Cambridge is getting two ways to experience artisanal Japanese sake this October as Akashi-Tai brings its International Sake Month takeover to the city.
Akashi-Tai, the UK’s leading premium artisan sake brand, has announced a month-long nationwide takeover to celebrate International Sake Month this October.
Partnering with some of the UK’s most prestigious Japanese and pan-Asian dining destinations, the brand will host a series of immersive tasting dinners, exclusive menu launches, bespoke cocktail flights and educational masterclasses across London, Manchester, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Cheltenham, Solihull and KIBOU’s newly opened Birmingham location.
Produced in the coastal city of Akashi, Hyogo prefecture – Japan’s heartland of premium brewing – Akashi-Tai is handmade in small batches by 4th generation Toji (Sake Master) Kimio Yonezawa. Using traditional methods, pure local spring water, and the highest quality Yamadanishiki rice (the “king of sake rice”), Akashi-Tai continues to lead the rapid expansion of the UK sake category by demystifying Japan’s national drink and bringing authentic, handcrafted sake to a broader audience.
Which restaurants are taking part?
Throughout October, Akashi-Tai is executing a month-long nationwide takeover across all 16 Sticks n’ Sushi locations. The partnership centres on Akashi-Tai’s signature Yuzushu – a citrus-infused ginjo sake brewed with fresh yuzu juice – featured as an exclusive on-the-rocks pairing alongside the restaurant’s premium Sashimi Deluxe.
Embracing authentic Japanese sharing traditions, Sticks n’ Sushi will invite guests to select their own sake cups from roving trays, participate in traditional pour-for-your-neighbour rituals, and view ceremonial miniature Kagami Biraki barrels across every site throughout October.
Alongside the Sticks n’ Sushi takeover, Japanese Kitchen & Bar group KIBOU will also be hosting a series of intimate, ambassador-led tasting dinners celebrating International Sake Month.
Guests across Battersea, Cheltenham, Clifton, Cambridge, Oxford, Solihull, and KIBOU’s newly opened Birmingham location will enjoy welcome cocktails, guided tasting flights, and educational storytelling paired with KIBOU’s multi-course Japanese sharing menus or premium Tokujo tasting menus.
For diners visiting outside ticketed event dates, all KIBOU locations will feature Akashi-Tai on their drinks specials menus throughout October, offering bespoke cocktails, curated sake flights, and paired dishes designed to make artisanal sake approachable and conversational.
Exclusive sake tasting events in Cambridge
On Wednesday 21 October, KIBOU Cambridge will host an ambassador-led tasting dinner featuring guided Akashi-Tai sake pairings and a multi-course Japanese menu for £45 per person. If you can’t make the date, KIBOU Cambridge will also be serving Akashi-Tai on its drinks menu for the whole of October – so you can still join in with the sake celebrations.
Throughout the month, Sticks n’ Sushi Cambridge will also serve Akashi-Tai Yuzushu as an exclusive pairing with the Sashimi Deluxe which can be booked here, alongside traditional sake rituals and ceremonial Kagami Biraki displays. Its Cambridge restaurant is at 2 Wheeler Street.
The KIBOU Cambridge tasting dinner takes place on 21 October and costs £45 per person. Book a table here.
Sticks n’ Sushi will be serving Akashi-Tai Yuzushu throughout International Sake Month. Book a table here.
Lead image: Sticks n’ Sushi + Akashi Tai