Following the resounding success of KibouSUSHI in Cheltenham, restauranteur Emma Graveney is bringing her award-winning Japanese dining concept to the capital in a bid to grow the brand and make an impression on south London’s discerning diners and Japanese food afficionados.
In a coveted spot on Battersea’s fashionable Northcote Road, KIBOU brings many of the trademark dishes that have gained the original site its reputation alongside some exciting newcomers. Diners can look forward to KIBOUs trademark steaming bowls of ramen made from pork, chicken or vegan broth; authentic Japanese donburi rice bowls; and of course everyone’s favourite – a classic katsu curry. Lighter, sharing dishes are also offered comprising a broad selection of fluffy bao buns; crispy tempura dishes; a knockout soft-shell crab; and an extensive array of sushi options. Not to be missed is the Volcano roll which sees salmon, avocado and tobiko futomaki, tempura-fried and served with KIBOU’s secret house sauce.
Alongside the 80-cover restaurant, a standalone bar serves a broad selection of Japanese whisky, sake, shochu and Japanese brewed beers as well as an assortment of classic and contemporary cocktails and highballs. Drinks can be enjoyed with an innovative selection of Japanese bar snacks and grazing platters for a more informal experience of KIBOU’s culinary prowess.
Both the restaurant and bar space are contemporary in their design, fusing on-trend shabby chic style with oriental flourishes. Exposed brickwork, house plants and mismatched furniture are complemented with eye-catching Asian inspired wall murals and oriental artefacts. The restaurant strives to evoke the nostalgia of Tokyo’s bustling backstreets in the golden age with its buzzy canteen-style all-day eateries that transform into seductive watering holes come nightfall. It’s kitsch look and bright Asian hues are sure to catch the eye of passers-by, and if its food matches up to it Cotswold counterpart its reputation will no doubt have Londoners crossing the city to give it a try.