Bar SOUL B at Harajuku, Tokyo

Grown-up hideaway bar near Cat Street, pouring sherry and Iberico ham to a 1970s soul soundtrack.

Bar SOUL B is a small, grown-up bar in the Shibu Building near Jingumae's Cat Street, a short walk from both Omotesando and Harajuku stations. The concept is built around sherry wine, with a carefully curated selection poured into hand-made glasses, accompanied by Spanish plates such as Iberico ham and Spanish cheeses that evoke a proper bodega. The master, who lived through the original soul era, selects the soundtrack, with 1970s soul music setting a warm, unhurried mood throughout the evening. The drink list extends beyond sherry to port wine and original cocktails, and cigars are also available for those who wish to linger over a leaf alongside their drink. The room seats around eighteen, with counter and table seating, and the atmosphere is quietly sophisticated and welcoming to solo guests and pairs alike. Reservations are accepted from two guests upwards, and the bar opens from early evening into the small hours, closing on Sundays and public holidays. Smoking is permitted throughout. For a considered, atmospheric evening of sherry, soul and Spanish flavours in the Harajuku neighbourhood, Bar SOUL B is a genuine hideaway. It is the sort of bar where time slows, the music is right, and the pouring is precise.