Michelin-starred yakinku concept, Kanpai Classic, makes its UK debut this July

Kanpai Classic, whose unique take on Japanese yakiniku has captivated diners across Taiwan and China for nearly two decades, is to launch its first fine dining restaurant in the UK.

Located in the heart of London’s Soho, Kanpai Classic will celebrate the soft launch of its 4,317 sq ft site in mid-July.

The Kanpai Group, which numbers nine original restaurant brands across Taiwan and China, launched its unique take on yakiniku in Taipei in 2005. Although the cuisine – a style of cooking bite-size meat over a charcoal flame – is not new, Kanpai Classic’s offering, with its heavy emphasis on wagyu, was unique. So much so that in 2016, just 12 months after opening, the Shanghai Bund Store restaurant became the first Japanese yakiniku restaurant to win a Michelin star.

Kanpai Classic’s award-winning concept will be broadly replicated in London, with a selection of up to 10 different cuts of aged wagyu beef taking centre stage on the menu.

Cut to the specific requirements of the diner, the meat is then expertly sliced and seasoned. It is then grilled to perfection by one of Kanpai Classic’s highly experienced staff on safe, smokeless and odourless charcoal grillers fitted to each individual table.

Presided over by executive chef Nicolo Bolognesi, formerly of Nobu Hotel Portman Square, Kanpai Classic’s 86-cover, two-floor London outpost will initially comprise a 14-course Omakase Menu. A full a la carte menu will be available from September.

As befits a brand which was the first to import Australian wagyu to Taiwan and China, in 2005 and 2015 respectively, the quality and provenance of the meat will be second to none.

Aged for a minimum of 40 days, intricately marbled and delivering a tender, melt-in-the-mouth taste sensation, Kanpai Classic’s wagyu will be sourced from two main UK suppliers: Jack’s Creek, whose globally renowned beef has seen them win the World Steak Challenge no less than four times (2024 included) and Tajimaya, which sources wagyu directly from its own farms in Japan.

This exquisite fare will be complemented by an extensive drinks list spearheaded by ten exclusive sakes from Japan’s multi-award winning Masuizumi Brewery. The first sake introduced by Kanpai Classic when it opened in 2005, Masuizumi’s floral, fruity notes pair beautifully with wagyu.

With a culinary offering that is tailor-made for corporate activities and private celebrations, the restaurant will also feature a seven-seater private chefs’ table.

Commented Kanpai Group CEO and founder Soji Hiraide, “Having introduced wagyu to Taiwan and China, we’re about to do the same in Europe. We can’t wait to give London its first proper taste of the world’s finest beef!”

Nick Weir, Joint Managing Partner at Shelley Sandzer, the specialist F&B leasing agency which acted on behalf of Kanpai in the deal, commented: “Kanpai will be a fantastic addition to Wardour Street, bringing an exciting and distinctive offer to Soho’s bustling community of tourists, locals, and office workers. A tried and tested concept that has experienced huge success across Taiwan and China, and we are proud to have assisted Kanpai in its European debut, the latest in a long list of London debuts by leading international operators we have helped facilitate.”