This September, Cult-Taiwanese favourite BAO is hosting three outstanding international bars and celebrating with special dishes and late-night opening. 

In partnership with Japanese brewing and distilling company group House of Suntory, each guest takeover will serve concoctions inspired by their corner of the globe, paired with a unique one-off Bao for a trio of drinking and dining experiences.

The first collaboration on Thursday 5th September will see Copenhagen based Empirical Spirits take over BAO’s u-bar to create three bespoke highballs focusing on flavour and detail.

This will be enjoyed alongside a special pairing Rød Pølse Bao with Onions & Mustard, which will be available on the night and within the restaurant the following week only.

The following Thursday 12th September will see RÃ…Å’NIN of World’s 50 Best Restaurants fame collaborate with BAO London to bring a taste of Hong Kong to London. 

Famous for their fish, seafood and Japanese spirits, RÃ…Å’NIN will also create three exciting concoctions, inspired by a Japanese whisky collection to be matched with a limited edition Shirako Tempura Bao.

Closing the series on Thursday 19th September is Katana Kitten: a new Japanese-American bar in New York City, who will be serving KK -Panda Fizz’s, Toki Highballs and Sencha & Gin Tonics, which all combine the precision, craft and whimsy of Tokyo’s bars and izakayas with the welcoming hospitality of a New York neighbourhood watering hole. 

As winner of’Best New American Cocktail Bar’ at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s annual Spirited Awards, Katana Kitten’s takeover will also invite guests to enjoy BAO’s limited Mortadella Katsu Sando Bao, which will be available to enjoy at BAO Fitzrovia for one whole week.

BAO’s U-Bartend series will take place from Thursday 5th September for three consecutive weeks at its BAO Fitzrovia restaurant. The limited beverages and special, pairing Bao will be available on the menu for one week following its introduction.

Cocktails are priced £8 – £9 per drink, and special pairing Baos between £6 – £7. To celebrate the occasion, BAO Fitz will be open one hour later than usual with the bar being open until 11pm. Reservations are advised.