New Japanese bar and eatery opens in Knightsbridge

A new drinking and dining space opens this week in Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

The Aubrey is described as “an eccentric Izakaya” with two bar experiences and accompanying Japanese cuisine. It is the first UK venture of Maximal Concepts, an international restaurant group with its roots in Hong Kong, who have partnered with Mandarin Oriental in both Hong Kong and London.

Drinks lie at the heart of the izakaya, with signature and seasonal cocktails created by Bar Director, Pietro Rizzo and overseen by Maximal Concepts in Hong Kong where the Aubrey Hong Kong opened in 2021 in Mandarin Oriental’s flagship hotel in the city.

With a focus on Sake, varieties come from emerging breweries as well as rare and unusual releases for those more familiar with Japan’s national drink, such as Masumi - a sparkling Sake - and Sohomare. A wide range of Japanese premium spirits are used in creative cocktails such as The Black Cat and Torii.

The food menu draws on the classical techniques of Edomae sushi, Tempura and Robata, and the overall experience is an interpretation of the philosophy of a traditional izakaya.

Guests can enjoy small dishes designed for sharing, with specialised drink pairings, served to the soundtrack of Japanese trap music. Japanese Oysters and The Aubrey’s own-label Caviar start the menu, along with interesting bar snacks such as Charcoal Chicken Karaage with yuzu mayo or Crab Korokke with tonyu béchamel and kani miso.

Matt Reid, co-founder of Maximal Concepts said: “Malcolm, Xuan and I look forward to bringing The Aubrey to London with our Mandarin Oriental partners. Japan is so rich in culture and food. We wanted to try to capture the eccentricity and genius behind so many of our favourite experiences.

“We feel the Izakaya has so many parallels with the English pub. The Aubrey is our interpretation. We hope you treat it as an extension of your home and let us host you with incredible food, abundant drinks and even better company.” Matt Reid, co-founder of Maximal Concepts.