It’s been described as “the best of Hull”. Hull’s Trinity Square, including Trinity Market and Hepworth Arcade, offers a truly diverse mix of food and drink, shopping, activities and other unique experiences. It’s the wide range of its independent businesses that sets this city centre location apart.
Hearth, on King Street, is one of the standout places to dine in the area. It comprises both a restaurant and bakery, with a focus on sourcing the best possible local ingredients and cooking them to an incredibly high standard.
Ryan Telford, co-owner and head chef, says: “We do really high-quality food, and a lot of cooking over fire. The menus have really developed over the last couple of years. “It’s a casual, relaxed and happy atmosphere, which is what you generally get around here. “For me, this part of Hull is an example of how important independent businesses are. You don’t see any chains around here, and that makes it special. It’s the best of Hull.
Fellow co-owner and baker Caitlin Ogden adds: “We keep the bakery very relaxed, and people can just pop in. There’s a big focus on our breads and our pastries, and everything is made in-house. “It’s a really nice community here, with a lot of independents, and we all know each other and support each other.”
Trinity Market offers something for everyone, including record shop Mr Spin It Records, which has been in business for over 31 years. It’s believed to be the oldest vinyl-only shop in the country.
Owner Steve Mathie says: “I made my first deal in a school yard when I was aged 12 – after that, I knew there was a business to be had! “I have nearly 20,000 LPs here, dating from the 50s up to modern day. “I would say around 80 per cent of my customers come from outside of Hull. They come from all over the country – Peterborough, Bristol, London. Word of mouth is a big thing for us because we’re a collectors’ shop. People will make a special journey because they know they’ll get what they want.”
Linked to Trinity Market is Hepworth Arcade, where Graham Williams has been ‘custodian’ of family-owned Dinsdales since 1978. The joke and trick shop has been in business for 95 years, with famous visitors over that time including Tommy Cooper, Derren Brown and Reece Shearsmith. “We get people coming here from all over the country because we’re very niche,” says Graham. “Grandmas are our best customers, bringing their grandchildren in! “It’s very important for Hull to have such a mix of independent businesses. People are attracted here because it’s unique, and it’s the independent businesses they want.”
