Junsei opened in Seymour Place in 2021 to bring a combination of tasty skewers and sake to the upmarket district.
It was the the debut venture of Chef Aman Lakhiani and Chef Zach Farr who wanted to share with Londoners the joy they had discovered eating and drinking in the Japanese capital.
Now, the yakitori bar has relaunched with a new identity and a late-night license to pair small plates with curated vinyl, and Japanese spirits.
It will recreate the intimate after-dark culture of Tokyo’s Izakayas – the kind of bar where you end up after a long day at work that serves small dishes and snacks to mop up your alcohol.
On Thursday and Friday nights, Junsei transforms into a Hi-Fi listening bar where guests can enjoy vinyl soundscapes – from Japanese City Pop to soulful grooves – and a special menu of small plates including Izakaya-style dishes such as chicken nanban with tartare mayo, crispy chicken skin chips, and soboro don with minced chicken, egg yolk and shichimi.
With its blend of food, music culture and communal energy, Junsei brings a concept celebrated in Tokyo and New York to Marylebone’s already healthy dining scene.
The restaurant promises fresh collaborations with guest DJs to expand its late-night programming.
The drinks menu unsurprisingly champions Japanese drinking culture, led by sake, shochu, and Japanese wines, and a short cocktail list celebrating Japanese flavours.
For the rest of the week it is paired with grilled skewers and small plates – the house speciality yakitori kushiyaki omakase: over 20 chicken skewers cooked nose-to-tail over Binchōtan charcoal, alongside seasonal vegetable and speciality skewers.
Sharing plates include wagyu beef rib cap, crab korokke with caviar, flame-seared salmon warayaki, and diver scallops with shoyu butter.
Claypot donabe rice, simmered to order is ideal for sharing.
For the sweet toothed there is seasonal granita with fruit and citrus, milk purin with kokuto sugar, and grilled fruit with brown sugar ice cream.
Junsei, is at 132 Seymour Place, Marylebone. www.junsei.co.uk/ldn
