For City Christmas parties that deserve something sharper than the usual set menu and tinsel, Wild Izakaya offers a central, design-led space with stand-out food credentials. Opened on Old Jewry, just steps from Bank and Moorgate, it’s perfectly positioned for post-office celebrations; no taxis across town, just a short stroll from the desk to the drinks. Ideal.
From the group behind Goodman and led by executive chef Satoru Hashimoto (formerly of Koyn and Nobu), Wild Izakaya brings Japanese cuisine to a design-led space with universal appeal. There's the main restaurant on the ground floor where you can book a table for your gang, or reserve something a little more special below. Here, you'll find a private dining space that can cater to 10 or 20 people, depending on the style of event. Just the thing for bringing people together, the long wooden tables are ideal for sharing, while sculptural lighting and neon signs feel 'Tokyo cool'. It’s atmospheric without being formal, fitting for end-of-year gatherings that want energy as well as posh nosh.
While Christmas menus aren't out yet, they're unlikely to go seasonal. Instead, expect classic Japanese plates, prepared with precision and using high quality ingredients. You could start light with appetisers such as edamame (or spicy edamame for extra kick), miso soup and sesame seaweed salad. King crab cucumber salad adds freshness to the table, balancing richer dishes to come.
Hand roll temaki works particularly well for groups: akami, salmon, negitoro (toro with spring onion) and torotaku (toro with pickled radish) all sound delicious. From the robata, skewers of wagyu kushi glazed in kouji sweet soy, negima chicken with spring onion and kamonegi duck breast bring depth, perfect for winter evenings. As for dessert, keeps things playful with mochi ice cream in matcha, strawberry or chocolate.
But, we all know that the drinks are where Christmas parties truly come alive. The cocktail menu sounds pretty amazing with a Lychee Sour that blends rum, lychee liqueur and Campari for something bright and festive, while the Miso Coffee with cognac, PX sherry, miso and espresso feels tailor-made for late-night toasts.