Japanese Speakeasy Cocktails and Bar Snacks at Nipperkin at NIJŪ

This is a deeply curated, intimate experience where each guest is treated to something uniquely their own. Tucked discreetly beneath NIJŪ just off Berkeley Square, Nipperkin feels less like a bar and more like a private late-night salon—an immersive hideaway inspired by the listening rooms of 1950s Japan. With snug booths, warm lighting, rich wood, and vintage records lining the walls, the space evokes the comfort of a carefully considered living room, ideal for unhurried conversations, romantic evenings, and refined post-work gatherings.

At the centre of the experience is a bespoke cocktail journey led by award-winning mixologist Angelos Bafas and his team. Guests are guided through a personalized exploration shaped by mood, preference, and seasonality. Drawing from the bar’s four seasonal pillars—Prep, Lean, Plethora, and Dry—each cocktail is crafted to highlight peak ingredients, seamlessly blended with Japanese spirits and sake. The result is a series of drinks that feel intentional and expressive, created in quiet dialogue between guest and bartender.

Bar snacks from NIJŪ are equally considered, selected and paced to complement each guest’s cocktail journey. Generous yet refined, these dishes—such as wagyu korokke and other comforting small plates—arrive as thoughtful accompaniments rather than afterthoughts, enhancing flavour, texture, and rhythm throughout the evening. A carefully curated selection of no- and low-alcohol serves, kombuchas, and soft drinks ensures the same level of craftsmanship and attention for every guest, regardless of preference.

Designed by Pirajean Lees, the space itself reinforces the sense of exclusivity and care: an English manor’s warmth meeting the intimacy of a Tokyo hideaway, centred around a small island bar that invites closeness to the craft. With space for only around twenty guests, Nipperkin remains Mayfair’s best-kept secret—a place where Omotenashi is not just a philosophy but a lived experience. Here, every detail is tailored, every pour intentional, and every visit feels like a moment designed entirely for you.