“A big bowl of hot broth and noodles has got to be the ultimate comfort food, right? And it’s packed full of delicious umami flavours,” says Jules Bartlett, the founder, co-owner and operations director of Bermondsey Street’s Hakata Ramen + Bar.
HAKATA is a “ramen-ya” with an “Izakaya” basement bar. It focuses primarily on traditional Japanese ramen dishes, but it also offers a large selection of “Fukasai” dishes (“think Japanese tapas”, says Jules), plus locally produced beer and sake, Japanese-inspired cocktails and wine.
“Of growing importance is our extensive selection of vegan dishes and a good selection of gluten-free options to choose from, too,” Jules adds.
The menu sees genuine Japanese and premium British ingredients used to create Hakata dishes. And, speaking of the importance of this, Jules says: “Quality and authenticity are a key cornerstone of our business.”
An important part of the Hakata philosophy from day one was to “incorporate and work closely with as many local craft producers and businesses as possible”, says Jules, with Hakata publishing a full list of partners on its website.
He explains that the “key ones” are Orbit Beers, Kanpai London Craft Sake, Jim & Tonic, Doghouse Distillery, Bancroft Wines and Hackney Gelato.
“We view these as ‘partners’ in our business, rather than simply suppliers,” he says, adding: “Unfortunately, some of the original ones, like Jensen’s Gin and Bermondsey Mixer Co, are no longer trading.”
Jules has been involved in the London hospitality scene since 1997, including as part of the original YO! Sushi management team, and the Hakata co-owners have worked in the industry for almost 20 years.
So the combined experience is “a huge advantage in an ever-changing and challenging sector”, he explains.
At Hakata, Jules’ role is “predominantly a supportive one”. He works to manage the business from an administrative perspective but he “also enjoys regularly working side-by-side with our team and taking care of our customers face-to-face. That is vitally important”.
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When you visit Hakata, you will be welcomed by the team and seated to enjoy a feast of flavours. It’s walk-ins only, but you can get a tipple at the bar while you wait if you can’t be seated straight away.
Of the “dive bar” below Hakata, which encompasses the feeling of a Tokyo dive bar mashed with a NYC Speakeasy, Jules explains that “lighting is key” to recreating this vibe.
He says: “Basements naturally lend themselves to being dark and intimate. Lighting is key to the effect and our Japanese-inspired graffiti mural is the perfect finishing touch.”
Of the creative cocktails on offer, “credit must be given to Ginger Zerbetto for creating the original cocktail list,” says Jules.
“Being half-Japanese, he used premium Japanese and Asian ingredients to put a unique twist on classics. We continue this approach for our specials, too,” he adds.
Back to food, however, if you are a first-time diner at Hakata, Jules explains how “our ‘Tonkotsu’ (pork) broths are our signature ramen dishes and are the most popular – but for a first-timer, I’d recommend ordering our Shoyu (soy-based) ramen with chashu pork (or with mushrooms if you’re vegetarian).”
“It’s lighter in style but is bursting with rich umami flavour,” he adds.
Bermondsey Street has been home for Hakata for a few years now, and Jules says the best thing about the location is the “warm and genuine feeling of community”.
He says this is “a rare but wonderful thing in a huge city like London”, adding: “Being a part of that community is without doubt the best thing.”
And Hakata adds to the global food offering we can find on Bermondsey Street – and are lucky to have in our corner of London.
Jules says: “London, without doubt, has one of the best food scenes in the world and Bermondsey Street, with is predominantly small and independent operators, showcases this. We feel fortunate to be part of this scene.”
177 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UW
