8 at The Londoner is a rooftop restaurant that reimagines the traditional style of Japanese dining and drinking. Set in The Londoner hotel which looks over iconic Leicester Square, guests must travel to the eighth floor to sample its modern Japanese cuisine, innovative cocktails and a collection of fine Japanese spirits.
8 comprises three dining spaces: the restaurant, the lounge and terrace and the Shima Garden. The restaurant has been designed using striking accents of chiaroscuro (an Italian term that refers to the contrast between light and dark), while the lounge and terrace blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors with retractable skylights and glimpses of the city’s silhouette. Or, step outside to the Shima Garden, a square space which is open year-round and features booth seating around the edge, small round tables on which to graze from a specially-selected menu as well as a huge feature firepit in the middle surrounded by large cushions for diners to relax on. It’s a great spot for a unique drinking experience under the sky.
The ethos behind the restaurant follows the Izakaya tradition, a Japanese concept which essentially means somewhere to drink and be comfortable – like a pub or bar. 8’s contemporary take on this tradition features a menu with various sharing plates along with sake and signature cocktails. Examples of dishes include sea bass carpaccio with Fuji apple, citrus and black sea salt, lobster tempura with ama ponzu, wagyu with Gorgonzola dolce crème and sliced ribeye with truffle and wasabi butter. There are also various raw fish plates including a sashimi selection and tartare dishes, while vegetarian options are available, too.
Signature cocktails feature drinks including a Lychee Rose and a Jasmine and Yuzu Margarita, while champagnes, Japanese whisky’s and various sakes can be ordered by the glass or bottle.