THE IVY ASIA, CHELSEA, PARTNERS WITH MARUSSIA BEVERAGES TO LAUNCH THE MAGIC OF THE BLOSSOM DRAGON COLLABORATION

In honour of Japan’s most revered season, symbolised by the blooming of the iconic Sakura, or Cherry Blossom tree, The Ivy Asia, Chelsea, has partnered with Marussia Beverages’ Artisanal Japanese Collection to bring the renewal and optimism of spring to life.

Giving diners the opportunity to experience the Japanese concept of hanami, when families and friends gather to eat and drink under the blossom, The Magic of the Blossom Dragon campaign with Akashi-Tai Sake, 135° East Gin and Hatozaki Japanese Whisky will include a Sakura season inspired sake and sushi pairing menu, as well as limited-edition cocktails and a blossom-themed dessert made with 135° East Gin. The interior of the restaurant will transport guests to the Sakura season in Japan, complete with pink foliage, blossom trees, blossom-filled ceilings, and more.

Running from Tuesday, 26 April for six weeks, The Magic of the Blossom Dragon goes beyond beauty and intrinsics by communicating the greater meaning behind Sakura and how, by adopting elements of Japanese culture, we can discover a little happiness in everyday life.

The Ivy Asia, Chelsea team has worked closely with the Marussia Beverages UK Artisanal Japanese Collection to create an exclusive sushi and sake pairing menu. One of the longest-standing breweries in the Hyogo region of Japan, Akashi-Tai sakes use the finest local ingredients to bring a range of sakes to a global audience. The bespoke menu has been designed to complement a range of dishes for guests to devour, including the Yellowtail Sashimi with Fresh Truffle Salad (£14.75) paired with Akashi-Tai Ginjo Yuzushu, Salmon 3 Ways (£16.75) paired with Akashi-Tai Junmai Ginjo Sparkling Sake and the show stopping Seared Wagyu Beef Barbecue Glazed Roll (£16.95) paired with Akashi-Tai Umeshu Plum.

Those with a sweet tooth will be able to enjoy a limited-edition Cherry & White Chocolate Cheesecake, with 135° East Gin-infused Raindrops and Morella Cherry Sauce (£9.75).

Unique cocktails will also be available using the spirits in the Artisanal Japanese Collection, including 135° East – a Japanese gin that combines flavours from the east with a modern western influence – and Hatozaki Whisky – an elegant and smooth whisky named for the oldest lighthouse in Japan. The menu consists of the Hanami Lady (£11.75) made from 135° East Gin, Sakura Vermouth, Cherry Blossom Syrup, Lime Juice and Lychee Juice, Kaikyo Straits (£11.75) which features Hatozaki Blended Japanese Whisky, Akashi-Tai Yuzushu, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino and Aperol, Notes of Ikigai (£13.75), which is made from Akashi-Tai Honjozo Kuro Sake, Crème d’Abricot, Ginger Syrup and Supasawa, and finally the Japanese 135 Spritz (£13.50), featuring 135° East Gin, Rhubarb Purée, Raspberries and Elderflower Tonic.

Celebrating new beginnings and a visual reminder of hope and fresh starts, the custom of hanami sees families and friends gather where they eat and drink under the blossoms. Enter ‘ikigai’, a lifestyle concept from Japan embodying the idea of happiness in everyday life. In Japanese culture, it’s widely believed that everyone has an ‘ikigai’ – a reason to jump out of bed each morning.

With cherry blossom season being considered as a representation of new beginnings and a visual reminder of hope, followers of The Ivy Asia’s Instagram page will be given the opportunity to submit their ‘Notes of Ikigai’, providing a sense of purpose and allowing followers to express their gratitude and hopes for the season ahead. Notes submitted will be entered into a prize draw. Follow @theivyasia for further announcements.

Rick Bennett-Baggs, Marketing Director for Marussia Beverages UK says: “Brewed and distilled in the Hyogo region of Japan, our Artisanal Japanese Portfolio contributes to the traditional yet ever-evolving culture of Japanese spirit making. Every year in Japan Sakura season represents a new start and a time for families and friends to gather under the beautiful blossom to give thanks and to look to the future, and we hope, with this partnership with The Ivy Asia, to bring a small part of this positive mindset to the rest of the world with our Japanese sakes, gin and whiskies.”

For further information, or to book a table, please visit www.theivyasiachelsea.com.