Apothecary – a Shoreditch Izakaya

Apothecary’s interiors are striking. Sultry lighting and secluded alcoves combine with an open fireplace and cosy banquette seating to make this place the ideal Shoreditch destination for creative cocktails, convivial dinners, light lunches and weekend brunch.

Inspired by the drinks, flavours and relaxed vibe of modern Tokyo and traditional East London taverns, Apothecary is a unique blend. 

Bespoke sapele wood screens in Apothecary East’s dining room are influenced by the simplicity and elegance of traditional Japanese woodwork techniques and allow guests to connect with neighbouring tables, as well as the theatre of the open kitchen.

The cocktail bar specialises in innovative cocktails, with a drinks list by Apothecary’s bar team, who use Asian ingredients to give classics an Apothecary twist and to create a unique selection of house serves.

Definitely try the Zen Garden (Roku gin, green tea, shiso and lime), Found in Translation (a lower alcohol blend of sake, Lillet Rose, apricot oolong tea cordial and tonic) and Apothecary East Highball (Toki Japanese whisky, peach, elderflower, citrus stock and soda). 

Not drinking? Non-alcoholic options are also very tempting, especially All Fun, No Guilt (Lyre’s American Malt, Aperitif Rosso and Italian Orange). 

The drinks list also showcases Japanese whiskies, sake (served both hot and cold), umeshu plum liqueur, wine and a selection of local and Japanese craft beers.

The all-day menu at Apothecary offers Japanese-inspired snacks and small plates, including signature dishes from the robata grill, tataki, tempura, sushi rolls and sashimi, as well as Hirata steamed bun sliders. A range of larger plates are available for hungrier guests.

Start off with a miso soup to really awaken your taste buds and if you’re after sushi rolls you’re spoilt for choice; we’d particularly recommend the salmon and avocado with mayo and furikake.

For lunch, you’ll also discover rice and salad bowls. If you’re hungry, definitely go for the rice bowl – the teriyaki chicken skewers are particularly tasty. Alongside sushi rice, you’ll get edamame, radish, lime miso mayo, avocado, pickled ginger and house garnish.

Apothecary does also serve brunch from 12pm to 4pm on Saturdays, with the option to upgrade with free-flowing Bubbles or Cocktails, including Apothecary East’s take on the Bloody Mary made with a red wine reduction and ‘yuzu kosho’ chilli.

Apothecary also offers intimate, semi-exclusive spaces that provide different views of the venue. Guests can enjoy the buzz and ambience of Apothecary whilst at the same time having their own dining experience: perfect for group bookings, birthday parties or business meals with a difference.