A new Korean restaurant in Oxford is to hire additional staff following a successful first three months.

BBQ restaurant chain Yori, which has branches across London, Brighton, Cambridge and Staines, opened on the site of the former Byron burger bar in George Street in March.

Manager James Lai said it was been so busy in the restaurant, which can accommodate about 100 diners, that more staff are needed to join the team.

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He said: "We currently employ about 30 people but now we are getting established we are looking to take on more people.

"It's been a very positive start - I think we have made quite a big impact.

"Our dishes are good value - you get a lot for your money and on Tuesdays we are serving Korean pancakes for half price."

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Mr Lai, a former manager of Craft Burger in Headington, said Korean style deep fried dishes were particularly popular with younger diners.

These include Dak Gang Jung - deep fried boneless chicken bites glazed in sweet chilli sauce (£11.50), and Soy Garlic Fried Chicken (£11.50).

Other dishes on the lunch menu include stews, stir fry and noodles.

Mr Lai said he would be taking a working holiday next month so he could visit cafes in Korea to research new dishes.

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Some tables at the back of the restaurant are fitted with built-in barbecues.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "I think we could be the first restaurant in Oxford to do that," Mr Lai added.

"There are quite a few Yori branches in London and elsewhere - I think this is our 15th restaurant so far."

The chain's founder is Jong Soon Kim.

Yori's website says: "Kim is one of the most successful young entrepreneurs within the Korean community in the UK.

"He has launched many diverse restaurants across London starting from Korean restaurants to cafes and nail salons.

"He is thoroughly expanding his business and partnerships through many opportunities.

(Image: Andy Ffrench) "With Yori being his starting point, he is certain that all customers who enjoy Yori, will also enjoy the other restaurants and cafes."

The Yori website adds: "One of the most popular Korean dishes is thinly sliced beef, chicken or pork served in a wide variety of Korean spices and sauces including chilli, garlic, sesame oil and soy sauce.

"Each individual diner decides how long they want to cook their meat using a grill either placed onto the table or actually built-in.

"The dish is popular due to the explosive flavours and sensational experience, extremely delicious, incredibly satisfying and definitely hands-on."

(Image: Andy Ffrench) Yori's branch in George Street has been given a five-star food hygiene rating by the Food Standards Agency.

The restaurant features a photo booth, which is very popular with younger diners.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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