Incognito

Incognito in Kingston Upon Thames is a speakeasy style cocktail bar which offers its customers an unforgettable multi-sensory, theatrical drinks experience. The stylish venue is adorned with an eclectic selection of curios and objects d’art which their dapper Leopard brand persona, ‘Chadwick Smithfield’ has accumulated from his “many wondrous and revelatory expeditions exploring all four corners of this most delightful world of ours”. The drinks menu is similarly extravagant and includes an extensive range of tempting and delicious premium cocktails served in all manner of ways from bathtubs to hot air balloons, diver’s helmets to glass skulls – all adding to the premium experience for customers.

The Kingston Upon Thames site opened in 2021, following the success of the first Incognito bar in Winchester, and the tone for a unique experience is set as you walk through an atmospheric, jungle themed spiral staircase and soundscape which leads up to the entrance. As Incognito owner Nick Robinson explains: “From the minute the customer walks in their experience starts and that’s how we want it to be. Every single thing we do is focused around providing the very best customer experience. We are a premium venue and we only serve premium products, and that goes down to the syrups that we produce ourselves, the fruit we buy in daily, the edible flower garnishes we grow ourselves, the very best team of local mixologists and ultimately the ice we use in our drinks.”

“We chose Hoshizaki as quite simply they are the Rolls Royce of ice machines”

For exactly this reason, Nick purchased two Hoshizaki IM‐240DNE‐HC ice cube machines when setting up the Kingston venue, which he stacked to deliver the quality and volume of ice he needed. Nick added: “Our mixologists need to know that every time they go to the ice machine, it is reliable, the ice is ready to go and the quality and consistency is always the same. That is what we have had with previous Hoshizaki models and that is why we put out trust in them again. Ice quality is paramount to Incognito and fundamental to any drink. Any mixologist worth their salt will know the benefit and how important excellent quality ice is for a stand-out drinks offering.”

Whilst Nick had used other makes of ice machine in previous ventures, he is clearly not looking back since discovering Hoshizaki: “In the past I’ve used cheaper brands, but it’s become apparent to me over the years that it is a false economy and that paying that little bit more is worth its weight in gold.- The quality of the Hoshizaki cuber really comes through in the clarity of the ice, which is especially important when you are serving ice in a rocks glass like for an old-fashioned Manhattan or an old classic drink”

Hoshizaki ice machines also offer a number of practical benefits as Nick details: “They are incredibly easy to use and totally reliable. You can turn them on and forget about them. We chose Hoshizaki as quite simply they are the Rolls Royce of ice machines. When you are heading into a busy service my mixologists need to know that crystal clear, quality ice is ready. I would absolutely recommend Hoshizaki ice machines to other bar owners, so much so that I have also ordered a Hoshizaki baller and flaker.”