Sober Company’s Spectacular Comeback: Shingo Gokan’s Mixology Marvel Reopens
Reviving a Culinary and Mixology Legend First launched in 2017 by the renowned Shingo Gokan, founder of The SG Group and creative mind behind Shanghai’s The Odd Couple and Speak Low, the bar had shut its doors in June of the previous year. Now, it’s making a grand comeback, nestled within the INS complex near Fuxing Park.
A Fusion of Concepts in One Space Echoing the original Sober Company’s design, the venue weaves together several unique concepts: Sober Kissa, Sober Izakaya, and Sober Sakaba, alongside the enigmatic return of the hidden bar, Tipsy. Access to Tipsy remains an exclusive affair, requiring guests to gather tokens from the other sections.
Sober Kissa: A Melodic Cocktail Haven Greeting visitors on the ground floor, Kissa draws inspiration from Japan’s kissa bars, where music and drinks create a harmonious blend. This section serves ‘kissa-inspired’ cocktails, including a Melon Ramos Fizz and a Milk Tea Alexander, plus coffee cocktails and selections made with the group’s own shochu.
Sober Izakaya: A Neon-Lit Gastronomic Journey Ascend to the second floor to discover the Sober Izakaya. This 15-seat dining area, bathed in neon, offers a menu crafted by Tokyo’s The Bellwood’s executive chef, Ayaka Terai. Enjoy hand-rolled sushi, omakase sets, and treats like fried chicken nanban. On weekends, this space morphs into a vibrant bar scene complete with DJs.
Sober Sakaba: Classic Cocktails with a Japanese Twist Also on the second floor, Sakaba redefines classic cocktails with Japanese influences. Highlights include the Kobe, an Old Fashioned with Kobe beef, and the Osaka, a Bloody Mary topped with octopus and bonito flakes. Favorites from the previous Sober Company, like foie gras mapo tofu, are also served here.
The Mysterious Tipsy The location of Tipsy is a well-kept secret, but with enough drink purchases, access is yours. The motto says it all: ‘come sober, leave tipsy’.
Latest in Bar Scene News In related news, London Cocktail Week co-founders Hannah Sharmon-Cox and Siobhan Payne, along with Global Bartending’s Dan Dove, have launched The Pinnacle Guide. It’s an initiative allowing bars to seek accolades akin to the Michelin Stars of the restaurant world.
