Monkey business in Battersea

Japanese bar and lounge Red Monkey opened in London’s Battersea Rise last week, representing the first venture from new company Sanzaru.

Formed by Steve Kelly, managing director of Rising Star Leisure, together with local entrepreneurs Jeff Veitch and Toby Cobb, Sanzaru aims to fill a niche in the market for an upmarket neighbourhood lounge with an Asian twist.

The venue is inspired by traditional Japanese Izakayas: sake bars where food is served in small portions or as sharing platters to accompany drinks.

Head chef Pawel Wiktorek, previously of upmarket Japanese restaurant Sake No Hana, has been brought on board to prepare the menu, which only uses Japanese ingredients.

The cocktail menu has been designed as a showcase for Japanese spirits as well as Asian takes on the classics of the mixology world.

In true Japanese style, the basement houses three karaoke pods, complete with full table service to attract the party and corporate events market.

Kelly described Sanzaru as offering a “funky yet relaxing environment, an eclectic music policy comprising everything from funk, soul and lounge classics to more obscure tracks from the ‘60s and ‘70s, coupled with the some truly innovative food and drink”.

Red Monkey is open in the evening from Tuesday to Sunday. Click here for more information.

Rupert Millar, 23.03.2010