Birmingham ramen specialist Koba-Ko is to open its first permanent shop in Kings Heath, south of the city centre, later this year following a successful crowdfunding campaign.

The fundraiser sailed past its £10,000 target this month, ensuring the project’s future. Co-founder Sam Hill had already secured the venue, just off Kings Heath’s main drag, and will use the funding to fit out and furnish the kitchen and interior.

Sam launched Koba-Ko in 2017 as a pop-up, refining his approach with a visit to Japan under the expert guidance of ‘Bom’ Tsuyoshi, proprietor of Hiroshima’s heavy metal-themed ramen bar Koba – after which the Birmingham venture is named. He has recently linked up for pop-ups hosted by fellow Kings Heath independents The Juke, Bonehead and Blow Water.

Sam said Koba-Ko will offer a range of Japanese small plates and sake, beer and cocktails alongside its signature bowls of ramen. “The aim is to deliver high-quality ramen and showcase some of the best Japanese ingredients we can find with minimum interference.”