Tapas bar takes a bite out of Hull
INDEPENDENTLY-OWNED tapas restaurant chain Ambiente Tapas, a Leeds favourite, has expanded in Hull following a £300,000 investment.
Entrepreneur Tim Sinclair and partner Zoe Plummer have opened Ambiente Tapas restaurants in York and Leeds, and is now launching in Hull on the eve of its City of Culture year in 2017.
Ambiente is moving into the Fruit Market waterside district, where a major £80m development by Wykeland Group is underway.
Founded 10 years ago, Ambiente Tapas has restaurants in well-established locations in York, at Goodramgate and Fossgate, and at The Calls in Leeds.
The pair chose hull over other towns and cities in Yorkshire including Harrogate calling it a “sleeping giant”.
The new Ambiente in Hull has been created in a former fruit and vegetable warehouse on Humber Street with 160 covers. It is creating 25 jobs at the 3,000 sq ft restaurant.
Mr Sinclair said: “It’s really exciting. There’s so much potential in Hull. It’s a sleeping giant really – a massive market that is underserved by high-quality restaurants with many people choosing to go to places like Leeds and York for a distinctive dining experience.
“We believe this can become our flagship because we’ve been able to create our ideal restaurant from a blank canvas, designed exactly as we wanted it.
“In 12 months’ time I would like to think this can surpass the commercial performance of our Fossgate restaurant in York. It’s a massive opportunity.
“We’ve not just moved into an area surrounded by existing operations. We’re pioneers for what will happen here. It’s a work in progress, but a very exciting one.”
The menu includes tapas favourites such as calamari, paella, meatballs, patatas bravas and sardines, as well as dishes from an authentic Spanish Josper oven, including flame-grilled pheasant, barbecued sea bass and dry-rubbed beef skirt.
Other new ventures established in the Fruit Market include two new high-quality restaurants, Butler Whites and Tapasya @ Marina, as well as Cocoa Chocolatier and Patisserie, with new, independent retail operators expected to be announced soon.
Wykeland property director David Donkin said: “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 can see the Fruit Market offers a unique and very exciting opportunity. We’re in advanced discussions with several other high-quality businesses, particularly independent retailers, who will add to the area’s very special appeal.”
