Nipperkin

Nestled beneath the acclaimed Japanese restaurant NIJŪ in Mayfair, London, Nipperkin is an intimate cocktail bar that seamlessly blends British ingredients with Japanese mixology. Inspired by 1950s Japanese listening bars, it offers a unique ambiance where expertly crafted cocktails and curated music converge.

History & Concept

Established in the summer of 2023, Nipperkin was conceived to celebrate the harmony between British produce and Japanese spirits. The bar’s name, derived from an old English term for a small measure of liquor, reflects its commitment to offering refined, measured experiences. Led by award-winning mixologist Angelos Bafas, Nipperkin introduces a micro-seasonal cocktail menu that evolves with the harvest cycles, ensuring freshness and innovation in every glass.

Design & Atmosphere

Nipperkin’s design pays homage to Japanese listening bars of the 1950s, featuring vintage records, muted tones, and high-gloss finishes. The subterranean space is adorned with personal touches like books and photographs, creating a cozy, living room-style environment. With seating for just 22 guests around a central table, the bar offers an intimate setting where music and mixology intertwine.

Nipperkin Menu

The Nipperkin menu is a testament to the bar’s dedication to seasonal and local ingredients, structured around four micro-seasons: Prep, Lean, Plethora, and Dry. Each season showcases cocktails that highlight the best of British produce, enhanced by Japanese spirits and techniques. In addition to cocktails, the menu features a selection of Japanese-inspired bar snacks, including sandos and other delicacies from NIJŪ’s kitchen.

Cocktail Menu

Nipperkin’s cocktail offerings are both inventive and diverse. Some notable selections include:

• Pickled Cucumbers & Wasabi. Hendrick’s gin, local wasabi distillate, pickled wasabi, London Essence ginger ale. Refreshing, long, and clear.
• Macerated Cherries & Umeshu. Metaxa 12, Nipperkin’s dry plum amaretto, foraged plums & damsons, koshu sake, aged umeshu. Fruity, marzipany, and balanced.
• Fuji Apples & Meadowsweet. The Macallan double cask 12-year-old, foraged meadowsweet, sweet woodruff, Fuji cider, wild apple soda. Mellow, bubbly, and aromatic.
• Blossom Honey & Yuzu. Suntory Hibiki Harmony, Ardbeg 10-year-old, yuzu sake, ginger vinegar, fermented turmeric, yuzu seltzer. Fiery, zesty, and well-rounded.
• Wild Fennel & Nori. Highland Park 12, Nipperkin’s fennel & seaweed spirit, Norfolk mint & shiso leaves, pine soda. Aniseed, savory, and long.
• Norfolk Mint & Shiso. Non-alcoholic spiced spirit, shiso leaves, garden mint, London Essence ginger ale. Long, fresh, and refreshing.

Food Menu

Complementing the cocktail menu, Nipperkin offers a selection of Japanese-inspired bar snacks. Guests can enjoy dishes like Wagyu beef korokke, chicken karaage, and a variety of sandos, all crafted to pair seamlessly with the seasonal drinks.

Price Level

Nipperkin positions itself as a premium cocktail destination, with prices reflecting the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship involved. Cocktails are typically priced between £17 and £21, offering patrons a luxurious yet accessible experience.

Awards & Recognition

Nipperkin has garnered significant acclaim within the global bar community. Notably, it has been featured in “The World’s 50 Best Bars” list multiple times, achieving its highest ranking at No. 40 in 2022. As of 2024, it holds the 94th position, maintaining its status as a leading establishment in the industry.

Opening Hours & Guest Policy

• Wednesday: 16:00 – 00:00
• Thursday to Saturday: 16:00 – 01:00
• Sunday to Tuesday: Closed

Given its intimate setting and limited seating, Nipperkin requires reservations to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience for each guest.

Reservations

To secure a spot at Nipperkin, patrons are encouraged to make reservations through the bar’s official website. Due to high demand and limited capacity, early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Why Visit?

Nipperkin offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern mixology, making it a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and ambiance ensures an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of London’s vibrant nightlife.