August 11, 2026 |
Overlooking Kensington Olympia station, there’s a brand-new complex which houses everything from live music and public art to mouth-watering restaurants. Aptly titled Olympia, the destination, whose bones are a landmark dating back 140 years, is primed to become a hotspot for Londoners looking to sip and socialise from day into the night.
To unite the diverse space, Olympia is running a series entitled Editions, an ever-evolving programme tied together by a theme per iteration. Rooted in cultural celebration and community, each edition features a series of free public experiences.
This month, it’s The Japan Edition, meaning the expanse of Olympia has become a hotbed for Japanese art, wellness experiences, craft workshops and matcha afternoon tea. Visitors could even experience Forest Bathing if they wished, described as the Japanese practice of “taking in the forest atmosphere”. Blending mindfulness, meditation and breathwork, the sessions are set to be led by nature connection guide Tansy Dowman, and it’s a pretty zen way to spend a few hours of your week.
The Japan Edition meant it was incredibly apt for my friend and me to visit Wolves of Tokyo, a newly opened spot in Olympia with a menu stuffed with expertly crafted sushi, yakitori and signature dishes from the Land of the Rising Sun. Located on Olympia’s rooftop – accessible by an outdoor escalator – the 8,000-square-foot spot is designed to emulate the Japanese capital after dark. Its moody colour palette is enticing, and its interiors are soft, encouraging guests to get comfortable and lock in for a night where the sake never stops flowing.
We had the joy of sampling the Kaiseki tasting menu, a seasonal offering featuring five different courses. Starting with steamed edamame, spattered with smoked sea salt, the first fish course features a series of sashimi – tuna, salmon and sea bream – alongside a spicy sesame salmon tartare and a grilled sesame salmon gunkan. Following this came the chicken karaage, crispy and fried with a side of chilli mayo and lime, the sea bass maki and a tender chicken thigh. Then came the Tori Soboro Don, a dish I had never tried before, consisting of brothy rice, chicken pieces crumbled on top and garnishes of kizame nori and spring onion. Positively stuffed, the dessert platter came as a welcome antidote to the rich and savoury flavours of the preceding courses; a delightful three-mochi platter was my friend’s and my favourite option.
The beauty of Wolves of Tokyo is how it encourages effortless dining, despite the high quality of its food. The interiors are inviting, the staff are helpful and chatty, and although each dish is made using high-end ingredients, its presentation isn’t stuffy. It was the perfect setting for a catch-up between old friends – she told me about her trip to France, I updated her on moving out of my flat, and we both cooed over the spicy, salty and lip-smacking sushi that was slid onto our table throughout the evening.
So, if you count yourself among the city’s cuisine and culture savvy, Olympia should be next on your list. From a diverse programme of events, classes and experiences, with something new to discover each month, to restaurants championing prime-quality produce without the pomp, it’s a place where immersing yourself in culture comes easy.
Photography courtesy of Olympia and Wolves of Tokyo.
