Paragon Arcade is now full after a cake shop and hair salon joined two new eateries in opening within the city centre gem
Two new restaurants, a cake shop and a hair salon have opened in a historic retail destination in Hull city centre. Paragon Arcade is now full after the four new independent businesses opened their doors to customers at the vibrant centre, known as a hot spot for local creativity, food and leisure.
Swine & Soul, The Fairy Godmothers Bakes, Norma Sicilian Pasta Kitchen and Mae Hair Room, by Ellie are now open for business. The centre’s owners have heralded the firms for bringing new energy and variety to the landmark Victorian arcade.
The arcade has been a gem in the city centre’s shopping and leisure scene for more than century, having been built in 1891 by Sir Alfred Gelder. It was snapped up in 2017 by family-owned developer Allenby Commercial – which also recently launched the prime office scheme Monocle.
The company has restored and revitalised the arcade with refurbishments, focussing on nurturing small, independent traders. It is now home to 16 local businesses. Swine & Soul is a restaurant led by Michael Barnett, who has more than 30 years of experience.
He said: “Our concept is modern British with American and Hispanic soul. It’s elegantly plated, flavour-packed food with the comfort and soul of the American Deep South and a touch of Spanish influence.
“We’ve got 28 covers upstairs and another 20 outside, and we’re open seven days a week. The brunch and lunch menus are relaxed and easy-going, while our evening service from Thursday to Saturday is more elevated.
“It’s a really good site – the footfall down here is phenomenal, and the building is full of character. It’s just a really cool place to come.”
Norma Sicilian Pasta Kitchen offers authentic Sicilian flavours, while The Fairy Godmothers Bakes will tempt visitors with artisan cakes, brownies and other sweet treats. Meanwhile, Ellie Longley, owner of Mae Hair Room, by Ellie, told how the salon offers a “minimalist and relaxed approach to hairstyling”.
She said: “I’ve had my own business for two and a half years and worked in a salon for eight years before that. I love natural colours and subtle blends – that’s really my thing.
“Paragon Arcade has such a special feel to it. You can come for a day out here with everything that’s going on – great food, great shops and a really welcoming community.
“Many of my clients travel from Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield as well as locally, and they love it here.”
Steph Ellis, tenant liaison for Allenby Commercial, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to see Paragon Arcade full once again. It creates such a buzz and sense of community when every unit is occupied, and the new businesses bring something fresh and exciting.
“Paragon Arcade has become a real central hub for local independents, with something for everyone. Most of our tenants are open seven days a week, and they really support and complement each other. Everyone knows Paragon Arcade – it’s iconic, and such an important part of Hull.
“We do everything we can to keep the arcade lively and engaging. Our tenants put their heart and soul into their businesses, and that energy really shows.
“The new arrivals are the perfect fit for the mix we’ve built here – creative, high-quality and full of personality.”
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