The Food Hall which opened inside the Hammonds building in Hull city centre has today confirmed they will not be reopening in the former House of Fraser store.
After opening with huge excitement in December 2021, the Hammonds of Hull Food Hall occupied the whole ground floor of the building and boasted cafes, bars, and local produce stalls. They also hosted events with live performances by local musicians.
Artisan claimed to have created a thriving enterprise, employing over 150 individuals, and investing in the building’s restoration to establish a “successful operation.” The spokesperson highlighted its accomplishments, including an impressive selection of more than 300 wines, a deli counter, a vinyl bar, and live performances by local musicians. The interior was designed with a focus on Hull and Yorkshire’s history, with support from local artists who painted the walls.
However, the closure of the venue has been deemed “hugely disappointing” and a “huge loss for Hull” by its operator, Artisan Food Hall HoH Ltd. The company asserts that it was devoted to the food hall and is keen to reopen it in another location within the city.
A spokesperson for Artisan expressed their disappointment, citing the loss of jobs, salaries, and millions of pounds invested, as well as the impact on the community, visitors to Hull, and suppliers in Yorkshire. They expressed gratitude for the support received and urged landlords with suitable properties to get in touch.
The food hall’s managers initially announced the closure on 6 March, indicating that it was temporary but today confirmed its permanent closure at the current location.