Sunnie J. Groeneveld: «My Best Investment Was Education»
Entrepreneur, Board Member, Writer, and Speaker: Sunnie Groeneveld. (Image: Courtesy)
She often changes context in her job and is convinced that progress comes from commitment and willpower. In this interview, Sunnie J. Groeneveld talks about her current projects and her personal drive.
Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences on finews.privé.
What do you do first in the morning?
My favorite way to start the day is with a latte macchiatto and a fresh orange juice.
What is the best thing about your job?
The creative opportunities and working with different people.
A moment that changed your life?
When I founded my first company, Inspire 925.
What car do you drive? What is your favorite?
The Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Do something every day that will help make your dreams come true – even if it’s just something tiny.
What are you particularly proud of?
That at the age of 20 I had the courage to move to another continent on my own for almost five years to complete my degree in economics.
What was your biggest defeat?
It’s difficult for me to pick out just one; there have been many since founding Inspire 925 in 2013. Defeats are part and parcel of entrepreneurship – be it through lost pitches, project rejections, wrong strategic decisions or unexpected market changes. Looking back, I see them above all as valuable learning moments that have helped us develop further.
What is your favorite wine?
I don’t drink much alcohol, but in summer I enjoy having a glass or two of “Whispering Angel” on Lake Zurich with friends.
Are you currently working on a project?
I am currently preparing for the eighth edition of the Liechtenstein Digital Summit, which will take place on April 15, 2025 in Vaduz under the motto “Artificial Intelligence – Transformation of the Future”. Keynote speakers such as Christine Antlanger-Winter (Country Director Google Switzerland) and Fabian Schmid (Head of IT for the Principality of Liechtenstein) will also be there.
What is most important to you at the moment?
My health. Because it’s the basis for all the other things I enjoy doing every day.
What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to do your job for a day?
I combine different roles in my job, including entrepreneur, board member, course director, speaker, moderator, lecturer, etc. I think someone else might be surprised at how often and effortlessly I change context.
What is your personal drive?
A mixture of tireless curiosity, the joy of creating and the conviction that progress comes from commitment and willpower.
What are you afraid of?
Dementia. My grandmother suffered from it and later passed away; I think it’s a terrible disease. I’m afraid of losing my cognitive abilities one day.
Your favorite watch brand?
IWC Schaffhausen
What do your employees value most about you?
I think my openness and my ability to stay calm and lead the way in pressure situations.
Your best investment?
My education.
NO RISK NO FUN – SACHA LICHINE ON FINE ROSÉ WINES
By Darren McCabe Food & Drink
Chateau D’Esclans Les Clans & GARRUS Vertical Tasting
On Friday, March 7th, I had the pleasure of joining Sacha Lichine, the visionary founder of Château d’Esclans, for a delightful lunch at Annabel’s in Mayfair. The highlight of the afternoon was a vertical tasting of the exquisite Les Clans and Garrus fine wines, held in the elegant surroundings of Annabel’s.
A Haven of Tranquil Elegance
Located in the heart of London’s Mayfair, Annabel’s is renowned as one of the world’s most prestigious private members’ clubs. Established in 1963, it has long been a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity. In 2018, Annabel’s underwent a stunning transformation, moving to 46 Berkeley Square and receiving a lavish redesign by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. The redesign beautifully preserved the building’s historic features, including its grand staircase, intricate plaster ceilings, and elegant fireplaces.
Our tasting took place in the haven of tranquil elegance known as The Silver Room. Overlooking the enchanting garden this room is adorned with original Georgian features, meticulously restored with silver detailing. The bespoke silver glass panels depict classical figures, creating a sophisticated and serene atmosphere. Designed for private events, the Silver Room made it perfect setting for this intimate lunch.
The visionary
Sacha Lichine, a visionary in the wine industry, has against all the odds, transformed Château d’Esclans into a symbol of excellence in Provence. Born in Bordeaux and educated in America, Sacha has immersed himself in every facet of the wine business, from production to sales. His early experiences at his family’s former estates, Château Prieuré Lichine and Château Lascombes, provided him with a solid foundation in winemaking and the wine trade.
