A new izakaya blends East Tokyo cool with East London’s restless nightlife spirit.
An Izakaya Rooted in Two Cities
Opening this spring on Willow Street, Mitsu is a high energy Japanese izakaya designed by Astet Studio to sit at the heart of Shoreditch. The restaurant draws from the after dark culture of Tokyo while embracing the creative pulse of East London, creating a space that shifts seamlessly from relaxed daytime dining into a vibrant nighttime destination.
Wood Craft Light and Movement
Astet Studio’s interiors merge traditional Japanese references with contemporary urban design. Warm wood structures, translucent glass, and textile screens soften the space while filtering light in a way reminiscent of washi paper. The layout connects the bar directly to an outdoor terrace, keeping the atmosphere open and bright during the day before transforming into something more intimate as evening sets in.
Robata Rituals and Nighttime Atmosphere
At the center of the restaurant is an elevated open kitchen that places robata cooking on display, allowing guests to experience the sounds, aromas, and gestures of the grill as part of the dining ritual. Guided by the Japanese concept of utsuroi, the space evolves throughout the day through subtle shifts in lighting, rhythm, and energy. As night falls, red lighting, music, and a dedicated DJ booth take over, blending fire, sound, and movement into an experience that mirrors the pulse of Shoreditch after dark.
