ほとり A serious Japanese izakaya, hidden in the City
Yakitori from a live binchotan grill. Edomae sushi cut to order. Four minutes from St Paul's, ten from the Tower of London, fifteen from Spitalfields. Reviewed by Jay Rayner in the Financial Times.
"A masterclass in the often misunderstood art of yakitori — beak-to-tail, with extraordinary precision."
Jay Rayner · Financial Times, March 2025
A short walk from almost everything
Hotori is at 1 New Fetter Lane, EC4A 1AN — between Holborn and the City. Equidistant from a surprising number of London's draws.
- St Paul's Cathedral
- 4 min walk
- Chancery Lane tube
- 3 min walk
- Farringdon (Elizabeth line)
- 8 min walk
- Tower of London
- 10 min cab / 25 min walk
- Spitalfields Market
- 15 min walk
- Covent Garden
- 15 min walk
Two crafts, one counter
When we're open & what to order
Opening hours
- Monday – Thursday
- 12:00 – 14:30 · 18:00 – 22:00
- Friday
- 12:00 – 14:30 · 18:00 – 22:30
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 16:00 · 18:00 – 22:30
- Sunday
- Closed
We close between sittings to reset the grill and the counter. Last orders 30 minutes before close.
Lunch — a sample
Lunch sets include miso soup and rice. Vegetarian and pescatarian options are always on. Larger evening tasting available — ask when you book.
Quiet at noon. Alive by eight
A counter for solo lunches and date nights. A long table for groups. Tables for two to eight; private hire on request.
We work in two distinct rhythms. Daytime: a quick, considered lunch — a single grilled main, miso, rice. Evening: omakase-style across the menu, with sake and a small natural wine list.
Book in seconds
Tables for one to eight guests. For private hire or larger parties, email info@hotori.co.uk.