COME AS YOU ARE | HOLLY GRAHAM

It's always fun when we attend events as we get the chance to see people and brands that we're aware of as well as those that are new to us! It's even better when you meet someone and do a quick IG search and realize that they're a badass! That's what we found out during Bar Convent Brooklyn at one of the events we attended when we met Bartender and founder of Tokyo Confidential, Holly Graham! She participated in a challenge where we enjoyed sampling her cocktails and we learned that her bar is in Tokyo! Fast forward to a few weeks ago and we reconnected. We wanted to know more about her mixology background, why she created Tokyo Confidential, and what we can expect when we want to have a great night out!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We had the pleasure to watch you rock it during Bar Convent Brooklyn in the battle of gin and bourbon at Hawksmoor which is how we became aware of Tokyo Confidential! Tell us about the founders of Tokyo Confidential and about their background, where they trained etc prior to coming to Tokyo Confidential.

HOLLY GRAHAM: Glad you were able to make it down for that event - definitely a fun one! Before Tokyo Confidential, which is my first bar concept, I had worked in all different facets of the industry. I’ve worked in hospitality on and off throughout my life, starting off running plates in a London greasy spoon aged 13 and bartending while at university. I started really getting into the spirits and cocktail world when I took the role of Food and Drink Editor at Time Out Hong Kong. As I discovered more about the industry through my writing, I realized how much more I could learn by stepping behind the bar and started working at The Old Man Hong Kong which took the number one spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019. I then went on to serve as Managing Editor of DRINK Magazine, Asia's leading bar industry platform, and wrote a book called Cocktails of Asia, which shares the recipes, stories and history behind the cocktails, bars and people that define the region.

I’ve always prided myself on being a well-rounded cocktail and spirits expert, and currently sit on the Spirited Awards committee for Tales of the Cocktail, and previously served on Tales’ education committee for four years, as well as judging several renowned spirit and cocktail competitions.

AM: What led to the creation of Tokyo Confidential and when did it open?

HG: While I was still living in Hong Kong, I was approached by my now business partner about the possibility of opening a bar in Tokyo and I jumped at the opportunity. I was raised on classic Godzilla movies and have travelled to Japan a fair bit over the last decade, so I’ve really fallen in love with the country and was excited for the opportunity to really immerse myself in the scene here. We officially opened in October 2023.

AM: What is the meaning behind the name?

HG: The name was mostly inspired by Tokyo Tower, the iconic landmark on full display from the bar’s balcony and rooftop space, which has served as a beacon of communication for the city. It just came to me in a eureka moment and stuck. We were discussing the idea of wanting to be unlike the quieter style of Japanese cocktail bar and wanting to lean into a more hedonistic, convivial space. This evoked the idea of people being their true selves when they’re in our bar and a “what happens at Tokyo Confidential stays at Tokyo Confidential” atmosphere, so the name just felt fitting. We wanted to offer somewhere people could feel safe and comfortable to connect and communicate with old friends, new friends and our team. Our tagline is pull up, fess up, a nod to the idea that guests can share their secrets and let loose without worries about the outside world.

AM: You have been recognized as well as won awards! What are you the most proud of?

HG: Every single award we have won and will potentially win is equally important. I’m proud of all of them because they’re a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication to hospitality. Sometimes it’s really hard to see the wood from the trees when you’re in the thick of it, and these moments are beacons that light the way, especially in darker times when you question if it’s worth it.

AM: What is the ambiance of Tokyo Confidential?

HG: As mentioned before, “what happens at Tokyo Confidential stays at Tokyo Confidential” is what we’re going for. We’re a bit louder and rowdier than your average cocktail bar in Tokyo, but we still keep the vibes immaculate while having fun. We’ve always strived to create the atmosphere of a house party – that intimate but casual feeling with a very eclectic playlist. Most importantly, we’re friendly and welcoming to all people from all walks of life. Come as you are.

AM: Tell us about the space as it seems cozy and you have an amazing view and outdoor space as well!

