Shop Ramen Preston

Shop Ramen’s second outpost in Preston was created so the tiny original on Smith Street had more kitchen space. Owners Pat Breen and Lydia Wegner wanted an off-site prep kitchen to make the broths, handmade wheat noodles and untraditional toppings that go into their popular Tokyo-style ramen.

The former second-hand furniture shop is twice the size of their first ramen joint, but it feels as though the two diners were separated at birth.

Beer boxes are propped up along one of the white walls, low stools line the counter bench, and diners slurp away under the familiar glow of the red neon sign beckoning you in for “Ramen, bun & pie”.

Shop Ramen has been consistently popular and delicious since opening in 2013, gathering a loyal following of locals and beyond, without needing to change a thing. 

Each of the four ramen on the menu – pork belly, beef brisket, barbeque chicken and vegan tofu – is markedly different and uniquely tasty. There isn’t one go-to for regulars, but each is sacred.

Over the years the quality has remained consistent, as have the servings; ingredients haven’t been scrimped on, and portions are still enormous. One new addition to Preston is Japanese draught beer, poured from a mini countertop cooler and tap. The malt lager is smooth and fluffy, and just what brisket ramen needs.