Japanese food in northwest England?

I know this is a looooong shot, but does anyone know of anywhere you can buy Japanese foodstuffs in northwest England? I really want to make some sushi!
Alternatively, does anyone know of any Japanese restaurants around here? I'm in Kendal (Cumbria). I know I'd have more luck in a bigger city, but alas, I am not.

Well, I don't know too much about what might be on offer in Kendal, but you could try the Booths store in the town centre.  Our local Booths has a little Japanese section with sushi kits (rice, bamboo mats etc..) and other stuff - even our little Tesco stocks the sushi kit.  Check out the international foods section.

For a bigger choice, you are probably going to have to go to Chinatown in Manchester.  There are lots of East Asian supermarkets and restaurants.  Chinatown is in the city centre, close to all the main train stations.  Go and make a day of it!

There is also Yo Sushi restaurant in central Manchester and central Liverpool, which are both good.  Try their website for special offers.

Thank you so much!!

I will definitely plan a day trip to Chinatown in Manchester! Even if I don't find anything, it sounds like a fun day out

In the meantime I will have a wander down to Booths and have a look. I figured they'd probably be the most likely supermarket to carry international food, but didn't know if ours would since it's fairly small. I won't know until I try though so I'll be off down there this afternoon!

I had no luck at asda so fingers crossed for Booths! Thanks again!

There is a great Japanese restaurant in Leeds...I'll have a look for the name   There is also a Chinese store there that we got our sushi kit and tsuyu and soba noodles and the like.  Try Waitrose for sushi and edamame and Tesco's and M & S both have sushi-M & S is much better but pricier  

Good luck!! 

If you do make your way down to Manchester, there is Tai Pan--which is a restaurant and an ENORMOUS warehouse style grocery store.  It's right across from the University, so it would be a walk from the centre of town. There are tons of Asian supplies (everything from woks to ingredients), and it's super reasonable.

My DH and I enjoy the restaurant as well. Mmmm.

There is a great Japanese restaurant in Leeds...I'll have a look for the name  

Good luck!! 

It's Little Tokyo:http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/eatingout/Little-Tokyo-Central-Road-Leeds.4274865.jp

There's also a very good noodle bar called Fuji Hiro: Fuji Hiro
45 Wade Lane, Leeds.
Tel 0113 243 9184

Thanks HME!!!

Thanks for all the help everyone!! I will definitely be trying out some of your fab suggestions

If you do make your way down to Manchester, there is Tai Pan--which is a restaurant and an ENORMOUS warehouse style grocery store.  It's right across from the University, so it would be a walk from the centre of town. There are tons of Asian supplies (everything from woks to ingredients), and it's super reasonable.

My DH and I enjoy the restaurant as well. Mmmm.

The Tai Pan is my favorite restaurant in the whole entire world, and I always stop at the supermarket for a little(!!) shop, they do have a nice Japanese section. Its on Upper Brook Street and they have a nice little parking lot. And of course, Manchester has a whole Chinatown, which imo is surprisingly good, there are 4-5 Chinese supermarkets and a great Chinese bakery, I love Chinese pastries!!! Get thee to Manchester!!!

Also in Manchester  - the place that I use for Japanese food is Samsi Express.  Basement of the resturant is a grocery store that mainly stocks Japanese items.

They are on  36-38 Whitworth Street, Manchester M1 3NR. 

I also use this web site for deliveries and it has been very good!

http://www.mountfuji.co.uk/

Oh dear. Kendal is not exactly the hub of sophisticated eating I'm afraid (I speak from experience - I lived there back in 2000/2001). Indeed, Booths is your best bet. They might even order a few things for you.

There are loads of lovely farm shops around Kendal and Penrith/Carlisle that I vaguely recall would sometimes have a little Asian section. There's also a chance the big Asda there might possibly now carry some things but I kinda doubt it. Have you looked for online sources?

Oh dear. Kendal is not exactly the hub of sophisticated eating I'm afraid

You can say that again! haha

I haven't had much luck around here but I have found a couple place online that I could order from. I'm planning on going to Manchester in the next couple weeks and having a look round a few of the places people have suggested.