Nam Song Caphe has announced that the news that it is closing its New Briggate site after two years.
The Vietnamese restaurant originally opened in Sheffield in 2017 before coming to Leeds in 2021.
Serving up an array of lunchtime, remote working and pre-theatre deals, the restaurant was loved by locals as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre with a good hearty meal.
Painted in a striking orange, you'd never miss this place. Nam Song always stood out for its bright colour scheme, and cushioned seating area in traditional Vietnamese style.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Sadly, in the two years that the restaurant has been open, the "world is a different place to that which it was when we opened" and the owners have now decided to close the New Briggate Store.
Announcing the news this morning, Nam Song said:
"We’ve got some sad news guys. Unfortunately we’ve had to take the incredibly difficult decision to close our site on New Briggate in Leeds.
"We spent the whole of a covid lockdown fitting out the site ourselves with a whole host of DIY skills learnt straight from YouTube and a boat load of Orange paint. Since then we’ve had a truly wonderful time the past few years sharing our lanterns, phin filters and Vietnamese goodness with you lovely lot in central Leeds.
"However, the world is a different place to that which it was when we opened. Times are incredibly tough right now for everyone, especially hospitality, and due to a number of factors it became clear it was for the best to shut up shop on New Briggate.
"Năm Sông Broomhill in Sheffield is unaffected by this and will continue to operate as normal.
"Thanks for all your support in Leeds over the Years."
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Sophie Smith -
29th August 2023 
