SHOPPERS in Oxford are getting ready for the opening of a new Japanese-style chain restaurant which could bring 30 new jobs to the city.

Advertising boards have gone up at the former Vodafone store on the Cornmarket Street junction with Market Street, asking people to apply to work at the chain, which serves sushi and hot Japanese food.

Wasabi launched in 2003 when it opened its first branch on London's Embankment to sell handmade Japanese sushi.

Wasabi spokesman Sam Rees-Williams said diners will be able to "grab and go" Japanese dishes at an affordable price or have a meal in the restaurant.

He added: "We are very excited about opening a new branch in Oxford.

"We started out 13 years ago as the only food retailer selling individually wrapped pieces of sushi.

"For shoppers it will make a change from the usual sandwiches and salads, and as well as sushi there will also be hot food bento boxes featuring hearty Japanese classics like chicken katsu curry.

"Customers can expect to pay from £4.49 to £7.99 for larger sharing sushi sets."

Mr Rees-Williams said the restaurant would open in the autumn but there was currently no specific date for opening.

He added the chain expected to employ between 20 and 30 full-time staff.

Regarding employment the chain's website said: "We are an ambitious company and we are constantly developing our ongoing management programmes, providing in-depth training both on and off the job to ensure our people gain all the service skills required for the demands of modern retail."

Traders' spokesman Graham Jones said the restaurant would fill a unit previous occupied by Vodafone.

Anyone interested in working at the restaurant is asked to email recruitment@wasabi.uk.com