We recently visited Sebu, the new penthouse restaurant perched on the 12th floor of the K2 building on 60 Bond Street! With its cocktail bar and sky garden, this spot is a fantastic addition to the top end of Hull’s diverse food landscape. It’s in a prime position within walking distance of Hull’s big venues too, making it a perfect pre-show dining spot.
Upon entering Sebu, you’re greeted with a stylish and upmarket interior. While visually stunning, it manages to avoid being stifling; the space feels open and inviting. The sky garden adds another layer to the experience, offering sweeping views of Hull that stretch from the Humber Bridge to the Deep. On a clear day, your eyes can even wander as far as Beverley Minster!
Sebu serves Filipino-Hispanic-influenced small plates and hearty dishes, alongside a variety of steaks and BBQ meats. Reminiscent of the owners’ home in the Philippines, it brings Filipino food culture to Hull, complete with the warm welcome and the distinctively delicious flavours of their take on Filipino-Hispanic classics.
Our meal began with Beetroot Hummus, a familiar dish infused with an unfamiliar twist Рtoyomansi, a Filipino soy sauce flavoured with calamansi limes. The BBQ chicken skewers were another highlight, perfectly marinated and cooked to perfection. For a lighter touch, the Filislaw offered a refreshing palate cleanser, featuring a pickled slaw enriched with mango pur̩e and pineapple chunks.
The star of the evening was undoubtedly the Pork Belly Adobo. Adobo has a special place in Filipino cuisine; it’s a dish every family seems to have a recipe for. The tradition of cooking in vinegar is deeply rooted in Filipino history, owing to an abundance of vinegars produced locally. Sebu’s take on this iconic dish was compelling – sharp from the vinegar, aromatic from the garlic, umami-rich from the soy sauce, and rounded off by black pepper and bay leaf. Each bite offered a taste of the Philippines, bridging the gap between Hull and the archipelago thousands of miles away.
To wash it all down, we opted for a selection of cocktails, and one in particular won us over – the Ube Colada, also called the Purple Colada. Prepared with house-made ube syrup from purple yam native to the Philippines, the cocktail was a delightful mix of sweet and fruity, underscored by hints of vanilla. Its bright purple colour was as pleasing to the eye as the drink was to the palate.
Taking your drink up to the rooftop garden is an amazing experience, with the absolutely stunning views providing a perfect conclusion to a night full of good vibes and delicious cuisine. Alternatively, it can be the perfect start to a night out at the theatre or any show, with the rooftop garden providing a great view of Hull’s big venues so you can point out exactly where you’re going next.
If you’re planning a visit, know that the K2 building operates with a buzzer entry system. Just buzz Sebu using the digital pad by the door, and they’ll open it for you. Take the elevator to the 12th floor, and you’re there! Given the restaurant’s burgeoning popularity, we highly recommend booking in advance. Give it a try, and let us know what you think!