HG: I always say that Tokyo Confidential would have been exactly the same whether it was in a basement or without our view. This isn’t to do our view a disservice, but it isn’t what we’re hinging our bets on. My business partner had already found the space and we’re very grateful that we have this bonus bolt of commanding orange and white which is without a doubt the most iconic structure in Tokyo, but the interior would’ve worked anywhere, and that’s what’s important. We often call ourselves a “house of high contrast” - the aesthetics of our interior space are traditionally Japanese with sleek wood, punctuated with pops of colour and character through art and other trinkets such as my personal lucky cat collection. Our most striking feature is our reverse horseshoe shaped bar top, which invites communication by having no barriers and allowing guests to sit either side and alongside each other, while remaining eye level with the bar station, allowing them to watch the bartenders at work. We wanted to remove that feeling of a barrier between staff and the guests and this shape allows that, channelling energy to the main bar station. The bar is also cut from 300 year old reclaimed Tori gate wood, which just gives the space a warm energy, contrasted with downright silly shit, like our custom made giant Godzilla drink dispenser.

AM: We love Tokyo and have had a few fun nights out there - what district is it in?

HG: TC is in Azabujuban, and the Azabu neighbourhood itself has some fantastic spots like Bar Qwang, Ferri’s and El Fujiyama, and very close to Roppongi which is popular for a night out. It’s a good mix of residential and commercial with shops, restaurants and bars.

AM: If we were coming over with friends, what are 3 cocktails that you suggest?

HG: Sayonara Mr Spalding – a spicy strawberry boulevardier served out of a 3D printed baseball for the taste and theatre of the presentation. The Glizztini is another sure-fire win for presentation and amazing taste – we actually made a Martini taste like a hotdog and I may be biassed but it’s VERY good. The Katsuo Isono is a must for its refreshing profile and a blend of some great Japanese ingredients.

AM: Can you tell us about your sake and beer selections?

HG: Beer isn’t a big focus of ours, however my head bartender Waka and I are currently working with a brewery to create our own sake blend and will be installing sake dispensers with custom sake cups in the venue later in the year. We’re also selecting a few other sakes from the brewery so will definitely be expanding our collection.

AM: In terms of pairing a drink with a few bites, what are 3 dishes that you suggest that we can share?

HG: Well we serve hotdogs and have a hot dog inspired Martini dubbed the Glizztini so that’s a match made in heaven. Also our addictive popcorn pairs perfectly with our other food inspired cocktail Karagarita – a fried chicken flavoured Margarita twist.

AM: As the holiday season will be upon us, are there any events that we should know about - especially NYE?

HG: We’ll be throwing our first Halloween party “Dead Disco” on 31st October with disco tunes and Waka’s tattoo artist friend painting faces for the occasion. On November 14th we’ll be celebrating our one year anniversary with our dear friend Lorenzo Antinori of Bar Leone, who recently smashed records by being the first ever bar in the history of 50 Best Bars to debut at number one, where they took the top spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. We’ll be doing a full takeover with Leone food, tunes, vibes…everything. As for NYE, last year we’d only been open just under 3 months so kept it casual; house party vibes, pulled the chairs out, free flow in solo cups and disco tunes (again, we love a bit of disco for special events!) so will probably keep it casual and come as you are!

IG @hollygrahamdrinks

@tokyoconfidentialbar

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Tokyo Confidential

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see COME AS YOU ARE | Holly Graham in mag.

BCB 2024

On Jun 10th to Jun 11th, the Athleisure Mag team had the pleasure of spending 2 days in Brooklyn to enjoy Bar Convent Brooklyn which included hitting the tradeshow floor of this industry event in order to our tried and true brands as well as new brands. It's also an amazing time to meet up with others from the spirit and hospitality industries whether you're onsite or a number of events that took place during the day and night. Although it would be impossible to give you a play-by-play of all of the things that we took part in, we did want to highlight moments and brands that we engaged with during this show in addition to what you may have seen on our IG @AthleisureMag. If you want to know more about the backstory of this show, why it was created, its aims and more, we suggest that you revisit our interview in the MAY ISSUE #101 with Jackie Williams the VP of Events at BCB!

The night before the official kickoff event, we headed to Hawksmoor, a noted steakhouse to take part in the Martini (Fords Gin) X Manhattan (Woodford Reserve) event which allowed guests to enjoy drinks that were created by mixologists from the restaurant as well as noted guest bartenders Holly Graham of Tokyo Confidential and Ramsey Musk of Accomplice Bar. In the battle between gin and bourbon, everyone wins and there were great oysters to keep the vibe going and to prepare us for the next 2 days of drinks!

