Kioku, the Japanese restaurant situated on the rooftop of Raffles London at The OWO, is entering a new era under the leadership of Executive Chef Chris Golding and Head Chef Takehito Shibata.

The duo have created a new menu celebrating the artistry, seasonality and creativity of Japanese cuisine, complemented by refreshed interiors and reimagined event spaces.

Golding joined Creative Restaurant Group in 2023. His relationship with Japanese cooking began at the age of 13, when he washed dishes in a Japanese restaurant. Since then, his career has taken him to Michelin-starred Nahm in Bangkok, where he worked before leading the kitchen as Head Chef at Dinings in Tel Aviv. He also launched Pantechnicon in London, a concept bringing together Japanese and Nordic influences. Years of experience and influences now come together at Kioku, where his approach remains rooted in what first drew him to Japanese cooking: exceptional produce, handled with skill, and knowing when to let an ingredient speak for itself.

Under the chefs’ leadership, Kioku will continue to showcase sushi alongside Japanese comfort classics. New starters include Japanese milk bread with mentaiko butter and tuna pastrami, focaccia with winter tomato, tuna tartare with fresh wasabi, a miso bun and sea bass sashimi salad with radish and yuzu kosho. Main courses include A5 wagyu sirloin with sweet potato, yakiniku and truffle, alongside grilled Chalk Stream trout with nori, ikura and citrus.

Desserts include twig tea crème brûlée with cream cheese ice cream and caviar, and koji rice pudding with kabocha custard, spiced chai ice cream and pecan praline. Guest favourites, including madeleines, gianduja and Hibiki whisky, will also remain on the menu.

Kioku has undergone an interior transformation by design studio Tibbats Abel, balancing the restaurant’s panoramic views with the intimate traditions of Japanese dining spaces. Craft displays have been integrated between seating areas, creating an authentic Japanese dining experience without relying on rigid architectural partitions. Fine art and craft elements feature throughout, while a new Japanese-inspired rock garden at the entrance complements the open terrace and views beyond. Understated furniture, considered ceramic ornaments and authentic artworks complete the scheme.

“It’s a great pleasure to be bringing Kioku into this exciting new chapter,” says Golding. “Shibata-san and I have worked closely to develop a new collection of dishes inspired by seasonality, designed to be shared and enjoyed together. We’ve put a great deal of thought and care into every detail, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created. We look forward to welcoming guests to discover our new menus, enjoy the refreshed surroundings and make lasting memories at Kioku.”

“After a couple of years, we felt it was the right time to refresh Kioku’s already beautiful space,” comments Milena Floyd, CEO of CRG. “The refurbishment creates a more intimate and cosy atmosphere while deepening the connection to Japanese culture and design. We’ve thoughtfully enhanced the details to make the experience even more authentic and welcoming for our guests.”