Nam Song Caphe will open this Friday, 28th June, bringing a splash of (mostly orange) colour to Merrion Street.
Taking over what was formerly Rum and Reason on Merrion Street, the new cafe and restaurant will serve up authentic Vietnamese coffees, bahn mi baguettes, bowls of pho and more.
Its founders already have two successful sites in Sheffield, but this new opening will be the first in Leeds.
A classic bahn mi from Nam Song / Image: Nam Song Instagram
From Friday, customers can enjoy a good range of teas and homemade cakes from the day menu, which also features breakfast items and a variety of Bahn mi.
Bahn mi filling choices include lemongrass chicken, nam song pork or garlic and sesame/sriracha/ginger tofu; with noodle salads and omelettes also on the cards at lunchtime.
Come the evening, the menu changes to feature Vietnam's national dish, Pho, as well as spring and summer rolls and a selection of tasty small plates like pickled pak choi and Bahn mi bread, which is griddled with chilli oil, salt and herbs.
Inside one of Nam Song's cafes in Sheffield / Image: Nam Song Instagram
On the drinks front, there's some proper Vietnamese coffee to be enjoyed here. Ca phe trung - a Hanoi speciality made with condensed milk and egg yolk mix - is a house favourite, but can also be taken without for those who don't like the sound of egg in their coffee.
If you fancy something a little stronger, there's also a good selection of cocktails (think coconut daiquiris and pineapple margaritas), plus wines, beers and spirits on offer in the evening.
One of the cafe's aims is to raise money for Vietnamese victims of the USA Agent Orange chemical warfare attacks, which took place from 1961 to 1971.
They work with the Kianh foundation (a UK/ Vietnamese charity) which runs a purpose-built center for children in Dien Ban, offering education and physical support for young people affected.
Nam Song cover the costs of a child's support therapy and care at the center every month and also has a collection on the bar for its customers to donate if they feel moved to.
It's been a long time in the making, but the cafe will finally open at the end of the week - just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.
For this weekend, it's strictly walk-ins only with opening hours 12-11pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. After that, they'll be opening Wednesday-Sunday.
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Georgina Pellant -
26th May 2021 
