The most striking feature of Shochu is probably its location in close proximity to the majestic chariot horse topped Brandenburg Gate, one of Europe's most famous landmarks and the former entryway from East to West Berlin. A close second, is the fact that it is situated within the charming and elegant Adlon Kempinski Hotel that has been one of Berlin's most luxurious destinations for over a century.

Shochu is the name of a Japanese alcoholic beverage and there are no prizes for guessing that Japanese bartending is more of a celebration at this stylish bar. Enlivened by bar specialist Matthias Reeder and his team, this concept follows Japanese philosophy and way of life and is poised on the crossroads of tradition and modern trend, as ever so present in Japan.

The interior is designed by renowned German lifestyle designer Anna Marie Jagdfeld and you cannot help but feel like a king upon entering Shochu. The walls are covered in a combination of rare, ceiling-high, gold-plated panels carved in traditional Chinese style as well as bronze coloured silk. Dark wood, leather, slate and black lacquer turns the bar into an intimate place. The bright bar itself is decorated with jade-mosaics and yellow marble. A big fireplace, open to both sides, divides the room into several small sections.

The menu is divided into two categories; under the section titled 'emergence', it offers classic recipes from over 200 years of cocktail history. The 'teachings' section presents exclusive Shochu creations blended with flavours such as nashi pear, sesame, green tea and jasmine flowers. Take the refreshing chugoku, for example, created with Shochu, grapes, jasmine tea and elderflower sugar.

Fresh and new creations inspired by Tim Raue, Adlon's Food Director and the man behind Shochu Bar, add flair to the menu. Restaurants Uma and MA Tim Raue focus on providing diners with some of the finest Japanese and Chinese dishes and Raue's obvious passion for freshness, new flavours and the harmony between food, the body and spirit is clearly reflected there; his creations vitalize as he does not use carbohydrates like white sugar or refined flour.

The classy bar has definitely set new standards both in Berlin and internationally. Shochu warmly welcomes customers till 2:00am.