In 2006, Sacha left Bordeaux and acquired Château d’Esclans, located in the picturesque hills northeast of St. Tropez. With a bold vision to create the world’s finest rosés, he spearheaded what is now known as the ‘Rosé Renaissance’. It was a huge risk, Sacha smiled as he shared, he’d just read the book ‘No Risk, No Fun’. Back then some people did think he was crazy, trading his family business in Bordeaux to make Rose in Provence, “Bankers wouldn’t give me an overdraft, and the trade would say ‘rosé doesn’t sell’. Sacha explained that when building a brand you need to have three or four layers, price points and therefore the fine wines are accompanied by the world famous Whispering Angel, now selling over £10m bottles worldwide (up from 130,000) along with Rock Angel, “a kind of Super Whispering”, and Chateau D’Esclans. We were keen to know where he got the ideas for their names, “Whispering Angel, Rock Angel are names inspired by the chapel at the property, with cherubs above the altar and Garrus is the knoll, or plot in the hillside at the estate”.
Les Clans and Garrus: The Pinnacle of Fine Wines
Many people think of rosé as a simple, summer drink, best enjoyed in the sunshine and often consumed without much thought. However, it might be surprising to learn that rosé can have the complexity and longevity of fine wines. Les Clans and Garrus, in particular, defy these expectations with their remarkable depth and aging potential. We tasted through Les Clans and Garrus 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2017. Both are exceptional examples of fine wines that challenge the conventional perceptions of rosé. All the grapes used are estate grown grapes, with Les Clans vines being 50-70 years old and Garrus being older. The wines resemble a white at the beginning and finish as a red, a style they have been perfecting with the 2023 vintage.
The colour can be deceiving to some, its light and pale, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it wouldn’t have much taste and body but it’s just to the contrary. Whilst there is very little colour variation across these vintages Sacha’s focus is on “consistency of style rather than colour, seeking elegance in the ripe and well-grown Grenache”. The blend of Grenache and Rolle produces refined flavours, with Rolle adding richness. “A tad of Tibouren contributes a floral touch”, though Sacha is not a great fan of it. He emphasised that” the wine must deserve the wood it ages in”. Experimentation with different barrels, woods, and coopers has led to wines that never taste of wood but offer an extra layer of complexity, making them linger on the palate.
The 2023 vintage stands out as a remarkable year for both Les Clans and Garrus. This vintage represents a significant milestone in the history of Provence rosé, with all three Château d’Esclans wines achieving exceptional acclaim. Garrus is characterised by its remarkable clarity and brightness, showcasing a refined structure and subtle notes of oak and almond. The wine’s elegance and composure are reminiscent of some of the finest Burgundian whites. But “its tyring to be its own individual style, it might resemble white burgundy but has a style of its own, it tastes well”. Les Clans from 2023 is celebrated for its harmonious balance and versatility, making it an excellent choice for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed all of them the 2020 vintage stood out as my favourite. They have proven to be exceptional, demonstrating the potential for aging and the depth of flavour that can be achieved with meticulous winemaking. These wines are not only a delight to drink now but also promise to continue evolving beautifully in the years to come.
Their ability to age gracefully is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative techniques employed in their production. These wines evolve beautifully over time, developing deeper flavours and greater complexity, making them ideal for aging. “We’re not trying to change the world, what we’re trying to offer is that rose can be a fine wine if one wants it to be”.
A race against oxidation
Sacha’s dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of the production process. From handpicking the grapes to experimenting with different barrels and woods, every detail is carefully considered. Harvesting is completed by lunchtime, using crates with dry ice and pellets to maintain the coolness of the grapes, preserving the fruit and flavour until the last moment. With the help of a group of engineers from Bordeaux, his team has developed a state-of-the-art technology, including nitrogen gas to reduce oxidation and a glycol system with tentacles that chill inside the barrels. This innovation allows for controlled fermentation at different temperatures, making these wines possible today. “You wouldn’t be able to make rosé like this if it wasn’t for the technology.” Garrus, comprising 90% free-run juice the wine is vinified in the whitest 600-litre barrels you will come across, new oak (20%), second-year oak (40%), and third-year oak (40%). Renewing the barrels every three years undergoing bâtonnage twice weekly over an eleven-month period gives the wines a lovely blanched almond flavour, whilst building structure and depth.
The risk paid off
The 2025 vintage, set to be released in 2026, will mark the Chateau’s 20th vintage. The investment in Provence has grown reflecting the commitment to quality. The category is improving, and as it does, interest grows.
The risk taken has paid off, with the wines now available in 110 countries. 50% of sales are in the US and 25% in the UK, with the rest of the world accounting for the final 25%. Sacha hails the UK as being crucial for the fine wine market, and without it, there would be no such market.
