Tasty addition joins Fruit Market line-up

Buca di Pizza has launched at Hull’s Fruit Market as the waterside district benefits from an ongoing wave of investment.

Buca di Pizza’s owners have invested £175,000 in fitting out the pizzeria and bar in Humber Street and the opening has created 15 full-time and part-time jobs.

The 1,900 sq ft venue, converted from a former fruit and veg warehouse, has 80 covers inside, with the front of the venue arranged in relaxed bar style and the rear set out for more formal dining.

Outside there is seating for up to a further 20 customers.

Buca di Pizza – the name loosely translates as “the pizza pit” – is owned by brothers Geoff and Nick Thornton.

Geoff Thornton said: “We’re really happy to be part of the great things happening in the Fruit Market and we’ve had a fantastic reception from customers. Lots of people have said we’ve brought another option and dimension to the choices already available.

“Pizza is very social food and we feel we’ve created a great environment for a relaxed, casual dining experience or for people to enjoy a few drinks.

“The building has some great features that give it a really special feel, from the sky lights that give the restaurant area so much natural light, to the tiled floor. We’ve taken these assets and added our own quirky style.

“We love the creative vibe in the Fruit Market and we’re excited to be part of a unique, fast-evolving area benefiting from so much investment.”

Buca di Pizza is the latest venue to open as part of the £80m transformation of the Fruit Market being delivered by Wykeland Beal, a joint venture company formed by regeneration company Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, working in partnership with Hull City Council.

The pizzeria’s opening follows the likes of restaurants Ambiente Tapas, Butler Whites and Tapasya @ Marina; artisan chocolatier Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie; arts venue Humber Street Gallery, which features a ground-floor café and rooftop bar; Humber Street Distillery Co gin bar; and vintage fashion brand Poorboy Boutique.