Sông Quê Pho Bar: A New Addition to East London's Vietnamese Dining Scene

Sông Quê Pho Bar, a new offshoot of the well-established Sông Quê, has opened on Commercial Street in East London after 25 years of the original restaurant's success. This new venue focuses primarily on pho, offering a limited menu that includes small plates such as summer rolls, green papaya salad, grilled lamb chops, and banh khot cupcakes. The decision to expand after such a long time raises questions about the timing and strategy behind the new location.

The Guardian

The atmosphere at Sông Quê Pho Bar resembles a canteen, designed for quick visits rather than leisurely dining. The menu features a variety of pho options, including rare beef flank served in a rich broth infused with star anise, and bun bo hue, which includes well-done beef flank and pork sausage. The establishment also offers grilled lemongrass chicken with vermicelli and a selection of small plates that have received positive remarks for their quality and presentation. Despite the appealing offerings, the restaurant faced a slow start, with initial visits revealing a lack of customers.

The Guardian

Situated in a competitive area near other popular dining spots like Xian Biang Biang Noodles and Som Saa, Sông Quê Pho Bar's location presents both opportunities and challenges. The Spitalfields margins have historically been difficult for restaurants to thrive, as evidenced by the quick closures of previous establishments at the same site. The concern remains whether Sông Quê Pho Bar can attract enough foot traffic to sustain its operations, particularly during weekdays when it may rely heavily on office workers.

The Guardian

The review emphasizes the importance of patronage for the new restaurant, urging potential customers to visit and support the establishment while it is still in its early days. The current lack of diners is noted as a significant concern, as the restaurant may struggle to survive without a steady influx of customers, especially on weekends when nearby competitors draw larger crowds.

The Guardian

The management of Sông Quê Pho Bar has not publicly commented on the initial challenges faced by the restaurant. However, the staff's enthusiasm and commitment to providing quality Vietnamese cuisine have been highlighted, suggesting a dedication to improving the dining experience.

The Guardian

Critics of the new establishment point to its slow start and the challenges posed by its location. The previous failures of nearby restaurants raise doubts about whether Sông Quê Pho Bar can carve out a niche in a crowded market. Some diners may also question whether the new venue can replicate the success and atmosphere of the original Sông Quê.

The Guardian

• “This place does not skimp on its garnishes.” — Grace Dent, Food Critic

The Guardian

• “Where the hell is everyone?” — Grace Dent, Food Critic

The Guardian

• “This is one of those places where I say: use it or lose it.” — Grace Dent, Food Critic

The Guardian

In summary, Sông Quê Pho Bar represents a significant addition to East London's Vietnamese dining landscape, but its future success will depend on customer support and its ability to navigate the competitive market.

The Guardian