“There’s nowhere else like this anywhere in the country.”
So says Michelle Bryant, owner of Pots on Pier Street, off Humber Street, at the heart of Hull’s thriving Fruit Market.
The pottery painting and creative studio is one of an eclectic mix of independent businesses in this unique part of the city.
The Fruit Market and Hull Marina area is characterised by plenty of places where you can eat and drink, shop and take part in other fun, leisurely activities.
Pots on Pier Street is a recent addition, where customers can explore their creative side in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Michelle says: “When you are pottery painting, you lose all track of anything else going on in your life – I love the mindfulness of it. It brings real joy to people.”
Customers can book in during the week or at weekends, and Michelle also hosts evening events.
“People can go for brunch on Humber Street on a Sunday morning before coming here, or they can go for a drink and something to eat after one of our events on a Friday evening,” she says.
“All the businesses down here support each other, and they bring such a great vibe to the area. Everyone is so friendly, and there’s so much to do – it’s a special place.”
Alice Thomson and Joseph Cox have jointly run Form Shop & Studio, on Humber Street, since 2017 – Hull’s year as City of Culture.
Its unique offer is design-led gifts, including artwork, homewares, stationary, games and puzzles, and greetings cards. Many are designed by Joseph himself in the upstairs studio, along with other local artists.
Form also collaborates with houseplant specialist store Plant & Paint across the street to host the ‘Good Things Makers Market’, which attracts around 3,000 visitors to shop for crafts, ceramics, jewellery, plants and much more.
“We make well-made gifts – for other people, or yourself,” says Alice.
“Every business down here is unique, and we work together to make it an amazing area to visit. The market is a good example of that, and people can spend the whole day here.”
Joseph says: “You won’t find anything like this place in any other city, because every business down here is independent.
“There’s just something very special about it.”
Tapasya @Marina, on nearby Humber Dock Street, facing the beautiful Hull Marina, is one of numerous places where visitors can enjoy exquisite cuisine.
Tapan Mahapatra, owner of the multi-award-winning fine dining Indian restaurant, says: “What we serve isn’t what many people in this country traditionally think of Indian food being like. It’s very different, and we’re passionate about giving people a unique experience.
“That’s what makes this area so special – there aren’t any chain companies, and there’s so much variety.
“We’re all independent companies, and we complement each other to provide visitors to the area with a fantastic experience.”
