Ichiban Japanese Noodle Café

I have used this restaurant since 1999, and today I went there for the first time in two years, as i have been out of the city.

All i can say is it has gone right down hill, to the point that i will never go there again, After being asked to wait over 45 minutes for food the manager brought the owner to me so that i could find out what was happening, the place was only half full at the time. My guest and I were told that if we didnt like it we could leave, not the kind of service i would expect.

I noticed that the place was looking grubby and unclean, perhaps it has new owners, in any case I have had my last meal there, pity bosses are prepared to live on their past success.

The cooking has gone downhill in recent years. While Ichiban still offer an interesting menu and generous portions at a reasonable price, I am often disappointed with the noodles. Need to step their game up a bit.

Ichiban is great little place. Was there on Sunday with my girlfriend and our little boy. He devoured all the sushi he could get his hands on and I munched my way through a bento box while Michelle had a large bowl of chicken ramen soup. The food was great. But if you go you have to try the Japanese display tea they stock - was called flora tea (I think).
the bulb of tea is dropped into a glass of boiling water, at which point the tea un furls and blooms begin to appear from within it. Green tea which tastes great and looks fab. 3 for lunch + drink £40 - one of the best fathers day meals I've had.