Rising Star Leisure MD launches Japanese bar under new Sanzaru brand
Sanzaru Limited, the new company erected by Rising Star Leisure (RSL) managing director Steve Kelly, is launching its first venue, an Asian-inspired lounge and karaoke bar, in Clapham this week.
Formed by Kelly along with local entrepreneurs Jeff Vietch and Toby Cobb, Sanzaru, meaning ‘three wise monkeys’ in Japanese, will launch its first venture Red Monkey on Battersea Rise on 18 March (Thursday).
Designed to be a ‘funky yet relaxing environment’ for eating, drinking and socialising, Red Monkey will serve a traditional Japanese Izakayas-inspired menu, featuring a number of small plates and sharing options created by former Sake No Hana chef, Pawel Wiktorek.
Red Monkey’s cocktail list will also adopt a traditional Asian theme by showcasing a number of Japanese spirits and fruits as well as contemporary twists on classic recipes.
Karaoke venue
The venue, designed in collaboration with Focus Design, features three state-of-the-art karaoke pods for up to 20 guests each in its basement, providing an entertainment option for parties and cooperate events.
Kelly, whose RSL group currently operates The Underdog bar and diner, People’s Republic and The Establishment, said: “An eclectic music policy comprising everything from funk, soul and lounge classics to more obscure tracks from the 60s and 70s, coupled with the some truly innovative food and drink, is all designed to create a laid-back vibe for the 'lounge lizard' within.
“The brand Red Monkey was chosen as both the colour 'red' and the 'monkey' are symbols of good luck and warding off evil spirits in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist culture.”
Rising Star Leisure
In February 2009, RSL rebranded and relaunched Iniquity in Battersea as The Underdog. Its New York-style brasserie Broome & Delancey, which was launched in July 2008, was rebranded in April 2009 as a second outpost of The Establishment. The group then subsequently closed the original Establishment in Parsons Green in December 2009.
The People's Republic in Clapham High Street has remained in the same position since it opened in 2005.
