2025 Cherry Blossoms stained-glass installation at Kaia, The Ned London

Kaia, the Ned’s Japanese restaurant welcomes the beauty of cherry blossoms for the annual Sakura Season, featuring a faux stained-glass installation by renowned artist Hiroko Imada, cocktails which celebrate Japanese artistry and nature using House of Suntory spirits and a special dessert crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Darian Smidt. These seasonal specials will be served in Kaia until 29 June.

As the largest piece of art housed at The Ned, Hiroko has created a stained-glass inspired window that mirrors the delicate and ever-changing nature of the flowers. Drawing on the aesthetics of traditional ukiyo-e prints and a soft, vibrant pink palette, her work captures the beauty of the blossoms with an abstract lens.

Jack Cohn, F&B Director of The Ned, comments: "For the first time in over 100 years, our windows are the centre of attention for Cherry Blossom season. The faux stained-glass installation will fill the atrium of Kaia with a beautiful light, bringing to life one of the most cherished seasons in Japanese culture. We invite our guests to bask in the creative artistry while enjoying expertly crafted drinks featuring The House of Suntory spirits and a dessert inspired by the season”

Imada comments “The high ceilings and beautiful window frames at The Ned reminded me of gazing out of my living room window as a child - which instantly inspired my vision. Cherry blossoms have always had a special emotional attachment to me, and taking inspiration from Roku Gin’s delicate Spring botanicals such as Sakura flower and Sakura leaf, it combined to make this art piece.”

For the press launch on 4 April, the menu card, place mat and Furoshiki (a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth) to wrap up Suntory Roku Gin for the guests especially made by using my art works.