Tokyo Diner

Tokyo Diner, seen from Lisle Street

Tokyo Diner is a three-floor Japanese restaurant on the corner of Newport Place and Lisle Street in the "Chinatown" area of the West End of London. The company was formed in January 1990 by Richard Hills, and the restaurant opened to the public in December 1992.[1][2]

History

In 1987, Richard Hills began taking Japanese evening classes, where he became interested in Japanese culture, considering it fascinating and beguiling.[2][note 1] Two years later, he went to Japan to learn more about its culture. When he returned to London, having known the delights of cheap, cheerful eateries in Japan, he transformed the vacant launderette below his own flat into Tokyo Diner and opened in December 1992.[1][2] As the proprietor, he stated, "it seems that my conviction proved right, because we went into profit within the first month of trading and, despite numerous competitors opening (and closing), we have never been short of customers."[2]

Policies

Tokyo Diner has the policy of using sustainable sources for its service ever since its opening in 1992. According to the staff members of Tokyo Diner, to extend awareness of the need to reduce the consumption of tuna, the restaurant will not serve tuna-based food.[3][note 2] Another policy is the non-acceptance of tips. According to the menu, any money left on tables (regardless of the intention of the owners) will go to St. Martin-in-the-Fields’ unit for the Homeless.[4][note 3]

See also

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ↑ "Its language is as rewarding as it is challenging, and its people are charming, warm and enthusiastic. Their encouragement got me over the hardest part of learning the language."[2]
  2. ↑ Tuna is a vital food source for Japanese cuisine. Because of its importance, this led to serious over-fishing of tuna. According to the restaurant's staff members, its success has certainly been responsible for spreading the popularity of raw fish, yet customers have consistently told them that they do not want to be the cause of the extinction of tuna.[3]
  3. ↑ According to its menu, tipping is not part of the culture in Japan, where paying extra for service is a foreign concept.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 Company Info, Tokyo Diner website, retrieved 18 October 2007
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Richard, Hills. "Tokyo Diner's History". Tokyo Diner. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Why No Tuna?". Tokyo Diner website. Retrieved 16 October 2007.
  4. 1 2 "Sample menu from Tokyo Diner". Tokyo Diner website. Retrieved 16 October 2007.

Further reading

External links

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