peckham, ensuring uninterrupted production and sharing of its signature sakes.
About KANPAI London Craft Sake Brewery
“Kanpai” means “cheers” in Japanese. KANPAI London Craft Sake Brewery is the UK’s first sake brewery, founded in 2016 by wife and husband; Lucy (35) and Tom (38) Wilson.
With a focus on traditional Japanese brewing techniques and a commitment to producing the highest quality sake here in London, KANPAI produces a diverse range of award-winning artisanal sakes that delight enthusiasts and newcomers alike. KANPAI run Europe’s first sake taproom bar to share the freshest sakes and Japanese small plates.
KANPAI sake is available for UK-wide delivery from their online shop. KANPAI sake is stocked in over 100 restaurants, bars and shops nationwide. KANPAI sake is small batch, high quality, sulphite-free, gluten-free, preservative-free and vegan.
KANPAI’s new address will be 48 Druid Street, London, SE1 2EZ; for more information, visit www.kanpailondon.co.uk.
All images used in this new feature are courtesy of Kanpai London Ltd.
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