Shaftesbury has announced that bar and restaurant concept, Kiwa Sushi & Grill, has selected Chinatown London’s 1 Gerrard Place for its debut site, set to open later this year.
Kiwa Sushi & Grill is a brand-new concept from Fountain Group, a Seoul-based operator. The team behind Fountain Group often visit London, to gather inspiration for new concepts to take back to South Korea. This is the first step into the UK market for the experienced restaurateurs, with Chinatown London viewed as the natural progression into international operation.
The restaurant will serve handmade sushi, and robata – a cooking technique using a charcoal grill – with the brand’s unique Korean twist. The offer combines traditional and modern aspects of Far East cuisine, showcasing to Chinatown London’s visitors some of the most popular western elements within eastern dining and drinking.
Spanning 5,195 sq ft over two floors, Kiwa Sushi & Grill will have a seated capacity of around 230 covers, creating authentic, modernised, and affordable food and drink, served in a contemporary environment. The Chinatown London space has been designed by Studio Severn Design, with each floor having a distinct style: the ground floor a more bar-focused casual dining space with low lighting and relaxed atmosphere; and the first floor a brighter environment with a skylight, creating an outdoor dining feel.
Julia Wilkinson, Restaurant Director at Shaftesbury, commented: “The Fountain Group team have long been inspired by London. They have regularly come here for inspiration to take back to South Korea, much like we do at Shaftesbury, when we undertake research trips to East and Southeast Asia. Their choice of Chinatown London for the international debut of Kiwa Sushi & Grill really showcases just how important and relevant the destination is. Chinatown London sits in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting dining scenes, and we are very much looking forward to them opening here later this year.”
Jay Park, Founder, Kiwa Sushi & Grill, added: “My vision for Kiwa Sushi & Grill is to bring a taste of the western-eastern fusion within modern East Asian dining, and this debut restaurant will symbolise how western culture has been embraced across Asia. In terms of location for this concept, no other place rivals Chinatown London in my eyes; its commitment to celebrating both traditional and developing trends across the Far East cements its unique offering in the capital. Our menu has been designed to be accessible, offering something for everyone, and I am excited to open the doors later this year.”
DCL and Shelley Sandzer represented Chinatown London. Kiwa Sushi & Grill dealt direct.