On the first day of the show, it was all about learning the lay of the land as this show was at Industry City and takes up a number of buildings as well as courtyards which allows you to have a lot of options whether you're sitting and taking a break or just want to have a moment. It's always fun to see how brands like Hendrick's Gin and Campari create amazing spaces that really show you their brand while also having the ability to meet new brands that are navigating the space. We enjoyed Juliette Peach Liqueur which was a refreshing sip that could be enjoyed alone, but was even better when it was paired with champagne to give it a bubbly feel. On a hot day, this is something that is simple to make and easy to drink while looking elegant!

This year, there were a number of Mezcals and Tequilas to enjoy! We spent some time with the team at Cierto and sampled their range of tequilas. We were initially drawn into their faceted shaped bottles which reminded us of a diamond, but their Blanco was incredibly smooth and one that we will enjoy sipping for quite some time (along with their full line of tequilas). It's always worth trying something completely new and realizing that it must have a place on your bar cart!

We were feeling the speakeasy vibes of Templeton Midnight Rye Whiskey as we loved hearing about its history and in addition to sampling it, we were excited to have our bottle engraved which is another flex that you can enjoy as you build your bar cart or bar top depending on how you store your favorites.

We spent a large part of the day at the show and our list could go on when it comes to what we sampled, but this show is also great as there are additional events that take place throughout Brooklyn as well as in Manhattan. We made 2 stops, the first was iichiko's Summer Party at Bar Goto Niban. This event allowed us to head to this super cute and intimate bar and to enjoy shochu cocktails that were paried with Japanese bites! In addition, there was shaved ice (literally looked like cotton candy) that also had shochu in it from Kuramoto Ice. This was offered at their booth at the show; however, we hadn't seen it and made a note to swing by the next day, but were pleased to be able to try it in this setting.

We walked about 10mins away and found ourselves at Leyenda bar which had Diplomático Rum being served as well as tacos and other tasty bites. We enjoyed hanging out here at this James Beard nominated bar which is co-owned by Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix. It was a fun night and although we could have stayed awhile longer, we wanted to make our way back into the city for Industry Icons at Great Jones Distilling Co which is the first distillery since Prohibition. With guest bartenders making phenomenal drinks, the ability to see this beautiful space with a stunning bar as well as great bites, it was a mix between a low key meets vibrant night to prepare us for the next day of events that we would participate in.

It's worth noting that for this year's show we liked the food trucks that were available which was definitely a great way to keep your energy up and STUF'D had the perfect combo of fries and a rib eye sandwhich which was much needed and enjoyed in the courtyard.

On the second and last day of this show, the goal was to continue to sample brands throughout the space as well as to connect with those that we had made appointments with. Our appointment and Guided Tasting with Silent Pool Gin was an immersive experience to learn about the English town that makes the gin; why its location makes the gin; what it is; and being able to learn how the different components come together for a well balanced drink!

One of the our favorite parts of the day was to step into a session with Jaime Salas Proximo Spirits Head of Advocacy Agave. We had a deep dive into Cristalino Tequilas (one of them being a Mezcal which was an added treat). This sampling seminar was a great opportunity to be able to get to know more about each of the 8 tequilas that were being shared from the portfolio, to learn more about the terroir, and to train our paletes so that we could identify what tasting notes were involved. We have had the pleasure of talking tequila with Jaime so we knew it would be a great and thoughtful session. We also had the opportunity to swing by their booth prior to this tasting in order to get a preview of what we would be enjoying at the Liquid Lounge!

Overall, the 2 days, the booths, and the parties/events really allowed you to connect next with this diverse community through sips whether you were focused on vodka, gin, mezcal, whiskeys, rum, canned spirits, innovations in non-alcoholic offerings and more!

The ability to learn and sip at your own pace and to be able to share your passion and knowledge with other enthusiasts across the industry is always a good time! With our last sips on the way out, it was everything that we expected it to be and of course, we're already excited for getting ready for next year as you know it'll involve a number of our favorite brands that may or may not be presenting a new product; the opportunity to try various cocktails and to chat with those brands about the beverages; and of course seeing things that are new to you or are completely brand new to the market!

IG @barconventbrooklyn

PHOTO CREDITS | Bar Convent Brooklyn

Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see BCB 2024 in mag.