Food and drink brochure to boost city centre hospitality sector

Food and drink businesses in Hull city centre have welcomed the launch of a new guide designed to help the sector bounce back after the ravages of Covid-19. The booklet is published as a collaboration between Visit Hull and HullBID as part of the “We Know a Place…” campaign and showcases all the eating and drinking venues in the city centre, from cafes and delis to bars and restaurants and...

City centre pubs collaborate with Theatre Quarter Beer and Cider Festival

Licensees of two city centre pubs are taking centre stage to bring an array of top tipples to Hull with the inaugural Theatre Quarter Beer and Cider Festival. Tony Garrett, landlord of the Hop & Vine basement bar in Albion Street, has joined forces with Ian Ibbetson, just around the corner with Chilli Devils @ New Clarence in Charles Street, to present a 10-day celebration of real ales and...

Coffee31 still reaching out to customers in cautious return from lockdown

A café that captured the flavour and humour of Hull when it opened nearly seven years ago is putting smiles back on faces as it emerges from the restrictions of Covid-19. Coffee31 even added a Sweet Caroline ban to the collection of comedy advertising boards that adorn the premises in Waltham Street. Debbie Hill, who opened Coffee31 in 2014, said: “We were doing really well when the first...

It’s all Greek to Stratos as he steps up from street food to running his own restaurant

The new owner of a Greek restaurant in Hull is aiming to literally smash it with a promise of bringing the traditions of his homeland to the city centre dining scene. Efstratios Dimeas – known as Stratos – is already serving authentic cuisine at the Greek Taverna based on recipes passed down through his family. As restrictions are eased he plans to introduce traditional Greek music and dancing,...

Brothers target former bank as safe bet for second bistro venture

A family that revived its long-term links with the licensed trade to open a café bar in Cottingham has literally broken the bank for its latest project. Simon and Chris Leahy (above), owners of Cassiel Bar and Kitchen, will open Raph’s Bar and Grill in a former NatWest bank across the road from their existing premises. The premises are ready to be fitted out following completion of a renovation...