One of London’s most loved dining spots, Sumosan Twiga, has announced a dramatic interior renovation and refresh to all entertainment, ushering in a new era for the Knightsbridge venue from September 2023. After being established by entrepreneur and F1 legend, Flavio Briatore in 1998, the Twiga brand landed in Knightsbridge in 2016 as an iconic partnership between two renowned restaurants, Sumosan and Twiga, bringing exceptional Japanese and Italian cuisine together under one roof. An exclusive feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
The famed restaurant has something for everyone, as the space transforms from an intimate dinner spot into a buzzing venue as the evening goes on, from after-work aperitivo, to dinner dates, to late- night dancing with friends.
The three-storey venue has been renovated from top to bottom, including the second-floor bar, the first-floor restaurant and the downstairs club.
The new interiors reflect Briatore’s love of Africa, which originally inspired the Twiga concept as he sought to translate his fascination with the coastal landscape of Malindi, Kenya, into a welcoming yet glamorous gathering spot. Sumosan’s style is also present, with Japanese artwork hanging on the walls, a new cocktails list with signature Japanese flavours, and a new open kitchen counter in the restaurant, where guests can watch the chefs as they create exquisite sushi selections and other Japanese dishes.
Throughout the venue, a savannah-inspired colour palette and motifs takes prominence, including plush velvet and leather furnishings in clay, gold and amber tones and a bold zebra-stripe carpet along the three-storey staircase.
The restaurant
For sophisticated dining, the first-floor restaurant has been completely revamped including a striking, geometric black and white tiled floor made from Italian marble. The monochromatic theme continues with checked dogtooth curtains, an impressive black marble fireplace and black picture frames highlighting the curated African and Asian objets d’art. The restaurant is ideal for sophisticated dinners, with à la carte Japanese and Italian menus, and a weekly programme of entertainment including live bands and DJs.
The bar
Just upstairs, on the second floor, the bar promises a vibrant and high-energy evening for guests visiting for drinks, nibbles and great music. Whilst resident DJs play live sets, guests can dine from the snack menu or the full à la carte, as well as a new cocktail menu inspired by Japanese tastes and traditions. By early evening, the space transforms as the music is turned up and guests get on their feet to dance and socialise.
Sumosan Twiga will unveil its new look in September 2023 alongside a revitalised programme of guest DJs, live music and special events.
About Sumosan Twiga
Sumosan Twiga opened in November 2016 on Sloane Street in Knightsbridge, a unique partnership between the Sumosan and Twiga brands, offering side-by-side Japanese and Italian dining. The hotspot is renowned for its sophisticated social scene and regular appearances from guest DJs and live entertainment. Sumosan Twiga will undergo a dramatic transformation this summer, unveiling its new look interiors in September 2023.
About Sumosan
Sumosan is a restaurant group founded by Alexander Wolkow and his daughter, Janina, who opened their first sushi bar in Moscow in 1997. Having popularised Japanese cuisine in the region, Sumosan has since opened restaurants all over the world, including Courchevel, Berlin, Crete, Dubai, Doha and Riyadh.
About Twiga
Twiga was founded by Italian entrepreneur and F1 legend Flavio Briatore, who channelled his love for Africa into creating a new hospitality concept that reflected the charm of the Kenyan city of Malindi. The first Twiga opened in Forte dei Marmi, Italy, in 1998, and the group now operates four venues, in Forte dei Marmi, Monte Carlo, London and Doha. Twiga is part of Majestas, which includes Billionaire, Crazy Pizza, Cova Montecarlo and Cipriani Montecarlo.