Bincho

Bincho Yakitori is a lively and authentic Japanese Grill situated on the second floor of the OXO Tower on the glorious Southbank of London. Perfect for both intimate dining and corporate events, the restaurant boasts beautiful views of St Pauls, which is only bettered by the delicious and unpretentious food.

This large and informal restaurant and bar is typical of the casual dining sector in Japan. Owned by Dominic Ford who also runs Tamesa@Oxo on the same floor, and The Butcher and Grill in Battersea, in company with Ronnie Truss and chef David Miney, these relaxed and friendly places are to be found all over Japan's cities, serving traditional Yakitori and Kushiyaki to customers who appreciate the great value, speed of service and simplicity of the offering.

Pubs are not a concept as we know them in Japan, but Bincho, run on the izakaya notion is about as near as you'll get in London. The general layout in Bincho, for me anyway, makes a refreshing change from the sometimes less than perfect attempts to rebuild Japanese décor in a London eating house

Whilst many imagine that a Japanese restaurant normally only serves highly priced sushi and sashimi, Bincho Yakitori could not be simpler and more accessible. Quality ingredients are at the core of the art practiced by the 'keepers of the flame'.

Skilled char-grilling and basting produces magnificent flavours that need no fussy garnish. Some will say that the secret lies in the quality of the fire, and here only the finest charcoal will do, a fact which I reflect upon when I watch my barbecue meat change from pink to black in the space of what seems like only the time taken to pour another beer. In total, there are nearly 100 items on the menu and, depending on your appetite and whether it is a meal or just a snack, it is recommended that diners order five to eight items.

Both Yakitori and Kushiyaki are served on skewers and invoke chicken breast, chicken oyster, duck with spring onion, pork belly, beef rib on the bone, tiger prawns or tofu, to name but a few. Japanese 'desserts'  include layered banana cake with green tea ice, though a more traditional finisher, or savoury even, might emerge as mentaiko-chazuke which is ochazuka with spicy cod roe, and is absolutely delicious.

Customers can relax with fantastic views of The Thames and the London skyline while enjoying beers (including Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo), wines or accepting the expert advice on the range of sakes and fine-grade Japanese teas. Yakitori and Kushiyaki perfectly complement the drinks and, as the menu will always be on the table, guests can keep ordering as often as they wish - sharing is definitely recommended.

For corporate events and private parties Bincho offers a range of menus, drinks, DJs and traditional Japanese entertainment to make sure that your event is not one to be forgotten.

However, their Website should provide all the answers to any questions that you might have.