Independent shops, restaurants and big name retailers all feature in our round-up of the year
It’s been a busy year for Hull businesses with a raft of launches, not least new food offerings in the shape of major international chains and independents. We’ve also seen big, job-creating moves alongside opportunities for fledgling entrepreneurs to establish themselves. However, a powerful tide of challenges facing many business – such as increased costs, weak demand and economic uncertainty – have sadly taken their toll on some of the region’s companies. Here’s our run-down of this year’s openings and closures.
Food glorious food
US burger chain Five Guys kicked off the year, launching its first Hull restaurant at Kingswood Leisure Park. The drive thru restaurant is open from 8am-11pm every day of the week, offering the brand’s renowned burgers, hotdogs and sandwiches such as grilled cheese and BLT – of course with copious amounts of fries.
Coffee lovers were treated to a new spot in the shape of Daze, within the newly renovated former Europa House. The landmark city centre property has undergone a multimillion-pound makeover at the hands of city firm Allenby Commercial, turning it into modern workspace and hospitality hub called Monocle. Daze, run by Lukas Brdlik of Prague’s Anonymous Bar, is open Monday to Friday from 8am-6pm, offering specialty coffee, matcha and Japanese teas, house-branded lager, cocktails plus pastries, toasties, salads and breakfast bowls.
Just a few minutes walk away, over on King Edwards Street, pan-Asian fast food chain Chopstix opened up in the summer. The “quick serve” specialists dish up noodle and rice boxes with toppings such as ‘cherry kiss chicken’, ‘firecracker chicken’ and ‘salt and pepper’ potatoes.
And while its temporary closure might have caused some concern earlier in the year, the return of Iron Lillies – this time with a new menu – promises a more affordable experience. The botanical garden-themed eatery is the work of leisure firm Tokyo Industries, which also owns the Princes Quay Shopping Centre where Iron Lillies is.
Fans of Mediterranean flavours might want to check out Hull’s newest Greek restaurant. Agora has been opened up by the proprietors of The Greek, which occupied the same spot on Princes Avenue. The owners are describing it as a “Greek restaurant with a Hull accent” with flatbreads, octopus. Chicken and lamb skewers on the menu, which has sharing in mind.
And one of the last openings this year has been the re-launch of what was formerly Foxy’s Snackbar, on the corner of Wyndham Street and Argyle Street near Hull Royal infirmary. The food fan – a firm favourite among Hull City fans – has reopened with Ariss Catering at the helm. Chef Chanda Massey is serving up traditional English breakfasts, as well as burgers, hot dogs and her signature curries which have proven a hit with early customers.
Four new businesses – including two new restaurants – launched in the historic Paragon Arcade. Swine & Soul, The Fairy Godmothers Bakes, Norma Sicilian Pasta Kitchen and Mae Hair Room, by Ellie make up the latest additions to the Victorian shopping arcade which has become a favourite location of independents thanks amid investment from Allenby Commercial.
A big year for retail
Not all new business launches involved food and drink though. And perhaps there are some future Paragon Arcade occupiers who tested their wares at the Hull Emporium. The pop-up space on Paragon Street was the work of the Making Changes for Careers programme and offered up and coming entrepreneurs the chance to test ideas while receiving help and advice along the way.
In a major boost for Hull jobs, online retail giant Amazon is estimated to have created about 2,000 roles with the recent opening of its sprawling fulfilment centre at North Ferriby. The warehouse, known as DSA2, is part of a multibillion-pound investment in the UK from Amazon and inside features robots that move items around the building in pods.
Another big name retailer – Asda – brought its concept store to Anlaby Retail Park. The Asda Living site has been transformed into a standalone George store that promises a “true haven for fashion and homeware fans”. And a home department features interiors, garden and lifestyle items, including Asda’s celebrity endorsed product ranges.
Closures
Sadly, we have also lost a number of businesses during 2025. Spiralling energy prices, tax hikes and the cost of living crisis are some of the issues that have proven too burdensome for some Hull employers.
Perhaps the most high profile of those losses was Vivergo Fuels’ Saltend Chemicals Park plant, which produced bioethanol. Bosses at the firm had lobbied the Government for measures to buoy up the sector in the face of overwhelming competition caused by the US-UK trade deal which removed a 19% tariff on ethanol imports coming in from the US. Around 160 jobs were lost in the closure, which Vivergo owner Associated British Foods also said would be felt across thousands of jobs in its supply chain. It accused the Government of having “thrown away billions in potential growth in the Humber”.
In October, Hull firm Tucker Mechanical & Electrical Building Services closed its doors after more than 50 years trading. The Sutton Fields company called in administrators having faced a winding up petition. It led to the loss of more than 60 jobs following what the insolvency experts said had been difficulties caused by rising material and labour costs, pressure on margins and late payments. Documents later showed that Tucker owed around £4.7m to more than 200 creditors with a dispute with its largest customer cited as the blow which “crippled” its finances.
More than 70 jobs were lost when neighbouring Sutton Fields firm Kingston Modular Systems collapsed in September. The construction company had been designing and making modular buildings and luxury park and leisure homes for 10 years before cash flow issues prompted it to look for a buyer – a search that ultimately failed. Kingston Modular had been founded in 2016 and made a name of itself supplying to the healthcare, education and tourism sectors. During the pandemic it had delivered new hospital wards.
In April we learned one of the city’s most loved independent businesses would be closing owing to ill health. Hullaballoon was launched in 2007 by Elaine Hakim and her son Mark Carter in 2007, with the duo originally selling balloons at Hull Fair. After a large sale, the Beverley Road party shop shut its doors in May.
Meanwhile, Poundland’s struggles hit home in Hull in August when the chain’s St Andrews Retail Park and Holderness Road branches were closed. The move was part of a wider plan including the closure of 68 stores and intended to secure its future on the high street. The budget retailer had faced collapse until a turnaround plan was approved by a High Court judge in the same month.