A NEW Asian fusion restaurant is eyeing up a spot on Southend High Street in the hope of bringing the taste of Korean and Japanese food to the city.

Kokoro, which already runs a number of restaurants in London and one in Colchester, has submitted plans to Southend Council ahead of a proposed opening.

Offering both a sit down and quick, bar-like service for takeaway meals, Kokoro’s menu is built around sushi to go and noodle dishes, with hits like katsu curry, sweet and sour chicken, spicy pork, spicy chicken curry and salmon teriyaki all served.

The chain of restaurants had submitted change of use plans for 189 Southend High Street, next to Savers and Holland and Barrett.

The site is currently occupied by clothing boutique Missy One and owner Mohamed Ahmed admitted if plans are approved he will have to move out in mid-January.

He said: “We have got this shop on a short-term lease, we went for six months, then nine.

“After a few months of trading, we knew this was a good place for us.

“The landlord was looking for a long-term lease and the agent told us somebody else was interested.

“We will have to move in January if plans are approved. If we leave, we will be looking for another site, It has to be right for us.

“If the planning doesn’t go through, we might get a chance to keep the shop. It’s just business at the end of the day.”

Southend Labour councillor responsible for business, Matt Dent, also praised the move for offering something new.

He said: “It is really good and I welcome new business coming to Southend. A Japanese restaurant on the High Street is something that is not oversaturated and I am a fan, I do like Japanese cuisine and I am excited to give it a try.

“There aren’t many restaurants in that immediate part of the High Street. This offers something different to what we are used to.”

Kokoro will join both Sokuri in 117 High Street, which offers Japanese, Chinese and Korean food as well as sushi and Japanese restaurant Wagamama in London Road, at the top of the High Street.