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An ambitious new restaurant and bar could open in Princes Quay Shopping Centre, complete with a pond, giant lily pads and “luscious greenery”.
Called “Iron Lilies”, the theme restaurant would take over the large corner unit that was once home to the Virgin Megastore in the 1990s and 2000s. Concept photos show it would be one of the most impressive-looking venues in Hull.
The unusual vision celebrates the “whimsical world of botany”, according to a planning application submitted by Tokyo Industries, which owns Princes Quay. The application seeks to change the use of a unit from shop use to a 200-seat restaurant and bar.
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While details have been released of how the venue would look, there is little information at this stage as to what type of food and drink would be served. A business plan within the application flows with rather poetic language, outlining the vision and ambience of the place.
“Iron Lilies is a concept that celebrates the whimsical world of botany,” it states. “This new restaurant and bar concept will feature themed areas taking you on a journey through the lily pond and to sit among the overgrown greenery and giant lily pads.”
The bar would have “an artistic, vibrant entrance that will make a statement”. The application adds: “Just off the bar is a botanical casual bar/dining area (The Palm Room) where you can sit among the overgrown ivy and luscious greenery and twinkling lighting, creating an intimate and enchanting dining experience. The Palm Room has both direct access to the bar and on to the river terrace seating area.”
The business plan describes how the main restaurant will look. It states: “The restaurant oozes enchanting botanicals. This is a vast space with a glazed roof drawing in natural light and large windows with views along the ‘river’, making this restaurant dining space a unique dining experience.
“Walk along the paths that pass through the featured lily pond and you will make your way to the whimsical tree house dining area. The theming and sets throughout add to the magic of this restaurant and bar experience.”
A “River Terrace”, which presumably refers to an area overlooking Princes Dock, “will be outdoors, but will have a retractable canopy for weather protection so people can enjoy al fresco dining all year round”.
Radical overhaul
Tokyo Industries took ownership of Princes Quay in 2021. Previously, owner Aaron Mellor has spoken of a radical overhaul that could transform the fortunes of the centre, with a focus on food, drink and leisure.
His vision includes creating the high street of the future at the 35-year-old landmark. He has suggested turning the Harbour Deck into an artisan food hall, attracting new experimental digital-based retailers and turning vacant units into pop-up spaces for artists.
Mr Mellor previously said: “The aim is to create a really new exciting creative food and beverage destination right in the city centre and linking on to Princes Dock Street, which is already a vibrant nighttime economy, and the awesome Humber Street, which is one of the most creative and exciting streets we have seen in the UK. This all links perfectly.”
The most high-profile new arrival since the takeover has been BrewDog, the craft beer bar that opened in the centre in April last year. There are also other plans afoot, however. Just a few months ago a planning application, light on detail, was submitted for a new theatre space.
In addition, four units are expected to be changed from retail to mixed-use as a “family leisure destination”. The units are located in the Main Deck of Princes Quay adjacent to each other and opposite those in the Bag It Vintage shop row.
The restaurant application will be considered by Hull City Council planners within the next few weeks, with a decision expected in May.
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