A JAPANESE restaurant that has been serving diners for the past 18 years has been highlighted as one of the UK's best family-run establishments.

Edamame in Holywell Street, Oxford, which offers Japanese home cooking and sushi, is run by Peter and Mieko Galpin, and their 16-year-old son Leo sometimes helps out as a waiter.

The Sunday Times food magazine The Dish said: "Unlike most canteen-style Japanese chains, Edamame is a cosy place.

"It's situated on Holywell Street and run by husband and wife Peter and Mieko Galpin, who serve homely dishes, from breaded chicken katsu to miso ramen and, of course, bowls of edamame soy beans."

The review added: "There are often queues snaking down the street, so arrive early."

Mr Galpin, 57, said: "We are very pleased to get this recognition as a family-run restaurant.

"We try to keep going strong in the face of the growing presence of chain restaurants in Oxford.

"Edamame is in a residential street so we take last orders at 8.30pm - we are very grateful to all our loyal customers who keep us busy.

"Some people come quite a way for their favourite dish."

The eatery is situated in a small premises so diners sometimes share tables so they don't have to wait.

There is a lunch menu every day except Monday and Tuesday, a sushi night menu on Thursdays, and a dinner menu on Friday and Saturday.

Japanese restaurant chain Wasabi is expected to open a new branch in Cornmarket Street in the near future.

For further information on Edamame unconventional opening hours visit edamame.co.uk