Conclusion
Sacha Lichine’s dedication to innovation and quality has brought Provence rosé to the global map. His wines, from Whispering Angel to Garrus, showcase the potential of rosé as a fine wine, driven by a vision of elegance and refinement.
Les Clans and Garrus are more than just rosé wines; they are masterpieces that showcase the potential of rosé as fine wine. Their age-worthiness and compatibility with food, combined with Sacha Lichine’s expertise and commitment to quality, make them truly exceptional. These wines are a testament to the fact that with the right knowledge and investment, rosé can achieve the same level of sophistication and elegance as the finest wines in the world.
A visit to Bongénie is now also worthwhile from a culinary perspective
By Wolfgang Fassbender Nachgewürzt
Zurich’s best burger? No, we wouldn’t go quite that far. But the “Émile” meat sandwich, which, by the way, cost 39 francs, certainly ranks in the top ten, in our opinion. Of course, there’s also the matching wine: Champagne from Philipponnat at 21 francs a glass (not cheap), the cult rosé Whispering Angel (13 francs per deciliter), or a Tempranillo from Bodegas Rosario Vera at 15 francs a glass. Plus a whole host of good bottles.
The Barnsdale in Rutland: Is this the UK’s most dog-friendly hotel?
By Octavia Pollock
One writer and her canine sidekick check into a Rutland hotel that caters as beautifully to dogs as it does their owners.
There is dog friendly and there is dog friendly in the hotel world and The Barnsdale in Rutland definitely falls into the properly canine-catering category. When I arrived at lunchtime on a gloomy September day, I was immediately presented with a map for local dog walks, beautifully illustrated and well described. My miniature poodle Tiffin thoroughly approved of the stroll along the banks of Rutland Water, through woods with cheerful signs assuring owners that leads were not required, past the pretty, squat church of St Michael & All Angels, Whitwell, and across farmland where late poppies nodded. Back at the hotel, our room was complete with dog bed, bowls and treats (being a picky poodle, he rejected the latter; a friend’s labrador back home was far more appreciative) and, at dinner, a kindly waiter brought Tiffin his water bowl on a tray, no less.
The Barnsdale also hosts weddings, parties, car launches, fashion shows and Christmas fairs in the neighbouring barn, an amazing space with an asymmetrical ceiling from which globes of smoky glass lightbulbs by Pooky hang and huge doors that open out into the garden. There is a Whispering Angel bar in the courtyard, a boules court, croquet and pétanque lawns and countless activities nearby, from fishing and boating on Rutland Water to farm shops and Barnsdale Gardens half a mile up the Avenue, created by Gardeners’ World presenter Geoff Hamilton.
Six exceptional wines that will make this Father’s Day unforgettable
By Teresa Navarro Ortega
Father’s Day is approaching, and with it, the perfect opportunity to give something special that not only celebrates that father figure, but also inspires memorable moments. If you’re looking for a gift that combines elegance, flavor, and a unique experience, consider opting for wine. In this article, we present six exceptionally selected wines that will help you conquer the most discerning palates.
SIX WINES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE GIFT
Below, we offer a list of six wines that stand out for their quality and character. Each was chosen not only for its flavor, but also for the history and passion behind each bottle. The diversity of styles and regions will allow you to select the one that best suits your father’s tastes.
Rioja red: Marqués de Cáceres Crianza
White from Rueda: José Pariente Verdejo
Cava: Gramona III Lustros
Argentine Malbec: Catena Zapata Argentine Malbec
Port Wine: Graham’s Six Grapes
Rosé from Provence: Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel
Rosé from Provence: Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel
Finally, rosé is a must in this repertoire. Whispering Angel has become an international favorite. With its pale pink color and refreshing red fruit aromas, it offers vibrant acidity and a clean finish. It’s ideal for sunny days and pairs with salads or fish. As the wine press notes: “A wine that can be enjoyed both on the beach and at home.”
Hotels add ‘beauty’ to spring promotions
By Hong Yoo
Promotional image for Spring Escape package (The Westin Josun Seoul)
As spring approaches, several hotels nationwide are unveiling exclusive collaborations with beauty brands, offering guests a range of seasonal promotions designed to enhance their stay. These include luxury beauty gifts and special cocktails inspired by the brands. The Westin Josun Seoul has launched its spring package, “Spring Escape,” which runs through June 30. Guests who book this package will receive a one-night stay in a deluxe room and a 500 milliliter bottle of “Luna” body lotion from the British luxury fragrance brand, Penhaligon’s. Additionally, guests staying in suite rooms will receive a bottle of Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel wine and have access to the Westin Club’s happy hour and breakfast offerings. Rates for the package start at 496,100 won ($340.80).
