We had a chat with Arron Edwards of HoH Food Hall to find out what his teams have in store for our tastebuds.
We’re sure you’re just as excited as we are about the upcoming launch of the HoH Food Hall. Based within the historic former Hammonds building opposite Paragon Interchange, an innovative team has been busy reinvigorating the premises to create something extra special for our city.
HoH Food Hall has been designed by a community of foodies, creatives and emerging artists and will soon present over a dozen food and beverage locations. From the Vinyl Lounge to the Tin Man Bar and 1821 Cocktail and Coffee (paying tribute to the year H.W. Hammond opened his first drapery shop in Hull), it’s going be a wonderful celebration for all the senses. To give you a flavour of what’s in store, we had a chat with Head Chef, Arron Edwards, to find out what’s cooking.
“As you walk in, on the left-hand side you’ll instantly spot the coffee bar and pastry section,” says Arron. “We’ve gone for a European-style setting that offers a wide range of caffeinated pick-me-ups and delicious treats, so you can grab and go or relax in stylish surroundings.
“Walk past the coffee bar and into the main food hall for The Butchers Block. Here you’ll find flaming grills, dry-aged meats and everything you need to satisfy your inner carnivore. There’s also the woodfired pizza oven, which is a beautiful bit of kit from Italy. That’s where our chefs will be flipping freshly made dough and topping it with whatever you’re in the mood for, making it a chilled and personalised dining destination.”
Arron tells us that the central kitchen further into the building is where customers can choose from a selection of big pan cooking. With a wide range of slow-cooked dishes available, you can watch the chefs preparing your food and see them put their fantastic skills into action.
“Chefs are often hidden behind the scenes,” says Arron. “We believe that seeing your food being prepared is all part of the foodie experience, plus our chefs love having a chat with customers about what’s on the menu and are ready to recommend interesting new dishes.”
The team here at Hull Is This can’t wait to see what the HoH Food Hall chefs have in mind, plus at just £4.50 for a medium dish and £8 for a large portion, it sounds like the perfect place to pacify a rumbling belly.
“The fit-out of the building is incredible,” adds Arron. “Every element has been given the attention it deserves and the result really is quite special. There’s communal seating and you can even sit at the pizza and grill bars if you fancy watching our talented chefs do their thing. There’s nothing quite like seeing a ribeye steak being cooked by someone who’s passionate about good food.”
Entrusting Arron with the crucial role of Head Chef was an excellent decision by HoH Food Hall, as his career in the dining sector is very impressive. Having lived his formative years in the Pennines, he moved to Australia and ran two successful restaurants. Now that he’s back in good old Yorkshire, Arron is managing all aspects of HoH Food Hall’s dining locations.
“When the opportunity was presented to me I practically bit their hands off,” he says. “A few times in the past when I visited Hull it seemed to me that the city was crying out for something like this, so it’s very exciting to be at the heart of the action. People in this region are definitely food-orientated, so there’s going to be a great response when we open to the public.”
Speaking of which, HoH Food Hall will formally open its doors on Friday 3 December. The team has organised a weekend-long launch event featuring live music, local street food concessions and entertainment in collaboration with HullBID. With fresh food prepared by its multiple bars and grills, not to mention a deli section, charcuterie, wines and much more available to purchase and take home, be sure to put this special opening event in your diary.
Whilst the building has been thoroughly renovated, those who used to eat at Hammonds back in the day will be delighted to hear that the Picadish Parlour Menu is part of HoH Food Hall’s core offering. Celebrating the finest treats from some of Yorkshire’s best producers, the very name “Picadish” will surely bring back fond memories. Once a favourite spot for enjoying a knickerbocker glory, the new menu includes mouth-watering gelato as well as artisanal cakes and tarts.
“We cater to not only casual diners and shoppers but also people who want to make a day or a night of it,” adds Arron. “HoH Food Hall is a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant social hub where you can grab a bite, meet likeminded people and explore what Italy and Yorkshire have to offer. It truly is a foodie’s paradise.”
To keep up to date with all things HoH Food Hall, you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.