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If you ever wanted to try decent sake, you would probably have to venture to celebrity hangouts such as Hakkasan, Zuma or Nobu. Now you can try the best in Japanese sake at the Oriental Bar and Restaurant at The Mailbox.  Owner Harish Nathwani has painstakingly researched the best quality sake for his us to enjoy.

“Five years ago, the quality of sake in Britain was not so high, so people have been put off, but we brought the best to Birmingham. Good sake can be as complex and subtle as vintage wine.”

Sake is made from large-grained rice (shinpaku-mai) and sweet spring water. Before brewing – sake is technically a beer than a rice wine.

As sushi bars and noodle canteens multiply, we will see more of Japan’s distinctive drink. It makes a refreshing change and I predict many more of us will be cheering “kampai!”