Tokyo’s bar scene has officially joined the cocktails-on-tap trend, thanks to local mixology icon Atsushi Suzuki. Hidden on the second floor of the building next to Suzuki’s Taisho-era inspired speakeasy, The Bellwood, BW Cave is a recently opened cocktail bar crossed with an izakaya. Mirroring the vibe of its sister establishment, BW Cave features an interior of weathered wood accents and graffiti of playful caricatures for an atmosphere that's both edgy and inviting.
Behind the bar, a gleaming gold-hued panel of taps showcase four kinds of signature martinis. The selection currently includes a classic martini (¥1,100) crafted from BW Cave's special gin, vermouth and olive. Adventurous drinkers might lean towards the ‘Green & Spicy’ martini, spiked with tomato and sansho, or the ‘Easy & Tropical’ martini, a smooth mix of coconut gin, banana vermouth and cacao.
These pre-mixed creations offer a speedy and exciting alternative for those craving something more complex than a beer or whisky highball without the wait for a crafted cocktail. For those who favour the classics, there's also a selection of craft beers (¥1,400), wines by the glass (¥1,100) and champagne (¥2,000).
Complementing the drinks, the food menu features shareable snacks like marinated quail eggs, garlic-jalapeño edamame pods, and crab croquettes with pickled cabbage, all curated to pair with Suzuki's masterful mixes.