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Namo a modern Vietnamese restaurant in the heart of pretty
Victoria Park Village has been offering their take on Vietnamese food
to us Londoners for over five years.
Owned by husband and wife team Linh and Colin, who have over 10 years
experience in running a busy restaurant. Linh, having managed her
family's business Huong Viet - The Vietnamese Canteen, which is
affectionately, know as Namo's big sister.
'What's on' at Namo is often refreshed, however this July will see
the restaurant debut some great dishes to the public. Linh declares
"We are very excited about the new flavours and have worked hard
to be able to offer a our patrons traditional Vietnamese cuisine with
a modern twist" Linh will continue to use the unique recipes,
passed on through her family to make all the stocks and sauces on the
premises.
The wine list will also change to fully compliment and support the
new offerings on the menu. Both Linh and Colin have worked closely
with a local independent supplier to give their customers a selection
of delicious and hard to find wines. Namo also plan to dedicate an
area within the restaurant for a bar. In an area dominated by
traditional pubs this will offer an alternative place for cocktails
with the girls or a beer after work.
All of the Namo team, with the exception of Colin, who hails from
Hastings, are Vietnamese born. Linh came from Vietnam to Britain with
her father in the late 1970's after seeking refuge from their country
as part of the boat people movement. Linh's mother, sister &
brother joined then in the UK five years later and the family were
finally reunited.
Both Linh and Colin met while completing architect degrees, therefore
the look of restaurant has always been very important to them. Colin
explains "The space is narrow with sharp lines, rich colours and
plenty of texture" Since extending into the shop next door the
venue has doubled in size and created 'three zones'. Zone one is the
original part of the restaurant where you can also now find the new
bar. The second is the most requested spot in the restaurant staff
call 'the red zone' and thirdly the tranquil garden. The garden has
recently been given new furniture and an on/off roof aimed at beating
the changeable weather.
Although the restaurant's design was intentionally given a modern
feel, memorabilia and objects support the couple's love of travel and
Vietnam. There are elements of the past with vintage lampshades and
oriental cabinets and the striking black and white landscape
photography of 1960's Vietnam welcome their customers on arrival.
The exterior of the restaurant is double fronted and painted an
industrial shade of grey, contrasting with the logo's deep colour.
Full red curtains hang in each of the large windows. There is also a
Bansky original on the sidewall that Linh and Colin ensure will stay.
Five years in and Namo are still delighting their followers by
dishing up superb food in a great venue. The restaurant will as
always remain a child friendly space, a special menu is available for
the kids and they are always made to feel welcome. All of the team
are looking forward to continuing to offer the experience of new
tastes and flavours in the menus and daily specials.
Here's to another five years for Linh, Colin and there much loved, Namo. |
