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The owner of a popular café and restaurant in South Manchester has been praised for sharing a transparent message regarding a major update to how its business operates. Yes Lah, on Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury , first opened its doors three years ago and has become known for its fresh Filipino and Malaysian food with a menu spanning across the likes of stir fries, char Siu sandwiches, bao buns, kimchi bowls, and their famed crispy smashed potatoes. For the last two years, the venue - which is named after a colloquial term as in ‘yes, man’, rather than any Liverpudlian roots - has been led by co-founder Zos Fulwell, who previously made a name for herself as street food trader Mama Z at events and pop-ups in the city centre. In a post on Instagram at the weekend, Zos admitted that while the business remained ‘on the right trajectory’, she had recently realised that she will need to increase prices at the café due to rising VAT costs. Stay connected with our City Life newsletter here She wrote: “I have been having discussions with my accountant as we are sorting out our end of year tax returns and it was also more positive (numbers wise) for the business too. Whilst I can be really proud of where we have got to (especially in this climate!), on the downside, it also means that I am now going to have to find an extra £12K or so a year to give to the wonderful government of ours...aka VAT…” Zos admitted that costs across the business have nearly tripled in recent times due to rising operational costs, rent, and other business rates and bills. She said that new prices will come into effect in November, but assured customers that they would still be offering ‘great portal sizes’. She explained: “Whilst it's amazing that the business is currently on the right trajectory, it's also rubbish because it means I am sadly going to have to put my prices up at the café. This does not mean I am absolutely minted and living the high life! It really is the complete opposite... “My costs all around have nearly tripled just to operate and due to the location of YL, some of those costs are annoyingly higher due to being in Didsbury/ that are determined by the council with some bills. I'm not going to bore you with it all because it is exactly that..boring! but it is fact. “I just wanted to be transparent and let everyone know that from November the costs of some items on our menu will be increasing. However, I do feel that our offering is fantastic, giving you fresh and tasty food, with great portion sizes. That won't be changing or going anywhere.” Zos explained that there would be a temporary menu in place from next month as they update things, and she said she was also considering making a few changes to the regular menu in the near future. She said she hoped people would understand the reasoning behind the move, adding: “As a business, we try to absorb so much already, and I am fully aware that all of us are struggling with the costs of living, so eating out for most of us is a real luxury. “However, I hope that you continue to support our little business alongside many other indies who are all sadly in the same boat. It really isn't ideal but I'm afraid I have to do it in order to continue. “I hope you continue to see the hard work of what we do BTS and the value of what we bring to the community. Please share the love with others to come and enjoy Filipino food, join our events or even pop in for a brew despite these changes. Every little does count, honestly!” The news was met with an overwhelming amount of understanding from regular customers and local businesses, who accepted that it was hard for the hospitality industry right now. One said: “We want you to succeed and will continue to enjoy your delicious food. Thank you for all your hard work." Another wrote: "Zos, your food is incredible, well worth the price along with any increase to sustain your offering in our community. We love having you on BMR. Keep on doing what you’re doing!" Yes Lah is on 102 Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, M20 2PN. Join our Manchester Food and Drink WhatsApp group HERE
