New restaurant and bar to open in K2 building
NEW EATERY WILL REPLACE THE MUCH-LOVED OPERETTA
THE former home of one of Hull’s most popular Italian restaurants will be the venue for a brand new bar and eatery, expected to open next month.
Operetta closed its doors in 2020 after 28 years in the city centre, however, the building it left behind is taking on a new lease of life.
The Bond Street restaurant was in the hearts of many Hull diners who became loyal to its owners, Carol and Nicola, and the authentic Italian grub they served.
The restaurant opened in 1992, but shut amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, despite Lockdown three now being in full swing, the venue, located in the K2 development, is being prepared to welcome foodies once again.
Jason Ioakeim is the man behind the project, which will simply be called Bond Street Restaurant & Bar.
He has lived in Hull since 2005 and has worked for a variety of the city’s restaurants in his time.
With eating out not currently an option, Mr Ioakeim says he plans to start up as a takeaway before welcoming diners inside when restrictions are lifted.
“With social distancing we have room for about 60 people and another 20 or more when restrictions permit.
“We also have a lot of space outside and we’re in discussions with Hull City Council about making use of that,” he said while revealing his plans.
“I have worked in some popular places in the Hull area and I have a good knowledge of what the local community wants.
“With the takeaway service we want people to have a nice dining experience at home without breaking the bank.
“The restaurant will have a brunch service from around midday until 2pm or 3pm and a dinner service in the evening, with set menus available when the New Theatre reopens.
“I have contacts with all the main suppliers in the area and I am big on keeping things local, buying from local butchers and fruit and veg merchants and supporting the local community.
“This is a great location with plenty of car parking, which is free after 6pm.
“It’s also well-known because Operetta was here for 28 years. We want to be seen as part of the community, not just as a business making a profit.”
He plans to launch the Bond Street Restaurant & Bar takeaway service from mid-february with a team of up to ten and expects to double that when the restaurant opens. He is recruiting now for the kitchen, front of house and delivery drivers.
The menu will focus on British food which is grounded across a variety of cultures, while aiming to offer an array of plant-based alternatives.
“For every meat option on the menu we will aim to offer a plant-based option. We see the health aspect as very important because people are a lot less active at the moment, and I am aware of the growing interest in plant-based food,” Jason said.
“We will focus on British food, which is so multicultural that there will be a lot of other influences, especially with the many plant-based options which we will introduce.”
Reacting to the news, HULLBID executive director Kathryn Shillito said: “We’re delighted to see Jason bringing new ideas to a building which was a favourite destination with diners for so many years and we look forward to working with him as part of the city centre business community.
“HULLBID has extremely close links with the city centre hospitality industry because we recognise it has a vital role as an employer and as an attraction to visitors.
“We have supported it for many years with Hull Street Food Nights and with the Yum! Festival of Food and Drink.
“During 2020 we introduced Dine Wednesdays to promote our excellent pubs, café bars, restaurants and hotels. We will be working with them again to generate more trade during 2021 and we are excited to welcome Bond Street Restaurant & Bar to the city centre.”
We want to be seen as part of the community, not just as a business making a profit
Jason Ioakeim