A Bristol restaurant that started as a temporary pop-up has been such a success that is reopening as a permanent business.
Run by Bristol-based James Stuart, Tomo No Ramen took over the former West Street Kitchen site on West Street, Old Market, in November.
It started as a pop-up collaboration with Cardiff’s Matsudai Ramen and it became so popular that it sold-out most nights.
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The two ramen businesses served simmering bowls of noodles with a core menu built around lekei-inspired Yokohama-style ‘Tonkotsu’ ramen.
Tomo No Ramen started when James experimented with cooking ramen at home almost a decade ago.
During lockdown, he spent months making and eating ramen multiple times per day, using local ingredients and traditional techniques.
Fuelled by obsessive internet research and exchanges with other ramen obsessives, he began recreating classic styles – and creating new ones.
After multiple sell-out pop-ups, he quit his full-time job to focus his full attention on Tomo No Ramen.
As planned, the collaboration with Matsudai Ramen finishes before Christmas but now Tomo No Ramen has announced it is returning in the new year as a permanent restaurant of its own.
“We are incredibly happy to announce that after January 5, our pop-up will be reopening in Old Market as Tomo No Ramen, a full time ramen restaurant,” said James in an Instagram post yesterday (Tuesday, December 14).
“You can expect a seasonal changing menu, exciting specials, classic bangers, and banging tunes. And don't forget the local beers.
“As we approach the end of our time together with Matsudai Ramen, we can look back at the last two months and really appreciate how amazing the support has been for us.
“Thank you to everyone who has come to the pop-up, thank you to every friend and family member who helped us build it, and thank you to Nathan and Millie from West Street Kitchen for giving us the opportunity in the first place. Looking forward to seeing you all there!”
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