A refined, fire-led concept joins The Stratford’s culinary line-up this May
The Stratford, Autograph Collection, the design-led East London hotel, will welcome a new culinary addition this spring with the launch of Kokin, a Japanese restaurant by acclaimed chef Daisuke Shimoyama. Opening Thursday 1 May on the hotel’s panoramic seventh floor, Kokin will offer a fire-led, omakase-style menu shaped by tradition and seasonality.
The latest venture from Chef Daisuke Shimoyama — best known for Hannah on London’s Southbank — brings his signature ingredient-focused approach to East London. Occupying the space formerly home to Allegra, the 140-cover restaurant features two expansive terraces and a dedicated sushi bar.
It joins Kitchen E20, The Mezzanine and The Lounge as part of The Stratford’s growing collection of dining destinations — continuing the hotel’s commitment to growth, community and high-quality hospitality.
As part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, The Stratford is a design-led space known for its striking double-cantilevered architecture by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and calming interiors by Space Copenhagen. Located in East London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the hotel sits just moments from cultural landmarks including Sadler’s Wells East, the ABBA Arena, and the forthcoming V&A East, and benefits from excellent transport links via Stratford station and the Elizabeth Line.
The name Kokin (古今), meaning “past and present,” reflects Chef Shimoyama’s philosophy: drawing on his upbringing in the mountains of Gunma, Japan, to blend heritage cooking with a contemporary, seasonal approach that holds deep consideration and respect for each ingredient. Using cherry and apple wood, dishes are infused with delicate, fragrant smoke whilst Binchotan charcoal is employed for its high heat and ability to bring out clarity and texture in food.
Menu highlights include the Woodfire x Charcoal Grilled Turbot, where flame-roasted bones are used to create a base stock with Kyoto white miso, served alongside perfectly cooked turbot. At the sushi bar, guests can choose from a mix of Temae (guest-led selection) and Omakase (chef’s choice) experience for a flexible but elevated dining experience.
A central focus of the restaurant will be sustainable bluefin tuna, sourced from Spanish and Portuguese waters, provided by expert fisherman Hajime Tanaka. Whole-fish deconstructions will be performed in-house with specialist precision, celebrating the full depth of the ingredient — from otoro and chutoro to collar (kama) and sukimi — with a strong emphasis on respect and zero waste.
To complement the 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 marks a new chapter for The Stratford — reinforcing the hotel’s role as a cultural and culinary destination in one of London’s most dynamic and connected neighbourhoods.
Kokin will open on May 1 on the seventh floor of The Stratford, 20 International Way, E20 1FD.
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