The restaurant bar "The SG Tavern" grand opens on Marunouchi Naka-dori.

SG Management Co., Ltd. May 28, 2024, 11:34 AM

SG Group's First! Large Street-Level Store on Marunouchi Main Street. Opening on May 28 with a Concept Connecting Satsuma and the UK.

SG Group (Five Senses Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo), which operates bars domestically and internationally, will open the restaurant bar "The SG Tavern" on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Marunouchi, Tokyo. Facing Marunouchi Naka-dori, this will be the group's first location in Marunouchi. The tavern, supervised by Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa of "NARISAWA," will offer signature dishes and cocktails made with Japanese and Western liquors, catering to the sophisticated dining needs of the area.

"The SG Tavern" is inspired by the imagined journeys of young men from the late Edo period to Britain. In 1865, 19 samurais from the Satsuma domain broke the country's isolationist policy and traveled to the UK to learn Western technologies and knowledge. Based on this historical event, "The SG Tavern" weaves a new story that combines the alcohol culture and cuisine from their journey with elements from their homeland of Japan. Guests can enjoy cocktails made with a mix of Japanese and Western liquors and a culinary experience that spans the globe, all in a classic atmosphere reminiscent of taverns from that era.

The Story of The SG Tavern

In 1865, during the tumultuous final years of the Edo period, a group of young men who would later be known as the Satsuma Students embarked on a perilous adventure of clandestine departure. Determined to shape Japan's future, they bravely set sail, aiming for distant foreign lands. Their journey took them through Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and the Mediterranean, with their final destination being London, England. Along the way, they encountered diverse cultures and discovered new cuisines and beverages. In England, they were captivated by bars and cocktails, with some even traveling to Scotland and later laying the foundation for California wine. Upon their return from this long journey, the samurai opened Japan's first tavern right here on Daimyo Koji Street in Edo.

Bar Counter

Table Area

The interior features carefully aged wooden furniture, red brick reminiscent of the Meiji Restoration period, and antique-style mirrors, creating a calm and refined atmosphere characteristic of Marunouchi. The side facing Naka-dori is entirely glass-paneled, offering a spacious feel and allowing guests to enjoy cocktails while gazing at the street trees. There are various seating options, including tables, counters, and casual standing areas, catering to different situations, with semi-private booth seating also available. The interior design is by Atsuhiko Sugiyama of THE WHOLEDESIGN.

The drink menu features highballs inspired by the ports visited by the Satsuma Students, such as Hong Kong, Bombay, and Malta. It also includes cocktails based on the historical context and episodes of the students, as well as a new series focusing on Japan's national liquors like sake and shochu. Additionally, there is a selection of domestic wines and local sakes from various regions, perfect for pairing with meals.

The cuisine incorporates ingredients and regional dishes from the students' journey, offering a blend of Japanese, Western, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern elements. Notably, the five signature dishes supervised by Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa of "NARISAWA" include the "Kobe Beef Stew," simmered for six hours in a secret sauce, and the "Tilefish Fish and Chips," made with seasonal premium fish. These dishes are designed to be enjoyed repeatedly. Be sure to also check out the visually stunning desserts created by our patissier.

SG Group, which has always created its own unique tavern atmosphere with distinctive concepts, is opening "The SG Tavern" in Marunouchi, a historically significant location. From interior design to menu offerings to storytelling, every detail of the establishment has been meticulously crafted. Please enjoy the new story that SG Group has brought to life to the fullest.

The interior is adorned with paintings depicting the Satsuma Students and photographs from the cities they visited during their journey at that time.

The SG Tavern

Grand Opening: May 28, 2024 (Tuesday)
Address: Marunouchi 1-4-1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Marunouchi Eiraku Building 1st Floor
Phone: 03-6259-1886
Seating Capacity: 36 seats (26 tables / 10 counter seats) Standing: 21 guests
Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Food Last Order: 10:00 PM / Drink Last Order: 10:30 PM) Closed on Mondays for the time being
Management: SG Group (Five Senses Co., Ltd.)
Reservation Page: Link Instagram: @the_sg_tavern

Yoshihiro Narisawa

Owner Chef of Restaurant "NARISAWA" in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo.He explores the rich culinary culture of Japan's Satoyama (traditional rural landscapes) and the wisdom of ancestors, expressing it through his own filter in his cuisine, establishing NARISAWA's unique genre called Innovative Satoyama Cuisine. With respect for nature, he continues to promote Beneficial and Sustainable Gastronomy, cuisine that is beneficial to both the mind and body and environmentally sustainable. In 2013, he received the Sustainable Restaurant Award from the UK's SRA (Sustainable Restaurant Association) with the highest score in the world. He has been selected for The World's 50 Best Restaurants, often referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world, for 14 consecutive years.

Shingo Gokan

Representative of SG Group. One of the most prominent bartenders in the world today.He began his career as a bartender in 2001. After moving to the United States alone in 2006, he honed his skills at prestigious bars in New York City. In 2012, he competed in the world's largest cocktail competition, Bacardi Legacy, as the representative of the United States and won the world championship. In 2014, he opened Speak Low in Shanghai. Since then, he has opened a series of bars with new concepts and currently operates 8 establishments domestically and internationally. He has won the World's / Asia's 50 Best Bars awards a record 49 times. In 2017, he was awarded the "International Bartender of the Year" at Tales of the Cocktail. At Asia's 50 Best Bars, he received the "Altos Bartendersʼ Bartender" award in 2019, and the "Roku Industry Icon Award" in 2021, given to the person who symbolizes the bar industry for that year. He is currently active based in Tokyo, New York City, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Okinawa.

SG Group

A bar culture company led by founder Shingo Gokan. It boasts a multitude of bartenders with proven track records in competitions both internationally and domestically.Developing and operating bars with innovative concepts that transcend traditional boundaries, the company holds the record for the most wins in the World's / Asia's 50 Best Bars awards, both domestically and internationally.

【Operated Establishments and Awards History】

  • Speak Low (Shanghai) - The World’s 50 Best Bars 10th place (2017) / Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2nd place (2017) 
  • Sober Company (Shanghai) - The World’s 50 Best Bars 39th place (2021) / Asia’s 50 Best Bars 5th place (2021) / The Best Bar in Mainland China (2022) / Tales of the Cocktail - Best International Restaurant Bar (2020) 
  • The SG Club (Tokyo) - The World’s 50 Best Bars 10th place (2020) / Asia’s 50 Best Bars 3rd place (2021) / The Best Bar in Japan (2020, 2021) 
  • The Odd Couple (Shanghai) - Asia’s 50 Best Bars 38th place (2020) Ezujirou / SG Low (Tokyo) - Opened in February 2021 
  • El Lequio (Okinawa) - Opened on March 8, 2022 / Asia’s 50 Best Bars 80th place (2023) 
  • æ (ash) [zero-waste cafe & bar] (Tokyo) - Opened on May 30, 2022 
  • The SG Tavern (Tokyo) - Opened on May 28, 2024 
  • The SG Shochu (Authentic Shochu) - San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2021) KOME・IMO : Double Gold Medal / MUGI : Gold Medal / Design Category : Bronze Medal 
  • KOKUTO DE LEQUIO (Liqueur/Spirits) - Launched in March 2023 
  • SIP AND GUZZLE (Glassware) - General sales started in March 2023 
  • OCHO (Bar Tool Shop) - Opened on June 16, 2023