Shaftesbury has announced the launch of critically acclaimed Franco-Japanese patisserie, Sakurado, in Chinatown London. The boutique has initially opened for takeaway, delivery, and click & collect, with a full opening planned following the national lockdown.
Sakurado are famed for their ‘mille crepe’ – a 30-layer cake comprised of alternating pancakes and pastry cream in a variety of flavours. The brand have also unveiled their exclusive ‘wobbly cheesecake’ creation at the Chinatown London store, which can be ordered alongside Japanese pastry staples, such as roll cakes, shortcakes, and mochi ice cream, safely in store to go or online for delivery and collection.
The 700 sq ft store at 66 Shaftesbury Avenue has been designed in accordance with current Covid-19 guidelines, with a limit on customers allowed in the patisserie at any one time, and a one-way system for takeaway and click & collect. As well as the patisserie offering, the store provides coffee and bubble teas.
Julia Wilkinson, Restaurant Director at Shaftesbury, commented: “This is yet another indication of just how attractive Chinatown London is for operators looking to bring a taste of East Asia to the UK and that operators recognise the long-term attraction of the West End for innovative food concepts, even in the midst of the current restrictions. Fusion desserts, such as the mille crepe Sakurado is so well-known for, is a popular trend in Japan and growing rapidly in popularity in the UK. Chinatown London’s credentials as a takeaway hub have been further enhanced by Sakurado’s opening, giving huge variety for Londoners craving something different during this lockdown.”
Ernest Singh, Owner of Sakurado, added: “Chinatown London is a target destination for any brand with an East Asian offering. Having started in 2018, Sakurado has supplied some of the most popular restaurants and chefs in London alongside Chinatown’s best bakeries with our mille crepes, prepared daily. Opening our very own store in this buzzing and central location is very exciting for us – we look forward to safely welcoming customers through our doors, and launching in full in December.”