Aerial view of Lotte Hotel Jeju (Lotte Hotel Jeju)
In Jeju, Lotte Hotel Jeju is offering a “Beautiful Moment of Spring” package, available until April 30. This package includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two, a premium skincare set from the brand Thome valued at 430,000 won and a complimentary photo session. Guests will be photographed by a local photographer, with one pocket-sized photo printed and framed. Additionally, those who book multiple nights can enjoy a special food offering at the hotel’s poolside cafe, including dishes like tteokbokki and deep fried black pork dipped in sweet and sour sauce, along with two soft drinks. Marque d’Amour (L’Escape)
It was a joy to reenact a Château d’Esclans vertical tasting last week with its founder Sacha Lichine, some eight years after I hosted the same event in New York City with the late Château d’Esclans winemaker Patrick Léon. These stellar rosés have an uncanny ability to age. They do so, not in a linear fashion like, say, a predictable red wine, but in a swirling, convoluted and always surprising manner. After tasting the newly released 2023s, which I reviewed in my Finest Fifty 2024 Report published back in January for members of matthewjukes.com, we dived into some older vintages of Les Clans and Garrus.
I have no images of this event as there are strict rules at Annabel’s private club regarding photography, so I have included a photo taken back in November when I first tasted these wines, as well as a bottle shot of the new 2024 Whispering Angel, whose review also features below.
As a reminder, here is an edited extract from Finest Fifty 2024
2023 Château d’Esclans Les Clans Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France
2023 will go down in Provence rosé history as the vintage when all three ‘Château d’Esclans’ wines hit the high notes simultaneously. The trio of 2023s have only just been released, and I was privileged to taste them with Sacha Lichine in London in November. This tasting further underlined that these are genuinely authentic fine wines that stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s top sparklers, whites and reds. Garrus has long been the grandest rosé on the planet, and I find so much to admire in this wine; it is incredible.
2023 Château d’Esclans Garrus Rosé is firm, bright, crystalline and refined with blonde oak and blanched almond highlights. This level of composure is usually only found in graceful Grand Cru Burgundies. Precision cut, reserved and reluctant to show its full hand this early in its development, this is another cosmic performance from this trailblazing wine. My headliner, Les Clans, shows another level of elegance, coupled with lip-smacking precocity, so while Garrus is one for the cellar, Les Clans is ready to romance from the moment it is released. Near perfect in weight, timbre and balance, this is a glorious wine, and it can perform every duty from complex canapés to main course feasts!
Where Garrus slows the conversation down so one can fully appreciate the constellation of flavours present, Les Clans skips along merrily, making it the definitive ‘rich person’s fast wine’. If you were left to your own devices, I could see Les Clans disappearing at an impressive rate of knots without ever tiring the taste buds or becoming repetitive. Finally, it is extremely exciting to announce that the estate wine, 2023 Château d’Esclans Rosé, has finally – and it has been a bit of a wait – joined its fellows at the top of the tree. For as long as I can remember, this cuvée has been meandering around, searching for a purpose.
Whispering Angel and Rock Angel have bookended this portfolio at the commercial end, and Les Clans and Garrus soared around the stratosphere, leaving ‘Château’ somewhat lost. In 2023, there is so much gravitas and purity that it has gone from also-ran to catwalk-ready in one fell swoop. I would go so far as to say the silhouette of this wine is more Puligny-like than many Pulignys! This is easily the most exciting estate Esclans to date, and it is fabulously open and vibrant with skipping-stone flavours and lashings of joie de vivre. What a trio! 19/20 (Drink now – 2028)
Adding to this tasting note –
2023 Château d’Esclans Rosé looked even more composed and refined than in November, and it was a consummate aperitif wine with stunningly decadent canapés. We tasted through Les Clans 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2017. The 2023 is clearly a thoroughbred; despite its youth, it looked every inch a superstar, as noted above. The 2022 was spicier and more crunch and active on the palate, and I loved the brittle acidity on the finish. 2021 was more expressive, fleshy, and main course shaped. It was just starting to hit its peak!
