Manchester’s cocktail scene is about to get a serious international upgrade as Sexy Fish Manchester hosts a one-night bar takeover from one of the world’s most celebrated bartenders.

On Tuesday 10 March, guests will have the rare opportunity to experience the craft of Hiroyasu Kayama, the visionary behind Tokyo’s legendary Bar Benfiddich, as he steps behind the iconic Sexy Fish bar for an exclusive guest shift.

For cocktail enthusiasts in Manchester, this is not just another bar event – it’s a chance to witness one of the most distinctive cocktail philosophies in the world, live.

A Tokyo Cocktail Institution Comes to Manchester

Located in the buzzing Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Bar Benfiddich has become a pilgrimage spot for cocktail lovers across the globe. The bar currently sits at No.18 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list and No.9 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, cementing its reputation as one of the most influential cocktail destinations anywhere.

Founded by Kayama in 2013, the intimate space resembles an old-world apothecary. Shelves are lined with jars of house-made herbal infusions, rare botanicals, tinctures and bitters, many of which are created from ingredients grown or foraged by Kayama himself.

In fact, one of the defining features of Bar Benfiddich is that there is no menu. Instead, guests put their trust entirely in the bartender’s creativity, with each drink crafted specifically around flavour, aroma and mood.

The Pioneer of the Farm-to-Bar Movement

Kayama is widely regarded as a pioneer of the farm-to-bar movement. Raised in a farming family, he continues that connection to the land by growing many of the herbs, fruits and spices that end up in his cocktails.

The result is a style of drink that feels deeply personal and rooted in place – layered, aromatic and often completely unlike anything you’ll find on a traditional cocktail menu.

Even the name Benfiddich reflects his heritage. Borrowed from Scottish Gaelic, “Ben” means mountain and “Fiddich” means deer, mirroring Kayama’s own surname, written in Japanese characters representing mountain and deer.

What to Expect at the Sexy Fish Bar Takeover

For this exclusive evening at Sexy Fish Manchester, Kayama will personally craft four bespoke cocktails, each served from the restaurant’s striking main bar.

The drinks will showcase premium Japanese spirits including:

Akashi-Tai artisanal sake

Hatozaki Japanese whisky

135 East gin

With Kayama’s signature botanical approach, guests can expect cocktails that push beyond the classic – complex, beautifully balanced and full of unexpected flavours.

A Rare One-Night-Only Cocktail Event

The takeover takes place Tuesday 10 March from 6pm to 9pm, and given Kayama’s global following, this is likely to be one of the most sought-after cocktail events in Manchester this year.

Bringing together Tokyo’s boundary-pushing cocktail culture with one of Spinningfields’ most glamorous restaurant bars, the event promises an unforgettable evening for anyone serious about drinks.

If you’re a cocktail fan, this is the sort of experience that rarely comes around outside of major international bar events.

Tables can be booked via Sexy Fish Manchester.