Shoreditch is awash with bars, restaurants and venues to host any kind of event, from birthday parties and city-cool weddings, to brand launches and corporate meetings. But, if you're looking for somewhere with a bit of a twist, we think Apothecary East could be just the thing.
Self-described as a Tokyo-inspired tavern with Shoreditch energy, this design-led restaurant offers a Japanese menu of small plates in the heart of east London's buzziest area. Step inside and it's clear to see how the two influences come together with Japanese minimalism sitting next to olive-green leather booths and a lofty, warehouse ceiling.
In terms of using the space for your own event, the main floor can be partly hired out and the team encourage those interested to have a chat about their desired capacity. Corners of the restaurant can be used on a semi-private basis, which allows you and your guests to benefit from the atmosphere of other diners.
However, most private bookings make the most of the entirely exclusive space, which sits on the basement floor. Here, you can host 22 people for a sit-down meal or 35 for a standing reception so, whether you had an intimate meal or relaxed drinks reception in mind, anything is possible.
In terms of the food, the team encourage bookings to make the most of the entire menu and order a selection of small plates to be spread across the table. On the menu you'll find skewers from the robata grill alongside Hirata steamed buns and a selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, tataki and tempura. It's a super versatile selection that works for snacks and drinks, or a full-on sit-down meal.
And, speaking of drinks, Apothecary East also prides itself on delivering a selection of stand-out signature cocktails, each with its own bespoke description. But, if the classics are more your thing, no fear, they can pull off universal crowd-pleasers, too.