An unapologetically eccentric atmosphere, big flavours, and Asian-inspired signature cocktails might not be a traditional Christmas party, but it’s sure to be a memorable one. With a maximum capacity of 46 guests, bar space, intimate booths and dining tables all bathed in an otherworldly purply hue, it’s a venue that embodies the feeling of the season - a chance to let your hair down.
Starting life as a pop-up in Clerkenwell, Freak Scene is a pan-Asian restaurant offering creative fusion dishes bursting with flavour and style. After its initial pop-up success, the restaurant took up a permanent Soho location which - like various others - succumbed to the forces of the pandemic. Since then, comedian, presenter, and radio voice Adam Hill has joined forces with founder Scott Hallsworth and former Nobu chef to revive the spirit of Freak Scene and bring back some of that joy. The original graffiti-stricken Freak Scene grit is back in full force, and not just in the decor.
The menu includes a variety of small plate options, including some that will be well-known to any Freak Scene aficionados out there. The unofficial signature bluefin tuna sashimi ‘pizza’ with wasabi tobiko and truffle ponzu has made a welcome comeback, as has the chicken fried chicken with peanut sauce, sambal and house pickles along with other classics like the miso-yaki black cod tacos with red chilli salsa. Signature cocktails include a ‘Journey to the West’ comprised of sake, two types of rum, Drambuie, ginseng, and spiced pineapple. But it may be the ‘Freaktini’ with a characteristic grape liquor-derived purple hue that might have you thanking Hallsworth for investing in a late license.
On hand to bring your expectations to fruition is a staff of genuinely enthusiastic servers and reservation managers so you don’t have to worry over the details.