The flurries of rain and cooler temperatures have accelerated my autumnal desires for a hearty broth. What luck that Shobu opened this month. Tasnack, that previously occupied this site next to the cat cafe, was a little run down and dingy but the Shobu team have given it a lovely makeover. Simple but modern Japanese vibes. For a small place it has a real mix of seating, tables for 2, high counter, low counter and booths. The menu is pleasingly small, and uniquely stylised. There is a focus on just a few variations of Shoyu and Tonkotsu ramens with a few other options.

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I decided to get a side to test out something extra on top of the main event. I’m a big fungi fan and their teriyaki mixed mushroom skewers conjured thoughts of interesting varieties covered in a sticky sauce. What arrived was one of the biggest restaurant disappointments I’ve had for a long time. 3 button mushrooms, simply cooked and finished with a little seasoning powder. Bland. Not £6.60 not well spent.

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Fortunately their spicy tonkotsu ramen (£16.60) was a vast improvement. An excellent depth to the broth, only lightly spicy but such is the way in Japan. The egg was an amber beacon of beauty. The grilled pork had a lovely smoky char, the noodles were of high quality with a great texture.

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Strangely the bowls were a little tall and narrow which meant it was a tricky to eat than ideal as well as not delivering the biggest portion size. It ended up felt a little pricey and, having been at lunchtime, there was no deal or cheaper option, something that might make me more inclined to return. The service was a little slow and a few missed steps, e.g. our soft drinks being delivered after we received all our food. I enjoyed Shobu’s traditional setting and approach. Whilst the ramen impressed it will take more to challenge Everyday People who still remain the top of the tree in Nottingham.

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