A Japanese restaurant in the Cotswolds has shuttered amid rumours that it will soon announce relocation and a change of its retail offer.

Tomari-Gi had replaced the former Lounge 16 Brasserie on George Street in Stroud after moving to the address in July 2020. The restaurant, run by Hugo Lonsdale and his Japanese wife Mixuki built up an enthusiastic local following, but has closed and is currently being advertised as a vacant retail unit by the property's owner.

Tomari-G's occupation, as Mr Miyagi Ltd, was as a sub-tenant and the property's tenancy expired on October 1st. 

Punchline-Gloucester.com has been told by the property owner, who asked not to be named, that the vacated property was allegedly left in a state of "delapidation", leaving the main tenant with a significant cost both to return the property to its original state, including making good unauthorised alterations. Punchline has been unable to contact Tomari-Gi via phone or online for a response.

Until recently, Tomari-G also operated a food stall  at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre in nearby Merrywalks, but social media speculation that the food operator will imminently return to this option is believed to be unlikely. 

It is understood, however, that the business will be resuming in a new location in the town, with a simplified food offer focussing less on costly sushi and more on the restaurant's popular line in fried chicken and noodles.

● In April 2020 Tomari-Gi hit local headlines for a lockdown scheme to deliver authentic Japanese soul food in the form of DIY kits to residents in Stroud and the Five Valleys.