It's 11.30am and a queue is building outside Kushi-ya. From the outside it's a very modest building with flaking white paintwork and black bars over the ground floor windows down a dead-end Nottingham alleyway.
But through the black door and up the stairs is where the magic happens, honouring Japan’s izakayas - an informal place for eating and drinking. It's another half-hour before opening time but food lovers are eager to bag a seat in the small 33-seater restaurant.
With a Michelin recommendation last October and a rave review from food critic Jay Rayner, it elevated Kushi-ya's appeal. This week came another boost when the Michelin Guide, the world's fabled food bible, awarded the restaurant a Bib Gourmand. The honour is given to eateries featured within the guide that are considered the best value for money.
