National Sake Week returns from 5–11 May 2025, inviting the UK to discover the elegance and versatility of Japan’s most iconic drink. Leading the charge is Sake ONO, a dynamic premium sake brand making its highly anticipated UK debut across London’s most exciting venues.
From Michelin-starred pairings to inventive cocktails, Sake ONO is redefining sake for a modern audience, proving it belongs alongside the world’s finest wines and spirits. Sake has always been a tricky sell in the UK and celebrating great liquids like Sake ONO helps elevate sake. Hopefully, one day we will drink sake like they do in Japan.
A Modern Take on Centuries-Old Craftsmanship
Blending traditional Japanese brewing methods with contemporary sensibilities, Sake ONO introduces a versatile and refined expression tailored to today’s discerning drinkers.
What does it taste like? The Junmai Daiginjo delivers a crisp and vibrant profile, with notes of honeydew melon, lemon peel, white florals, and green apple. Designed to be enjoyed chilled, paired with food, or stirred into lower-ABV cocktails, Sake ONO offers an accessible yet sophisticated entry point into the world of premium sake.
Arriving as the super-premium sake category enters rapid global growth, Sake ONO is perfectly positioned to lead this evolution. With all of us increasingly seeking clean ingredients, lower alcohol profiles, and fresh flavour perspectives, the brand represents a new standard for sake in the UK.
A Curated Celebration Across London
Throughout National Sake Week, there will be some exclusive cocktails and collaborations at some of London’s top venues:
Sticks’n’Sushi
- Sakura Vesper — A floral and savoury twist on the martini. Sake ONO, The Botanist Gin, olive brine, lemon oil, and a pink rice paper garnish.
The Dorian
- Session Martini — Silky and lower-ABV. Sake ONO, olive oil vodka, Capreolus Raspberry Eau de Vie, and raspberry oil.
Lucky Cat Bishopsgate (by Gordon Ramsay)
- Sukiyaki Western Django — Cinematic and bold. Sake ONO, Código Rosa Tequila, cinnamon-infused Leblon Cachaça, blueberry agrodolce, whey, lavender, and orange boba.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
- Niigata Daisy — Bright and refreshing. Sake ONO, elderflower liqueur, pomelo-infused eau de vie, verjus, and cucumber.
Dining at Dovetale, Mayfair
Sake ONO will also take centre stage at Dovetale Restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers. For National Sake Week, there is a special one off three-course menu designed to highlight sake’s pairing potential:
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Carpaccio of English Wagyu with hot mustard, Old Winchester, and beef fat chips
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Tuna Otoro with blood orange and red pepper
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Grain-fed Lake District T-bone with bone marrow sauce
Each dish is expertly paired with Sake cocktails and expressions by Giulio, Marco and the team at Dover Yard, offering a unique and elevated dining experience.
Beyond National Sake Week: The Future with Sake ONO
Beyond National Sake Week, the brand will continue to champion sake’s modern renaissance through partnerships with top venues such as COYA, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and many more. These collaborations aim to challenge perceptions and position sake as a refined, versatile choice across the UK’s most celebrated dining and drinking destinations.
In addition, DrinksOne is a leading distributor specialising in bringing premium drinks brands to the UK market, catering to on-trade, off-trade, and multiple grocers. With a keen focus on quality and innovation, DrinksOne partners with both emerging and established brands to ensure exceptional products reach the right audiences. Their tailored approach to distribution and deep industry knowledge make them a trusted partner for brands looking to establish and grow their presence in the competitive drinks industry.
For those looking to bring the experience home, this lovely sake is available in 300mL and 750mL bottles via select boutique retailers and online at www.drinksone.com. Whether shared over dinner or served as part of an elevated cocktail, Sake ONO makes it easy to enjoy sake’s unique character in any setting.
Celebrating Sake Week 2025
Sake ONO’s UK debut during National Sake Week marks a turning point for sake. The brand combines centuries of Japanese craftsmanship with modern innovation to create a drink that suits today’s curious and conscious consumers. Whether paired with Michelin-starred dishes, stirred into creative cocktails, or enjoyed chilled, Sake ONO proves that sake deserves a place alongside the world’s finest wines and spirits.
For more information, visit DrinksOne and sakeono.com
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All imagery courtesy of Sake ONO.