For The Sake Of It...
Serving up umami-powered small plates, Japanese craft beer and flights of sake, here are four of our favourite izakaya joints in the southwest
Seven Lucky Gods
Wapping Wharf, Bristol
On the menu since day dot, Seven Lucky God’s chicken katsu arancini with aged parmesan and kewpie mayo are a major, memorable USP all on their own; we reckon there’d be a major outcry if they were removed. They’re best enjoyed with a few choice players from the menu’s stellar supporting cast, including kimchi fries, striped bass sashimi and yuzu ice cream sando with sesame and Somerset strawberries.All-day menu £5-15 / lunchtime bento £10-12
7luckygods.com
Inoshishi
Market Square, Frome
Wild boar with a white moustache – that’s the name, translated into English, given to this izakaya to embody the boldness of spirit that powered its opening back in November. Inoshishi is, explain its owners, committed to community, sustainability and diverse Japanese flavours which play to the strengths of local Frome farm produce. In tasty terms, this means lotus root tempura, silken tofu and grilled yakitori skewers chased down by black sesame ice cream and delicious Japanese booze – of which there is an abundance on the menu. Small plates and robata £3-7.50; / Large plates £7-17
Inoshishi Instagram