The 2020 was a wickedly delicious wine with stunning balance and completeness. I have always adored this vintage.
The 2017 was tiring a touch, but it shows that at eight years old, there is still energy in the tank. Remarkable.
We then repeated the same vintages with Garrus and as you might expect, the flavours were bolder, fuller and more dashing!
The 2023 is a masterful creation, but it is tense and coiled! The 2022 looked ravishing. I have always had a soft spot for this awesome wine, and it is just starting to show signs of softening. That said, it is possible to bathe in its glory already, as long as you have the right food in front of you (we enjoyed roast chicken).
2021 showed more crystalline traits with lashing so juicy fruit, straight-jacketed by thrilling acidity. Drinking, but with so much class and tension, this will run and run.
The 2020 was typically silky and beautiful – an haute couture vintage – and it is drinking well now and will continue for a good few years to come.
The 2017 is an event horizon wine! It was a challenging vintage and a triumphant result. Drinking beautifully, with incredible grace and kaleidoscopic complexity, it underlines that this collection of rosé wines is the most age-worthy and delicious in the wine world, and they deserve a place in the very finest cellars on earth.
2024 Whispering Angel Rosé, Caves d’Esclans, Sacha Lichine, Côtes de Provence, France
As I talked with Sacha, he let me into a secret. He thinks 2024 is one of the finest vintages he has ever seen in Provence. And, if this wine is anything to go by, he is right. This is a seamless, languid, soothing Whispering Angel with terrific balance and immediate appeal. Sometimes, this wine takes a couple of months to get into its stride. Sometimes, it misses summer altogether, falling into equilibrium in time for turkey at Christmas, although I suspect no one notices or even cares! In 2024, it is impeccable from the off. This is justifiably the most famous / best value rosé in the world and if anyone still thinks otherwise, one sip of this beguilingly lip-smacking wine will change their minds – Chapeau!
There are many suppliers of all these wines in the UK, including countless retailers for Whispering Angel, so you are likely to find it everywhere given that 10m bottles are produced, but the Estate wines can be found from Vinatis, Selfridges, Fine Wine Direct, Hedonism Wines, Vinvm, ND John, Millesima, Jeroboams and Harrods.
Sacha Lichine on premium rosé: ‘We’re not trying to change the world. We’re trying to get the word out’
By Sophie Arundel
Instagram @thewhisperingangel
If you think rosé, you might think of magnums being poured from height into peoples mouths at La Folie Douce, or endless glasses poured along the Riviera by those wanting a quick route to tipsiness under the Mediterranean sun. It’s not exactly a category steeped in the reverence afforded to Burgundy or Bordeaux. But one producer that has undeniably reshaped perceptions is Château d’Esclans—the house behind Whispering Angel. Whether you love it or not, there’s no denying its cultural impact.
On Friday 7 March, an intimate lunch at Annabel’s in Mayfair (because where else?) set the stage for a deeper dive into Château d’Esclans’ premium rosé offering. The table, filled with pastel-hued flowers mirroring the soft pink hues of the Garrus 2024 and Les Clans 2024 vintages, framed a discussion around where rosé fits in the fine wine world.
A different approach to premium Rosé
At the lunch, Lichine was clear about his intentions: “We’re not trying to change the world. We’re trying to get the word out.” Rather than waging a campaign to convince sceptics that rosé is a “serious” wine, the goal is simply to offer premium rosé in a premium setting. Fine dining restaurants, Michelin-starred establishments, and collectors’ cellars—places where traditionally only white and red have had a seat at the table.
The UK has driven fine wine trends for centuries. As Lichine noted, “If it wasn’t for the UK, there wouldn’t be a fine wine market.” Whether UK drinkers will embrace premium rosé in the same way remains to be seen. But with bottles of Garrus and Les Clans appearing in more high-end settings, it’s clear that Château d’Esclans has already succeeded in making it an option.
The wines: Beyond the beach club
Esteemed wine author Jane Anson has described Les Clans as a “serious wine that still has the fresh lightness of touch of a perfect summer rosé,” and the tasting notes back that up.
Garrus is often likened to an elegant white Burgundy. Made primarily from nearly century-old, low-yielding Grenache vines, it is the most complex expression of Côtes de Provence rosé. Comprising 90% free-run juice, the wine is vinified in 600-litre temperature-controlled oak barrels, undergoing bâtonnage twice weekly over an eleven-month period to build structure and depth.
