Kyoto Kitchen prepares for soft launch of restaurant in Bridge Street

Workmen are making the finishing touches to Kyoto Kitchen’s new unit in Bridge Street, with owner Miff Kayum hoping to have a soft launch of the restaurant today, Thursday, July 13.

Following a boom in business post covid, the team outgrew its base of 11 years in Parchment Street, sparking a yearlong search for a new venue before choosing the former pub Bridge Street House.

With the last service at Parchment Street on Sunday, July 2, staff have been quick to turn around their new space with complete refits of the kitchen, bathrooms and flooring.

Kyoto Kitchen has moved into Bridge Street House (Image: Adele Bouchard)

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

The larger unit will seat around 75 people inside, nearly twice the previous number of covers, with more private dining options and have Winchester’s first Kashi Sushi counter.

Owner Miff Kayum admitted that with construction problems at every turn he has “gone totally over budget”.

He said: “There have been lots of surprises along the way. The unit has had a succession of different owners so we’ve had to unpack all the work. What was supposed to be a quick refurb has turned into a massive project.

“It’s a big responsibility having people living here in the rooms do we wanted to make sure it was done right. Safety is essential. We’ve had to rebuild from the ground up.

Moss preserved using Japanese techniques (Image: Adele Bouchard)

“We’ve gone totally over budget but because we had a restricted budget and timeline we’ve had to be creative in how we mitigate the issues which has been fun.

“What we’ve achieved in such a short time is amazing and I have to thank everyone here. It looks a bit chaotic but we’re very close to the final fix.

The restaurant opening will just be phase one of three with a courtyard and hotel rooms next on the agenda.

The general manager and another member of staff from the former pub have joined the Kyoto team including head chef Paul Onami.

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Wall art in the restaurant (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Mr Kayum said: “We want to open the restaurant to start with so we can deal with any teething issues and allow the staff to settle. We’re controlling booking so we’re not open at full capacity right away and can manage service.

“We provide a space for people to make memories – that’s what our job is. Post-covid people rushed to eat out again and we’ve been very fortunate to have a long period of growth.

“Evolution is the drive. We want to be more creative and give diners an even better experience and Winchester is the best place for it.”

An official launch party with a traditional sake barrel ceremony is being planned for around the end of the month.

For more information go to kyotokitchen.co.uk/.