New Sochu bar

Hidden behind a heavy wooden door down a lane this bar is a treasure trove of sochu. For those a little behind on their Japanese alcohols, while everyone’s favourite drink sake is brewed, this Japanese alcohol is distilled. The long wooden bar shelves at this sochu haven are mainly filled with bottles of otsurui (sochu distilled once versus several times) in all shapes and sizes. The menu, only in Japanese and Chinese, lists the base ingredient: rice, sweet potato, wheat. Otsurui (RMB25-55) is best drunk neat or on the rocks. There are also a number of chuhai (RMB25) where the sochu is mixed with flavours such as lemon or grapefruit juice, or a Japanese plum (ume). Run by a naitive from Kyushu, the minimalist grey walls, fluted red light shades and wooden panelling surround a small tatami mat seating area and a few chairs and tables evoking a friendly local Japanese bar