Inclusive hospitality with a hedonistic vibe at new bar from drinks industry identity Holly Graham
October 16th, 2023
Tokyo Confidential – a cocktail bar celebrating high contrasts and delightful chaos – recently opened in Tokyo’s Azabujuban neighborhood. Founded by well-known drinks trade and media identity Holly Graham, the new bar draws inspiration from a house party that gets suitably rowdy, while offering warm hospitality and a home for everyone.
Enjoying stunning views of Tokyo Tower from the bar’s balcony and rooftop space, Tokyo Confidential’s ethos is a nod to the iconic landmark that has served as a beacon of communication for the city. The interior bar space exudes a contemporary Japanese design aesthetic – highlighted by the pine bar top carved from 300-year-old reclaimed shrine wood that snakes through the main room with no barriers, inviting guests to pull up right next to bartenders.
A range of signature cocktails to low- and no-ABV drinks by Graham and Head Bartender Wakana Murata offers something for everyone – without sacrificing on quality, even if you’re skipping the booze. The drinks showcase Japanese ingredients in creative ways, such as the stirred and spirit-forward Destroy All Monsters with miso brown butter-washed gin, manzanilla sherry, bianco vermouth, and ponzu, or the effervescent Go Lightly with Doburoku, awamori, elderflower, tomato, verjus, and sparkling wine. Expect cheeky nods to nostalgia, as well as drinks celebrating iconic places and people in the industry, as seen with Julio’s House featuring tequila, agave nectar, roasted lime, ancho brine, and Sel de Gusano, a homage to Graham’s agave mentor and Tommy’s Margarita creator Julio Bermejo.
Accompanying the cocktail menu is an extensive selection of both champagne and agave spirits, including rare and exclusive pours by the glass for a taste of indulgence. High-end bar bites created by two Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Calvert of SÉZANNE are also on offer – such as the Everything Bagel with cream cheese and 30g of Kristal caviar; chocolate madeleines with rum cream; and in a nod to Graham and Calvert’s British roots: Coronation chicken monaka.
Tokyo Confidential is open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am.
(images credit Tokyo Confidential)
