Sneak peak at the menu for Stroud’s new sushi and noodle restaurant which opens this week

Sakura Sushi and noodle bar on Russell Street, near Milano’s Café and opposite Meme Art Bar Cafe, will be opening its doors for the first time this week.

Unlike most other sushi restaurants in Gloucestershire, Sakura will be unique in also offering a takeaway option.

This new business will be run by Peter Shum, the owner and head chef of the former Chinese restaurant and takeaway China Palace, which closed in October last year.

Over the last few months he has had a major rethink and is now days away from relaunching the new venture – one that he hopes is more to Stroud’s taste.

“Before Christmas we made a decision. The Chinese restaurant and takeaway wasn’t right for Stroud, so we thought we would have another go,” said Paul.

“We want to make something a little different. Stroud is a quirky place so we thought we’d try to do something that matches that. I hope people like this idea.

“This kind of food is really healthy and we have a good mix of fish, meat and vegetarian options. Everything will be made fresh to order and use really good ingredients.

“While this is my first attempt at sushi restaurant, I have years of experience cooking noodle and curry dishes so I’ll be covering that side, while our new sushi master takes over that side of the kitchen.

“We think we’re going to be offering good quality food at a good price. Hopefully people will want to try something new. We’ll be open for lunch and dinner.”

Over the last few months the interior of the restaurant has undergone a minor make-over and been decorated with Japanese art and tableware.

Now Paul and his team are putting together the finishing touches. He said that while there was definite opening time set, it would definitely be sometime this week.

Sushi dishes on the menu include classics such as sashimi, tempura and nigari, it will also offer more interesting dishes such as hosomaki, urumaki and donburi.

The noodle and rice menu also has Paul’s special Kare-Japanese curry rice, as well as soup noodles, udon and soba.

The signature dish will be goji berry sirloin beef teriyaki, which is served as one of the restaurant’s bento boxes.

The restaurant will have a maximum of 10 tables. New staff are currently needed It will be the first of its kind in Stroud district. The nearest sushi bars are located in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Cirencester.