Setsugekka

I arrived here at 11pm on a Sunday night and was instantly wrapped in the great service that the team give. I ordered a Partagas cigar and a glass of Lagavulin 16 year old. Then I went to my happy place and relaxed. It was quiet with only a few other people in and the perfect way to end a day. I...f you love a great well kept cigar and a whiskey you'll be in heaven

Visited September 2019

Enjoy a Japanese whiskey and a fine cigar in a comfortable chair surrounded by fine paintings and objet d’art or step through a tiny door to take a seat at the sleek and modern bar for a cocktail. Only a small sign on the ground, “bar”, gives away this entrance to english speaking travellers. Once ...inside you will fine a long corridor with a few passaging leading off, including the small doorway to the bar. At this point you will be greeted by one of the friendly and diligent staff which for us was two sisters, one who will care for your whiskey and beverage needs, and the other who will help with cigars. They both speak English well enough to help choose our drinks and cigar, and have some light conversation. They were also very kind with our limited Japanese. The table service here is spectacular. Later in the evening there are more staff as it becomes busier and there was always someone standing by ready to take your order or answer a question. With the helpful recommendations of the whiskey sommelier we enjoyed 3 different, delicious and complex Japanese whiskeys. Some of the top level ones are very expensive so unless you plan to splurge, keep an eye on your currency conversion while choosing. There are many other beverage options if whiskey isn’t your thing, including a wide selection of classic and custom cocktails. We had a Sidecar and a French 75 champagne cocktail to finish the evening, both were great. You will not lack for cigar options and the cigar sommelier will help you find a cigar to suit your whiskey, smoking preference and price range. After selection you can choose how you’d like it cut, and watch as it is expertly prepared and lit at your table. If you are hungry there is a menu of appropriate food options. We ordered a cheese platter and a sausage platter. There was a good variety of cheeses with toasted bread, dried fruit and honey. The sausage platter is cooked (so came a short time later) and had a selection of sliced sausages with mustards and pickles. At the end of the night they kindly called a taxi for us and walked us to the door. Simply fantastic service from start to finish. If it’s not busy when you’re there take the time to look around at the art and decor in the salon area in more detail. The building used to be a bank so the architecture has a classic feel and the decor is selected to compliment it. In cabinets around the space there are old cameras, humidors and other bits. Don’t miss the painting which are by a friend of the owner, the details are divine and reminiscent of something a Lewis Carrol or even Terry Pratchett novel. We will absolutely come back here when we visit Kyoto again.

Visited January 2018

Not very easy to spot. Only a small "bar" sign outside a long corridor that leads to the bar and the salon. We first chose the bar, but after having visited the salon, we were sold and came back several times. A quiet haven, with exquisite interior and leather furniture. Combined with great service,... a selection of the finest japanese malt's - and for those interested - a good cigar, a visit to the salon is a perfect ending to most evenings.

Visited March 2017