Wykeland Beal, the joint venture company formed by commercial developer Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, has welcomed Ambiente Tapas to a 3,000 sq ft flagship restaurant in the Fruit Market, Hull.
Founded 10 years ago, Ambiente Tapas has successful restaurants in York and Leeds and the Fruit Market in Hull is their third location. £300,000 was invested to convert a former fruit and veg warehouse and create 160 covers, including an outdoor seating area on Humber Street with views of Hull Marina.
The restaurant serves Mediterranean tapas with a “Yorkshire twist” and the menu features calamari, paella, meatballs, patatas bravas and sardines, as well as flame-grilled pheasant, barbecued sea bass and dry-rubbed beef skirt. There is also a generous vegetarian selection, including vegetable paella, barbecued halloumi cheese skewers and black bean fritters. 25 new jobs have been created, all recruited locally.
Tim Sinclair, Co-owner of Ambiente Tapas, said: “There’s so much potential in Hull. It’s a massive market. We’ve been able to create our ideal flagship restaurant from a blank canvas, designed exactly as we wanted it.”
“We believe the quality of the environment, food, drinks, service and experience we offer will set the bar high and help to keep it high. We’re really looking forward to the challenge of introducing the people of Hull to what we do and also bringing people from outside the city here. We’ve already had customers from our other restaurants coming here to experience what we have created in the Fruit Market.”
Wykeland Property Director, David Donkin, added: “Our focus is on attracting high-quality independent operators to the Fruit Market who will all, in their own ways, contribute to the area becoming a true destination and a vibrant community during the day and in the evening.”
“Ambiente Tapas has built an excellent reputation in York and Leeds and the owners have taken a unique and very exciting opportunity at the Fruit Market. We’re in advanced discussions with several other high-quality businesses, particularly independent retailers, who will add to the area’s very special appeal.”
The transformation of the Fruit Market includes new and refurbished commercial, retail and leisure space centred on Humber Street. A limited number of commercial units are now available to let, with further releases in 2017. The commercial units are complemented by a development of more than 100 new mews-style homes around private courtyards, which recently received planning permission.
