11 Leeds businesses we have loved and lost this summer including Nam Song and Chow Down

Another Leeds restaurant has recently closed its doors, citing the “incredibly tough times” for the hospitality sector.

By Abbey Maclure

Published 30th Aug 2023, 16:30 BST

Vietnamese restaurant Nam Song confirmed its permanent closure this week, one of several Leeds businesses to have closed their doors for good this summer. We’ve had some fantastic new arrivals to the city in recent months, but spiralling costs and changing customer trends have made it too difficult for others to continue trading.

Here are 11 Leeds businesses we have loved and lost in summer 2023.

Here are 11 of the Leeds businesses that have closed their doors this summer

1. Businesses we've loved and lost

Here are 11 of the Leeds businesses that have closed their doors this summer Photo: National World/Chow Down

Nam Song confirmed its permanent closure this week as it said the hospitality industry faces “incredibly tough times”. The Vietnamese coffee house, cafe and restaurant opened its New Briggate site in summer 2021, after its owners spend lockdown fitting out the restaurant. Its original site in Sheffield remains open as usual.

2. Nam Song

Nam Song confirmed its permanent closure this week as it said the hospitality industry faces “incredibly tough times”. The Vietnamese coffee house, cafe and restaurant opened its New Briggate site in summer 2021, after its owners spend lockdown fitting out the restaurant. Its original site in Sheffield remains open as usual. Photo: Simon Hulme

The outdoor venue in Temple Arches started out as a pop-up during the Covid restrictions of summer 2020, and went on to enjoy a three-year residency. Chow Down closed on Sunday August 6, as rising costs and changing consumer behaviour made the business unsustainable.

3. Chow Down

The outdoor venue in Temple Arches started out as a pop-up during the Covid restrictions of summer 2020, and went on to enjoy a three-year residency. Chow Down closed on Sunday August 6, as rising costs and changing consumer behaviour made the business unsustainable. Photo: Chow Down

The Kirkgate branch of the chain, which sells books, art supplies, stationary and toys, has now shut following a closing down sale. There are still several The Works shops open in Leeds, including in the Merrion, Kirkstall Bridge and White Rose shopping centres.

4. The Works Kirkgate

The Kirkgate branch of the chain, which sells books, art supplies, stationary and toys, has now shut following a closing down sale. There are still several The Works shops open in Leeds, including in the Merrion, Kirkstall Bridge and White Rose shopping centres. Photo: National World

Honest Burgers closed its site on Cloth Hall Street, near the Corn Exchange, on Thursday August 3 – just over a year after it opened. The business said the closure was due to a “change in customer demand” in the city.

5. Honest Burger

Honest Burgers closed its site on Cloth Hall Street, near the Corn Exchange, on Thursday August 3 – just over a year after it opened. The business said the closure was due to a “change in customer demand” in the city. Photo: National World

Michelin-recommended CORA, in Boston Spa, closed on July 29 – as its patron chef Elizabeth Cottam said “challenging times” for the hospitality industry had been a battle that the restaurant was “unable to overcome”. The bakery and contemporary restaurant opened in July 2021 and was first recommended in the Michelin Guide less than a year later.

6. CORA

Michelin-recommended CORA, in Boston Spa, closed on July 29 – as its patron chef Elizabeth Cottam said “challenging times” for the hospitality industry had been a battle that the restaurant was “unable to overcome”. The bakery and contemporary restaurant opened in July 2021 and was first recommended in the Michelin Guide less than a year later. Photo: James Hardisty