Rooftop sushi and omakase restaurant Bisushima to launch Shima Hour
Experience the new drinks and snacks menu overlooking Trafalgar Square
On 14th September, Japanese restaurant Bisushima will launch the ‘Shima hour’, an innovative take on the classic Italian aperitivo. The concise menu will offer guests a signature cocktail from Bisushima’s carefully curated list, alongside a delicious small plate – all priced at £20. The hidden sushi restaurant in the centre of Covent Garden sits on the rooftop of Phase8 Hotel and boasts a wrap-around terrace with 360° views of the city. As we move into autumn, it is the perfect spot to watch the light change and the sun go down whilst enjoying the brand new Shima Hour menu.
Cocktails on offer are the Hanafubuki (Hendrick’s Gin, Sakura, Raspberry, Rose, Egg White and LEC Soda), the Shibumi (Zacapa 23 Rum, Sherry Manzanilla, Coconut and Matcha), Shinrin Yoku (Roku Gin, Dill, Pine, Lemon and Egg White) and Natsukashi (Pampero Blanco Rum, Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Tonka). Dishes to choose from include Squid or Chicken kara-age, Crispy tofu, Wagyu gyoza and Pork tonkatsu. The Shima Aperitivo hour will run from 6pm until 7.30pm, Tuesday – Saturday, from Tuesday 14th September. Booking is recommended but walk-ins are also welcome.
Bisushima first opened its doors in early 2020, and weathered the series of lockdowns by adding a takeaway and delivery element to their business, providing the capital with artful Japanese dishes throughout the periods of closure. The dine-in experience is what keeps guests returning, the large dining room features a sushi bar and open kitchen at one end where guests can watch their food being prepared. In the center of the room, tables and comfortable banquettes face the windows out to the terrace and provide the ideal setting for a long lunch or dinner. The menu is the work of restaurateur and chef owner Sergey Men and offers a modern look at the food of Japan, focussing on sourcing excellently priced, high quality ingredients to showcase the simplicity of the food.
A new a la carte menu is also available from Thursday 16th September featuring starters such as Fresh oysters with yuzu dressing, ponzu jelly and cucumber dressing, alongside luxury offerings of Botan ebi and caviar – chopped dry aged marbled tuna and Exmoor Oscietra caviar. There is a dedicated carpaccio menu celebrating the quality and freshness of their fish, this includes mackerel, scallop, yellowtail and toro carpaccios served with fresh garnishes. Next to the cold starters are a variety of hot dishes that in part make up the Shima snack offering.
For the mains, Grilled Iberico pluma pork loin, fennel, cherry and hacho miso sauce, Unagi Kabayaki – Grilled dry aged eel, onsen tamago rice with truffle or Tofu Ankake – Fried tofu, seasonal vegetables & ankake sauce take center stage. Order with sides of Mushroom with egg yolk, Japanese pickles and Gomae spinach in sesame sauce.
Lastly, fresh sushi is prepared on site to order, futomaki, sashimi, hotomaki and donburi are individually priced with a variety of fresh fish and vegetable options available.
Towards the other side of the restaurant is a long bar where the skilled team of bartenders produce well-thought out cocktails that make up the Shima Hour offering. As well as cocktails, Bisushima has an extensive selection of sakes including 10 by the glass options, to cater to all tastes and allow diners to try a wide variety.
Bisushima’s Shima Hour launches on Tuesday, 14th September and will run from 6pm to 7:30pm, Tuesday- Saturday.