walking around most cities at this time of year blossom trees are proudly in bloom, and aplenty so. To celebrate one of the most popular seasons in the Japanese calendar, Sakura at Sake no Hana has brought the celebration to London’s Mayfair by creating an intricate cherry blossom garden for a limited time whilst the trees are in bloom.
Inspired by “sakura” and “hanami” – the Japanese tradition of celebrating the short-lived blossom season by eating sushi and drinking sake underneath the cherry trees – the garden opened its doors last week where their first guests sipped sake cocktails underneath a mass of bright pink cherry blossom whilst Japanese Taiko drummers performed in their traditional high-energy style.
Guests at Sake no Hana (at midday this Saturday) can view the traditional “Kagami Biraki” spectacle, and an honoured Japanese ceremony where the lid of a sake barrel is dramatically opened by a wooden mallet before being served.
Hanami Bellini & Sakuratini Cocktail
Sakura Cryal Double-Layer Bento Box
Sakura at Sake no Hana
by Stephanie Clair
Images courtesy of Sake no Hana – Hakkasan Group
Japanese Cherry Blossom garden at Sakura at Sake no Hana (Mayfair, SW1) is open until May 19, 2014
Guests at Sake no Hana can view the traditional “Kagami Biraki” spectacle this Saturday middayApril, 26