Tats not all folks! Ink studio and sushi bar join the arcade
NEW TRADERS ADD TO THE QUIRKY OFFERING AT SHOPPING HOTSPOT
TATTOOS and Asian street food will be the latest offerings opening up in one of Hull’s most diverse shopping arcades.
Paragon Arcade has announced two new independent businesses which are opening and joining a raft of other small quirky businesses.
Paragon Tattoo has launched in the Victorian arcade off Paragon Street, while a sushi bar serving gyoza and other vegan dishes will be next to open.
Oishii Ne, which specialises in Japanese food, will open next Wednesday in the arcade. Both business owners have said they’re delighted to be launching their latest ventures in the city centre.
Profession tattoo artist Lee Humphries has been creating designs in ink for nine years following previous careers as a lower-league footballer and in pharmaceuticals. Previously, he has worked by renting space in beauty studios and freelance, relying on social media and word of mouth.
Lee, who specialises in miniature tattoos such as tiny butterflies and bees, said he was thrilled to open in the Paragon Arcade adding the stunning, quirky venue had “the vibe” he needed.
“Tattooing has exploded and it’s quite a competitive market, but there are not many of us doing the miniature stuff,” he said.
“I like to include genuine anatomical accuracy with everything. It’s a big selling point of my work and attracts a lot of people who wouldn’t get a tattoo otherwise.
“The new studio will help. I was quite happy where I was but when the opportunity arose with [owners] Allenby Commercial to have a look at Paragon Arcade I couldn’t turn it down.
“It’s such a nice area and really central and in the heart of the city. I have the music I want and the vibe I want.”
Tom Would, who owns Oishii Ne, said he was looking forward to joining his new neighbour, Lee. The chef has toured Hull with his pop-up restaurant, whose name comes from the Japanese word for “delicious”.
“Everybody down there is really nice,” he said. “They have been really welcoming.
“Having met Lee, I might even get a tattoo. I’ve been thinking about it for a while and a miniature one would be nice.”
Paragon Arcade, built in 1896, has been turned into a launch pad for indie businesses in Hull, commercial agents Allenby said, with discussions currently under way for existing tenants to expand and new clients to move in.
Currently the small row of shops includes clothing store Supply Haus, independent bakery Michilg and baby clothes retailer, Belle & Benjamin.