DRUNK IN….. TOKYO
BAR TRAM & BAR TRENCH
These two incredible bars are run by the Small Axe group, and if you are serious about your cocktails, you will most definitely want to make a stop at either (or both) bars. We, of course, in the name of research, went to both. The focus in both places is on absinthe (and they have an incredible range of the spirit) but the geniuses behind the bar (and they are a true pleasure to watch when concocting their masterpieces) are cocktail experts across the board. Try one of their complex, but balanced, monthly recommendations, like we did. And then try one of their signature absinthe cocktails, like we did. If we had been spending more time in Tokyo I would have tried their entire drink menu. Best thing? They’re within walking distance of each other and serve different drinks.
Bar Tram does double duty during the day as a serious coffee shop. I have never seen drip coffee being made with such intense concentration and focus – one drop at a time. It’s lovely to watch someone so passionate about his art – and then even better to reap the reward by drinking the result. Highly recommended.
Shhhhh!! The perfect coffee takes crazy concentration.
Bar Tram – absinthe in the background
David had this beetroot based cocktail in a pewter mug sprinkled with gold leaf stars. AMAZE!!!!!
Mine was one of the most delicious cocktails I’ve ever had. But guess what? I was drunk (in Tokyo) so I can’t remember what was in it. Raspberries and pink peppercorn by the look of it.
They hand chip the ice with the flick of a knife into an emerald cut shape. It’s all in the details.
When we got to Bar Trench they were full so we sat outside in the drizzle. They brought us out warm towels, took our drink order and served us on a nearby bench. Hospitality in Japan is second to none.
BAR TRAM INFO:
1-7-13 Ebisunishi Shibuya Tokyo
(Address in Japanese: 渋谷区恵比寿西1-7-13−2F)
+81 3 5489 5514
Coffee: 1000-1900 (Closed Mondays)
Bar: 1900-0200 (later on weekends)
BAR TRENCH INFO:
1-5-8 Ebisunishi Shibuya Tokyo
(Address in Japanese: 渋谷区恵比寿西1-5-8)
+81 3 3780 5291
Open 1900-0200 (Closed Sundays)
Chryss In Dubai 