For years, many Hullensians have been crying out for certain national restaurant chains to set up in Hull. Residents across social media, forums and even Princes Quay have been asking who we’d like to see in our great city.
Now Hull & East Yorkshire isn’t short of some really good, franchised culinary establishments. Nandos, Papa Johns and even Taco Bell (a previous popular request) have even joined the local scene in recent years.
However, we have an abundance of brilliant independent eateries that we absolutely love! The quality, the flavours and choice combined with local, friendly staff make them the perfect places to dine out.
After asking our own readers recently about which national chains they’d like to see come to Hull, by far, the top three most popular requests were Wagamamas, Five Guys and TGI Fridays.
So with this in mind, we thought we’d give you some brilliant independent alternatives to these big names, so you can get your flavour fix right now, and support a great local restaurant at the same time.
1. Wagamama
Wagamama has been a popular request amongst Hullensians for many years. Various click-bait articles from the ‘local paper’ have stirred up some false hope in the last few years, but that Wagamama Hull seems further away than ever right now.
But trust us when we say that we don’t need it! The nearest Wagamama’s are York, Leeds and Sheffield, but Hull & East Yorkshire has some brilliant alternatives, and here’s what we recommend ?
Sumo Pan Asian
Unit B, 12a Flemingate, Beverley HU17 0EE
40 Prestongate, Hessle HU13 0RE
With restaurants in both Hessle and Beverley, Sumo Pan Asian is one of East Yorkshire’s most successful establishments championing Asian cuisine. Covering everything from Korean and Japanese dishes to Chinese dishes; Sumo Pan Asian is able to accommodate for anyone and everyone. With it’s generous prices and air of authenticity, Sumo Pan Asian is a brilliant alternative option to Wagamama’s.
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The Social Distortion
The Social Distortion, 22 Princes Ave, Hull HU5 3QA
Known for it’s impeccable service and expertly cooked food, Princes Avenue’s Social Distortion restaurant is rapidly becoming one of the local area’s most popular places to eat, drink, and socialise.
Pioneering Asian fusion, The Social Distortion prides itself on using only the finest authentic ingredients in order to ensure customers are receiving a high quality meal.
For those that love Wagamama’s extensive menu, featuring everything from Ramen and Donburi to Curry, The Social Distortion is a perfect alternative, and will assure local customers that independent restaurants are more than worth a visit.
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Malai Thai Street Food
103 Newland Ave, Hull HU5 2ES
Cosy and homely, Malai Thai Street Food is an exceptional establishment whose helpful staff and delicious, authentic food makes it one of Hull & East Yorkshire’s standout Thai restaurants.
Like Wagamamas, Malai Thai Street Food boasts an expansive menu, featuring: Noodles, curries, soups, satay, and stir fry dishes, meaning the establishment can accommodate every hungry customer lucky enough to visit.
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2. Five Guys
Five Guys has taken the UK by storm since it came here from the USA in 2013. Now Five Guys do make very, very nice burgers and milkshakes, but the nearest locations are Castleford, York, Leeds and Sheffield. But do we need one? Check out these amazing independent alternatives created right here in Hull ?
Pitta & Shake
1st Floor, St Stephens Shopping Centre, Hull HU2 8LN
Hull’s brilliant, independent alternative to Five Guys is Pitta & Shake, situated in the bustling complex of St Stephens, one of the city centres most recognisable landmarks. With it’s wealth of amazing burgers, delicious milkshakes and expertly cooked fried chicken, Pitta & Shake is perfect for those seeking high quality, Five Guys standard food, which supports a local, independent business.
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Dope Burger
556 Beverley Rd, Newland, Hull HU6 7LG & 18 Witham, Hull HU9 1BY
With it’s wealth of decadent burgers and delicious fries, Dope Burger is Hull’s very own independent answer to Five Guys, and one of Hull’s most sought after indulgent treats! Ever since it’s establishment Dope Burger has been renowned for it’s generous prices and wealth of American inspired cuisine: Fried chicken, hot dogs, loaded fries, Dope Burger ensures that there’s something for everyone.
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Five Bites
Unit 2, Roebank Arcade, Bodmin Rd, Hull HU7 4HE
Rivalling Dope Burger in tempting decadence is Hull’s very own Five Bites, a brilliant independent alternative to Five Guys. Serving up everything from burgers and loaded fries to fried chicken, this takeaway ensures its customers don’t go hungry! In addition to it’s delicious food, Five Bites also boasts generous prices and friendly staff!
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3. TGI Fridays
TGI’s have been in the UK since the 80s after it’s success in New York in the 60s and 70s. The American themed bar & restaurant is probably the most repeated request from many Hullensians who love the american steaks, ribs, burgers and chicken.
With the nearest locations being at least an hour away in Doncaster, Lincoln and Leeds, we can highly recommend these brilliant alternatives that are already in Hull ?
Roadhouse
158 Newland Ave, Hull HU5 2NN
One of Newland Avenue’s latest culinary additions, Roadhouse is also an exceptional independent alternative to TGI Fridays!
Proclaiming itself to be Hull’s only smokehouse, this American inspired establishment serves the usual TGI favourites like burgers, steaks and ribs, but with the smokey taste of the American south… it tastes amazing! They also serve up American brunch (late breakfast) dishes like Pancakes and Waffles with Syrup and Bacon.
For delicious food at a generous price from a local independent business, Roadhouse is one of the best alternatives!
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Red’s True BBQ
30G Princes Dock St, Hull HU1 2PQ
Though not technically an independent establishment, nonetheless Red’s True BBQ, in collaboration with Brewdog, is one of the newest culinary establishments to set itself up in Hull, and it’s brought with it everything you could possibly want and more in an alternative to TGI Fridays- stacked burgers, delicious fries, and tasty chicken- well worth a visit for anyone in need of some comfort food!
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