The Client

Engawa is a traditional, authentic Japanese restaurant, specialising in the exclusive Kobe beef, the most marbled available, alongside fresh sushi, thin-sliced sashimi fish, and signature ‘Yuzu sake fizz’ cocktails.

Just one in ten of the 3,000 pure-bred Kobe cattle are reared for export. The UK ban on the world’s most sought-after beef was lifted in May 2014, allowing Engawa to import the entire cow, fed on grain and grass only. A complete range of Kobe prime cuts and sumptuous, traditional Japanese beef dishes are now able to be offered to diners from the unique Engawa menu.

The petite and intimate 29 seat restaurant at ‘Ham Yard Village’, a picturesque courtyard off Soho’s Great Windmill Street, is the first venture in London from leading Japanese dining consortium the Salt Group, which operates more than 40 restaurants and bars across Japan.

Project Brief

Sound Division was recommended to the Salt Group by their clients, Say Architects, having worked together on previous restaurant and bar projects. The brief was to design and install a discreet background music system to complement the exclusive dining venue.

System Solution

A simple solution of two pairs of black JBL Control 25 speakers, linked up to a Cloud 36-50 mixer amp, was installed, together with a JBL flush ceiling speaker in the washroom area.

The Result

Gordon Young of Say Architects is clearly pleased with the result. “Sound Division has done a great job at Engawa, providing our client with exactly the type of sound system they wanted. This small installation has certainly demonstrated their versatility of being able to undertake jobs of all sizes of the spectrum!”