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.
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
This iconic Leeds pub is selling 25p pints for the weekend alongside a 70’s-inspired menu
Clementine Hall
Whitelock's Ale House in Leeds are turning back the clocks for four days only.
Ever fancied giving time travel a go? Well now's your chance, as a historic Leeds pub are looking back to time gone by for the weekend.
Whitelock's Ale House are collaborating with Double Diamond beer, an iconic British pale ale made popular in the 70's and now somewhat having a resurgence.
From this Thursday 26 February until Sunday 1 March 2026, pints of Double Diamond will be available for just 25p.
Yep, you can't even get a Freddo for 25p these days let alone a cold, refreshing pint.
Guests will be able to grab their first pint of Double Diamond for 25p along with a nostalgic specials menu from the Whitelock's kitchen.
And if you know anything about their food, it's always class so this specials menu will be absolutely no exception.
The specials menu includes a french onion quiche, a coronation chicken sandwich, gammon, pineapple, egg and chips and to top it all off, a raspberry Swiss roll with custard.
You can get three courses for just £30 and you can either pre-order or order individually when you're there.
This is set to be a real blast from the past, so rally your mates together and prepare for a trip down memory lane and for what could be the cheapest pint of your life.
You can find out more and book your table at Whitelock's Ale House here.
Georgina Pellant -
26th May 2021 
