Kyoto Kitchen announces it's moving after 11 years in Parchment Street

Kyoto Kitchen owner Miff Kayum made the announcement in a video on Facebook, and said the restaurant is moving to 5 Bridge Street.

The pub, Bridge Street House, closed its doors on May 5.

In the video, Mr Kayum said: “It's now official, after 11 years of operating out of Parchment Street, Kyoto Kitchen will be moving to No 5 Bridge Street, or Bridge Street House as it's known.

“It's an old coach house that used to serve the visitors to Winchester. It's located just down the road from the High Street and across the road from the most amazing Chesil Rectory. 

“We are a little bit sad, having been in Parchment Street for over 11 years. We have a lot of memories there. We have been privileged to host lot of weddings and special occasions there. 

“But I'm sure you will agree that we will be able to do so much more with this space. It's a wonderful evolution for us.”

Mr Kayum explained that the plan is to make the area next to the bar a private dining room. Also to reduce the bar down to create extra seating.

READ MORE: Review: Kyoto Kitchen Winchester ‘a dining experience like no other’

Mr Kayum said: “There is a wonderful courtyard area which will hopefully be ready for the summer. The outside building will be used for storage. 

“The property has six bedrooms upstairs.

“I'm very excited. We're hoping that the works will be completed in the next five to six weeks.”

The restaurant will be known as Kyoto Kitchen and Rooms.

Last year Mr Kayum flew more than seven hours and 3,500 miles to Toronto to meet and interview his head chef, Paul Onami.

Mr Kayum told the Chronicle that the restaurant in Parchment Street had become too small for his 18 staff members, but he wants to keep the intimacy at Bridge Street.

He said: "We needed more space to maximise the customer experience. We have been looking for a new location for the past year.

"We will be able to have 60 covers inside and 20 in the courtyard. We had 38 at Parchment Street. The aim is to get the hotel up and running first. 

"Depending on the building works, want the restaurant to be open on June 24. 

"We have had an amazing landlord at Parchment Street. We are so grateful to Mr Bakhaty who has supported us through thick and thin." 

Kyoto Kitchen opened in 2012 and specialises in sushi and sashimi dishes, including its Winchester Roll - the world’s first sushi roll to use wasabi leaf instead of seaweed.

Mr Kayum encouraged people to share their memories of Kyoto Kitchen in Parchment Street on the restaurant's Facebook page.