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Our pictures from inside the stunning new KIBOU Japanese restaurant and bar in Cambridge




KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar has opened its doors in Cambridge - revealing an extraordinary interior.

Located at the grade II-listed building at 7a Jesus Lane that was previously home to Pizza Express, the restaurant has been given a dramatic redesign from Cheltenham-based architects, Q&A Interior Design Ltd.

Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell

Two main dining rooms have been created - the Mirror Room, with reflective murals around a central Japanese cherry blossom tree, and the Oak Room, with a wisteria installation and digital animation display.

The centre of the restaurant features an open sushi and hot kitchen, cocktail lounge and separate spirits bar.

Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell

Meanwhile, diners can try out traditional and contemporary Japanese dishes, including mixed sushi and sashimi sharing platters, including a 20-piece luxury ‘tokujo moriawase’, and premium A5 grade Japanese Joshu wagyu.

Bowls of ramen made with pork, chicken or vegan broth, tempura, bao buns and handmade spiced pork gyoza are also on the menu, which featured an extended vegan selection and array of Japanese-inspired desserts, while the bar features Japanese whisky, sake and umeshu, Japanese-brewed beers and fine wines.

Inside KIBOU in Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Inside KIBOU in Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell

General manager Ellie Banfield said: “We’re so excited to finally be able to open the doors of KIBOU, and to show residents and visitors to Cambridge all that we’ve been up to behind the scenes at Jesus Lane. The venue has had a total transformation, and I’m loving seeing people’s first reactions when they step into the place.

Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith HeppellPicture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith HeppellPicture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell

“I’ve also loved the enthusiasm and support that we’ve had during the run-up to opening, both from prospective guests, and from the new team that we’ve hired from the local area. Like me, they’re just bursting to see the restaurant now in full swing, and to bring our vibrant and contemporary slice of Japan to this bustling city.”

Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell

Jay Roehl Manglicmot, senior head chef, added: “We can’t wait to bring our flavour of Japan to Cambridge, and to discover which dishes are most popular here. Our menu includes a wide range of classic and contemporary Japanese dishes, each served from a dedicated hot or sushi kitchen.

Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell

“From our labour of love ramen, which we simmer for hours for that signature umami-rich, heartwarming broth, to our A5 Joshu wagyu beef, which we source directly from Japan’s Honshu Island.

Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell
Kibou Cambridge opens on Jesus Lane. Picture: Keith Heppell

“As a team, we’re passionate about sharing our love for Japanese food, and alongside our main menu, we’ll also aim to bring a range of specials to the table to really showcase the talents from our kitchen.”



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