ROYAL WILLIAM YARD BRINGS NEW, NATIONALLY LOVED RESTAURANT TO THE CITY, AS PHO ANNOUNCES ITS ARRIVAL IN PLYMOUTH

A new arrival is set to join the vibrant array of places to eat and drink at Royal William Yard, with Vietnamese street food restaurant, Pho, on course to open its doors this summer. It promises to be a welcome addition to the city’s increasingly diverse and exciting food scene, and a boost for the local hospitality industry.

Pho will be based in the iconic Grade I listed Melville Building, at the heart of Royal William Yard, overlooking the bustling marina and waterfront. In good company, Pho will be found alongside Everyman cinema, Hub Box, and coworking space BLOCK Plymouth, as the first phase of the grand building’s regeneration nears completion.

A popular and growing restaurant brand, Pho has a collection of restaurants across the UK – and Plymouth will be its most southerly location. Specialising in the national dish of Vietnam (pho,  a healthy noodle soup), Pho will serve up freshly cooked Vietnamese food, alongside a unique drinks menu, and outstanding service.

Founded in 2005 by husband and wife, Stephen and Juliette Wall, the first Pho opened in London after the couple travelled to Vietnam and fell in love with the food. Seventeen years later, the brand is expanding its presence across the UK, with Plymouth becoming its 34th restaurant.

At the heart of the brand and central to their menu, Pho’s broths are simmered for at least 12 hours before they hit the bowl.  Also on offer will be sharing starters like spring and summer rolls, spicy salads, wok-fried rice and decadent curries, plus Vietnamese beers and coffees, fresh juices, cocktails and a hand-picked wine list.

Catering for all, 98% of the menu at Pho is gluten-free, and is accredited by Coeliac UK. In addition, 40% of the menu is vegan. The restaurant also has a strong family focus with an affordable children’s menu too.

Emily Jones, Commercial Director at Urban Splash, said: “This is true regeneration in action; delicately restoring a derelict building, breathing new life into it, and hand-picking incredible businesses to call it home. Thanks to years of work by a talented team, Melville building is ready for its next chapter, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what a remarkable place it is.

“By working closely with Pho over several years, we’ve created the perfect space for them – it’s a real celebration to reach this point. Time after time we’ve brought new brands and businesses to the city, and we’re excited to welcome Pho to Plymouth. We now have a truly global food offering with something for everyone at Royal William Yard.”

Pho co-founder, Stephen Wall, added: “Royal William Yard is quite simply awe-inspiring and we can’t wait to open in the Melville Building nearby other operators we know and love. We look forward to welcoming the people of Plymouth to Pho this summer.”

Discover more about Pho and its arrival in Plymouth at www.phocafe.co.uk/Plymouth and find out more about Royal William Yard at www.royalwilliamyard.com