A HOT new sushi restaurant will bring a taste of Japan to Inverkeithing when it rolls into town next month.

Koku Shi already has a loyal fanbase in Dunfermline but the franchise is venturing into other parts of West Fife.

Inverkeithing will be the company's fifth location with restaurants already in Kirkcaldy, Perth and Glasgow as well as Dunfermline.

Koku Shi will take over the space occupied previously by Stephen's Bakery on the High Street and will create six jobs for the town.

After falling in love with Japanese cuisine in Poland, Jerzy Urmilowicz and Monika Michalski decided to open their own restaurant in Kirkcaldy.

Their goal is to see the franchise spread across Scotland.

"We are hoping to open in Inverkeithing at the beginning of May with a takeaway but there will also be a few wee tables and a bar," Monika told the Press.

"When we were thinking about opening a smaller location, it was Jerzy's idea to go to Inverkeithing as it's close to other areas that don't have anything like this.

"There is not much entertainment on the High Street so it will definitely bring some freshness to the area and people can try something new.

"We also have established customers from Inverkeithing who come to our Dunfermline branch and they're excited for us to be closer."

Next month will mark the five-year anniversary of the co-owners becoming the first Japanese restaurant to open in Fife.

Koku Shi on Carnegie Drive opened two years ago and it's currently undergoing renovation work ready for lockdown easing on Monday.

They pride themselves on having a diverse menu with “something for everyone,” including a unique Highlander menu featuring haggis sushi – a meal they believe to be a world first.

"We're doing a makeover in Dunfermline just now and it's going to be modern with a Japanese twist," Monika added.

"But we want to see if we can open some more smaller places too.

"The whole plan from the start has been growth and to make it into a big chain.

"We know it's different and offers something else that Scotland doesn't have but there is also an option for everyone on the menu.

"We hope to have 20-30 places across Scotland. Glenrothes, Dundee, St Andrews and Cupar are some of the other options we have in mind going forward.

"There will be six new jobs created in Inverkeithing but we are working with local suppliers as much as we can.

"We want to work with people who are nearby so we can help each other."