London is blossoming

Top Japanese restaurants in the capital such as Bincho, Saf and Sushinho are teaming up to take part in London's first Cherry Blossom Festival later this month, organised by Akashi-Tai Sake Brewery.

Big in Japan, the UK version of "Hanami" celebrates the growth of Japanese culture in the capital, which now boasts well over 200 Japanese restaurants.

The cherry blossom tree holds a prominent place in Japanese culture and tradition, and celebrations are taken seriously, with a strong emphasis on food and drink.

The participating restaurants have each created a limited edition dishes or complete menus to celebrate Hanami, reflecting traditional dishes served in restaurants throughout the season in Japan. Each dish has been paired to an Akashi-Tai Sake. And to complement these dishes will be a Cherry Blossom Festival cocktail, the "Sakura", created by Akashi-Tai.

The festival runs from 15 April to 25 May.

Words: Maria Bracken

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