Ivan Ramen Opens Askew Road Site with 2-for-1 Bowls
Ivan Ramen Heads West to Askew Road
If you’ve ever wondered whether a bowl of ramen can be worth crossing town for, Ivan Ramen is about to give Askew Road in W12 a serious reason to find out. The restaurant, which started in Clerkenwell a year ago, is opening its second London site in late November 2026, and for those of us living on this side of the city, it’s a welcome addition to a stretch that already has plenty of appetite for good food. Shepherd’s Bush has grown into one of West London’s more interesting places to eat, and a counter-focused ramen bar fits right in with the independent spirit of the neighbourhood.
The new room is bigger than the Clerkenwell original, seating 28 covers across counter spots and banquette seating. The layout takes its cues from quick-turnaround ramen bars in Japan, so expect a brisk, focused rhythm rather than a long, lingering supper. The décor blends a Japanese ramen-ya feel with the buzz of a New York diner, and the brand’s signature manga lightbox is set to be the centrepiece. It’s the sort of detail that makes the space photogenic without losing its purpose as a place to eat.
For readers in Richmond or Hounslow, the trip is more manageable than it might sound. Askew Road is well connected by bus and Overground, and anyone already planning a weekend around Chiswick or Shepherd’s Bush can slot a ramen stop into the afternoon. It’s a good excuse to explore a part of West London that often gets overlooked by people who only pass through on the way to somewhere else.
Who Is Behind the Bowls, and Why It Matters Locally
Ivan Orkin’s story is the reason many diners already see this name as a benchmark. The New Yorker built his reputation in Tokyo, winning over one of the most demanding noodle-eating audiences in the world, and his profile grew further after he was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. That background gives the Askew Road opening a certain weight, but the day-to-day work will fall to the local team who will be pulling broth, hand-rolling small plates and keeping the counter moving.
For the people hired to run the new site, a second location means more shifts, more training and a chance to build a career in a growing restaurant group. For neighbouring cafes, bars and shops, a new destination restaurant usually brings extra footfall, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Independent businesses on the surrounding streets should expect more people looking for a spot to eat before or after a meal, which is a useful reminder to keep opening hours, signage and menus clear and up to date.
There’s also a practical lesson here for smaller operators across the area. Restaurants that expand, even modestly, need solid financial habits from day one. Tracking food costs, payroll and supplier invoices becomes far more important once you’re running two sites, and many owners in Hounslow and across West London rely on a reliable local bookkeeping service to keep those numbers honest. Good records are what let a popular ramen bar focus on what it does best: the bowl in front of you.
What to Know Before You Go, and What Comes Next
The opening offer is the most immediate draw. For opening week, the restaurant is running a 2-for-1 deal on selected ramens, which makes it a good moment to bring a friend and try more than one bowl. The core menu includes the Shoyu, Spicy Miso Red Chilli and Tonkotsu ramens, alongside small plates such as the Karaage and Crispy Nasu. Those who like to share should order a few plates to start, since the counter format rewards a bit of ordering strategy. We also hear a Katsu Curry is in development and may join the menu later, which will be a treat for anyone who likes something richer and more comforting.
Planning is worth a little thought. The seating is limited to 28 covers, so popular evenings are likely to fill quickly, especially during the offer. If you can, go early or consider a midweek lunch when the room may be calmer. Check ivanramen.co.uk for the latest information on opening days, hours and any booking options before you set out, as details can change in the run-up to launch.
For residents, the things to watch are how the restaurant settles into the street, how queues are managed at busy times, and whether the offer and menu evolve after the first few weeks. The Clerkenwell site has already shown what the brand can do, and the Askew Road team will be eager to prove that the formula works in West London too. We’ll be there, and we’ll let you know how the bowls stack up.
Source: Ivan Ramen Is Opening A Second London Site With 2-for-1 Ramen To Start
