THE man behind a noodle bar just opened in Newport says he is excited about prospects in the city.

Liu Sx, who has opened Asaga noodle bar in Commercial Street, was attracted by the growing confidence in Newport in the wake of the success of Friars Walk and other regeneration projects.

Just two weeks in after his noodle bar opened, the 37-year-old, who moved from Powys but is originally from China, is excited about the prospects in the city.

“I came here in part due to the new opportunities. The shopping centre which opened last year was a big draw and there are not many places selling Asian-style food in the city centre,” he said.

“The fact that Newport is Wales’ third biggest city was another point and it has a university.”

Asaga sells all manner of Asian-inspired fast foods including Chinese, Japanese and Thai with everything prepared freshly by the owner and his staff. People can sit in if they wish.

“It is a good location and hopefully things will go from strength to strength in the coming weeks,” he said.