Phonic:hoop

Walking down Yasukuni Dori, umbrellas up working to keep us dry from torrential rains and a head filled of hope of a hot shower once back at our hotel, the small neon light of phonic: hoop caught my eye.
The well balanced collection of pot plants, the interior and tightly edited bar all pointed to this being my kind of place. We were greeted at the door and shown to a small window booth.
The upstairs area is smoking and once discovered we’d prefer a non-​smoking area we we’re shown downstairs. It may as well have been private dining as we were the only ones in there.
The space is a mix of miss-​matched lounge chairs, chandeliers and vintage furniture, and combined with candle light makes for a very cosy spot to 1) escape the rain and 2) enjoy a few drinks.
I ordered a hot buttered rum and my companion a light ale called Dog’s Nose. They do run a café and bar menu concurrently so as easily as you can order a gin and tonic you can order a hot chocolate. From the dinner menu we opted for a margarita pizza. The pizza was ample for two to share as a snack. If you’re after a more substantial meal there’s pasta dishes and the menu is well designed to pick multiple plates and share amongst your group.
Pro tip: after 6pm there is a 500Y cover charge.