200-seat restaurant and bar launches in city centre

A new late-night bar and restaurant, Iron Lilies, has opened its doors in Hull city centre.

The venue occupies the former Virgin Megastore on level two of Princes Quay Shopping Centre which has been vacant for a decade.

The 200-seat restaurant has a botanical theme, with water features and plants providing a greenhouse-like feel.

It features an outdoor terrace and there are plans to open a mezzanine in the near future, with live music set to be a regular attraction.

The £2m project is the brainchild of Tokyo Industries (Yorkshire) Ltd, which owns the shopping centre.

Tokyo Industries managing director, Aaron Mellor, said: “Iron Lilies is a great addition to Hull and we’re looking forwarding to welcoming people.

“This space has been underused for about 15 years and the first thing I noticed when we took over the shopping centre is what a great space this is.

“The huge glass feel to a centre lends itself to a greenhouse feel, which is what we’ve tried to do with the design, creating an orangery and also having botanical themed cocktails.

“Hull has a tremendous cultural sector, a legacy from 2017 which we’re aiming to take advantage of.”

Tokyo Industries was the recipient of a £750,000 Government-backed grant for Iron Lilies, courtesy of Hull City Council last summer.

The venture has created around 20 full-time jobs and brought back into use more than 9,200 sq ft of floor space.

Mellor added: “We couldn’t be more thankful to the council for its support. The grant we were awarded was actually key to this whole thing happening and the council has been amazing since our acquisition of Princes Quay.

“Hull has a great catchment area and we look forward to continuing to work with the council in developing the city’s night time economy.”

Iron Lilies’ menu features a range of small plates and larger sharing boards, with an array of cocktails available, as well as its own brewed beer.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of the council, said: “It’s wonderful to have Iron Lilies now open and to see such a large space reinvented and brought back to life.

“This shows Hull is a city that is worth investing in and I hope people can come and enjoy it.

“The range of schemes and venues which the council has supported is fantastic, something we’re really committed to continuing with.”