Les Clans, the sibling to Garrus, offers a more structured take on rosé, balancing its fresh, summer-ready minerality with a rich, satiny texture. Made from old-vine Grenache and Rolle, it undergoes ten months of ageing in new and second-year demi-muids, developing woody, vanilla, and fresh fruit notes alongside a saline finish.
With over 10 million bottles of Whispering Angel sold annually, the brand has undoubtedly dominated the rosé space. But while the name has become ubiquitous, Château d’Esclans’ top cuvées are designed to show that rosé doesn’t have to be an afterthought on a fine dining wine list.
Innovation in winemaking
Château d’Esclans has pioneered technological advancements in rosé production. As Sacha Lichine himself put it, “You wouldn’t be able to make rosé like this if it wasn’t for the technology.”
Rosé is deceptively difficult to produce well, particularly when the goal is to achieve a Burgundian level of complexity while working with diverse terroirs. The process begins with carefully picked and sorted grapes, which are cooled and pressed before entering a sophisticated temperature-control system. Here, a double-layered stainless steel heat exchange system rapidly drops the temperature from around 25°C to 7-8°C, preserving freshness and aromatic intensity.
The next step, a closed-loop press system using inert nitrogen gas, prevents oxidation while enhancing the wine’s clarity and purity. The resulting free-run juice undergoes degumming, allowing unwanted solids to settle before fermentation. The end result? A clean, precise rosé with a pale, elegant hue and a depth that challenges preconceptions.
The world has been seemingly irreversibly shaken over the course of the last six weeks, it’s hard to keep up with manic stream of news coming from certain corners of the world.
So in contrast to those brewing storm clouds, we’re going to give you a rainbow – one of a single hue, mind you – but in these dark times, can there be a more joyous color than pink? The color of springtime, cherry blossom and, of course, rosé wine.
So when it comes to this year’s most wanted rosé, we have all the shades of pink from the palest sun-bleached seashell to deep peony.
The former generally the domain of the dry, steely, delicate-hint-of-peach wines of Provençe, the latter the red berry fruit-bombs of the southern Mediterranean.
The Provençal-style expressions are the ones that have been elevated – through the likes of Château d’Esclans’ Whispering Angel and former power couple Brangelina’s Château Miraval – into lofty tokens of refinement.
Conversely, the wild strawberry and Florida sunset shades of Spain, Portugal and Italy are – by simple kneejerk comparison – somewhat downgraded as the cheap, party option, the poor relation to the epicurean delights of Southern France.
However, does that stack up when it comes to what people really want?
When it comes to this year’s most wanted rosé, leading the charge is, of course, that pink-winged behemoth of a seraph, Whispering Angel. Beloved by the stars from the Beckhams, to Lady Gaga to Jeremy Clarkson – who managed to insult the city of Liverpool over the stuff – Whispering Angel has long held pole position. Pleasingly, despite all of its fancy associations, it’s also very affordable at $24.
… number nine gives it a good go, with the return of Château d’Esclans and their Garrus rosé. Roaring in with a critic score of 92 points and a price-point of $138.
All-You-Can-Eat Sushi In London
By Kiera Chapman
A self-service sushi bar? Count us in.
Sushi lovers, roll up. Whether you’re a maki fan, a sashimi enthusiast, or just here for the endless nigiri, the capital has a great selection of Japanese restaurants where you can eat to your heart’s content – at an affordable price too. So, if you’re ready to soy-prise your taste buds and put your appetite to the ultimate test, let’s dive into the best all-you-can-eat sushi London has to offer.
CLAP London
Location: 12-14 Basil Street, SW3 1AJ
Best for: a lively brunch with a resident DJ
This bottomless brunch deserves a round of applause – quite literally. At CLAP London, the stylish restaurant blends unlimited Japanese indulgence with high-energy beats and free-flowing drinks in the heart of Knightsbridge. From midday to 3pm every weekend, guests can dive into a lavish spread for £65 per person, starting with an unlimited self-service sushi bar stocked with sashimi, nigiri, signature salads, and expertly crafted sushi.
Diners can then move on to an exquisite main course, before finishing with a refined selection of sharing-style desserts. And for those who like their brunch with a little extra buzz, free-flowing drinks are available from £30 per person, including prosecco, Whispering Angel rosé, and wines, or the premium package (£55 per person), which upgrades the offering to Veuve Clicquot, sake, Aperol spritzes, Nippon sangrias, and bloody marys.
