Kokin: the new Japanese restaurant at The Stratford…
The Stratford, Autograph Collection, the chic East London hotel, is set to thrill foodies this spring with the grand opening of Kokin, a Japanese restaurant by the illustrious chef Daisuke Shimoyama. Swing open the doors on Thursday, 1 May, and step onto the hotel’s panoramic seventh floor to discover Kokin’s fire-led, omakase-style menu, crafted with tradition and seasonality in mind.
This latest culinary escapade from Chef Daisuke Shimoyama — the genius behind Hannah on London’s Southbank — brings his signature ingredient-centric approach to East London. Taking over the space once graced by Allegra, the 140-cover restaurant boasts two expansive terraces and a dedicated sushi bar. Kokin joins the ranks of Kitchen E20, The Mezzanine, and The Lounge, further cementing The Stratford’s reputation for growth, community, and top-tier hospitality.
As a gem in Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, The Stratford is renowned for its striking double-cantilevered architecture by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and serene interiors by Space Copenhagen. Nestled in East London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the hotel is a stone’s throw from cultural hotspots like Sadler’s Wells East, the ABBA Arena, and the upcoming V&A East, with superb transport links via Stratford station and the Elizabeth Line.
The name Kokin (古今), meaning “past and present,” perfectly encapsulates Chef Shimoyama’s philosophy: blending his mountain upbringing in Gunma, Japan, with heritage cooking and a contemporary, seasonal twist. Using cherry and apple wood, dishes are kissed with delicate, fragrant smoke while Binchotan charcoal works its magic, enhancing food’s clarity and texture with its high heat.
Menu highlights are set to dazzle, including the Woodfire x Charcoal Grilled Turbot, where flame-roasted bones create a rich base stock with Kyoto white miso, served alongside impeccably cooked turbot. At the sushi bar, diners can indulge in a mix of Temae (guest-led selection) and Omakase (chef’s choice) experiences for a flexible yet elevated dining adventure.
To complement the exquisite menu, Kokin will offer a curated drinks list featuring premium sakes, Japanese-inspired cocktails, and natural wines, in partnership with East London supplier Provisions Wine & Cheese.
Kokin will open on 1 May on the seventh floor of The Stratford, 20 International Way, E20 1FD.
Reservations: www.exploretock.com/kokin-london/
Find out more about The Stratford