Smoking hot: Hammonds of Hull boosting indie food businesses

‘WE’RE GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH’: HoH general manager Jack Hannam

By Simon Bristow

Things are getting tastier at artisan food hall Hammonds of Hull (HoH), with a sushi bar and American smokehouse about to open, extending its eclectic offer of fine food and beverages.

The sushi outlet, Oishii Ne, is due to begin serving on Thursday, with Mr Hugo’s smokehouse expected the following day.

Both are Hull-based businesses which are taking advantage of the expertise and location provided by being part of the food hall - and more are invited to join.

Jack Hannam, HoH general manager, said a good example of how the food hall can help transform local businesses was Grilla Burger, run by Chris McWatt, which took up a place in December after operating in Vernon Street.

“We got a real understanding of his business and worked really hard with him,” Jack said.

“And we have not just doubled or tripled his turnover, we have quadrupled it.

“How we help is through consistency of product, speed of service, marketing, and having the buying power of the food hall so you get the best price. And also we have the footfall of 15,000 to 20,000 per day.

COMING SOON: The wine dispensers

“What we want to do is give local businesses a plug-in platform to help their business for the future, whether that’s in the food hall long-term or short-term.”

The benefits for a food business of being part of HoH also include back-of-house assistance, the use of brand new, fully kitted kitchens, kitchen porters, cleaners, security, as well as business advice.

Food companies HoH are particularly keen to work with next include a vegan outlet and more food and beverage operators.

To any prospective concessions, Jack said: “Just pop in and see us, have a coffee and a chat, or speak to a member of staff.”

He added: “This year we are creating the identity and vision of what we want for food and beverage operators, and the bar and live music side.”

Also coming soon will be a push on retail, including vintage, homeware, and more convenience products. The focus will be on Hull and Yorkshire brands where possible.

Another development next month will be the launch of self-serve wine-tasting machines, operated by the swipe of a debit or credit card. Visitors will be able to taste about five wines in 25ml measures for £10. Around 24 different wines should be available.

‘COME IN AND TALK TO US’: Jack Hannam, inviting local businesses to HoH

This is expected to be popular with after-work clubs.

Business networking groups are also making bookings for the vinyl lounge, putting a tab behind the bar for food and beverages, including Hull Young Professionals and Network King.

The HoH anti-waste ethic is also having an impact, with 750 meals saved through initiatives like Too Good To Go since the business launched in December. This sees food close to its end date sold at low price instead of being thrown away.

“We’ve gone from strength to strength,” said Jack. “We aren’t the finished article by a long shot, but we are on the right track.

“This is the type of business where you have to work daily, monthly, yearly, to get it right.”

Launched in December by operator Eann Smith, Hammonds of Hull food hall was the first of up to 20 similar ventures across the country that could revitalise town centres by offering locally sourced products and businesses in key locations.