Check out the 12 sqm living wall that graces the dining area at London sushi restaurant Murakami! It could be broccoli but almost certainly isn’t, I’m not a gardener, but someone who knew their rhododendrons from their radishes did a cracking job creating a centrepiece to be proud of at the newly-opened St Martin’s Lane venue. The wall contributes towards one of the five elements, revered in Japanese folklore, that the interior is designed to bring together. The plants signify wind (from all the oxygen they pump out), fire comes from the robata grill, water is represented by the fresh fish being served, earth is seen in the stoneware crockery brought in from Japan, and the friendly and fun atmosphere accounts for sky.
I’m saying it’s not broccoli in that living wall, but one of the signature dishes at Murakami is baked scallops with broccoli and kimchi sauce so I might be wrong. They’re also proud of the yellowtail carpaccio with chilli, ponzu and picked garlic dressing, and the intriguing Golden Dragon roll (definitely no real dragons in that dish). There’s a dedicated sushi bar where six to eight people can sit and watch the chefs’ dazzling knife skills, and a private dining room is also available, seating up to 40.
