1884 Marina Bar launches new concept in dining, drinking and entertainment
Dan Poole at 1884 Marina Bar - relishing his new challenge.
A FINE-DINING restaurant which scooped regional and national awards is poised to unveil a new look, a new concept and a new name at the side of Hull Marina.
Work is under way now on converting 1884 Dock Street Kitchen into 1884 Marina Bar in time for a grand opening next month.
Owners Headstart Retail are also progressing with other exciting projects, including the opening in Hessle later this summer of Cucina 1884 and another restaurant in a new location.
1884 Marina Bar will be headed-up by Dan Poole, who at the age of 27 leaves the role of Head Chef at sister restaurant 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar to become Director of the new project. He is recruiting a team of 20 with the promise of bringing something completely different to a district which has become the new heartbeat of Hull’s vibrant social scene.
Dan said: “There will be a strong emphasis on great food and imaginative menus because that’s what I became known for at 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar. We will also have a lot of variety in the drinks offer and we’ll be making the most of the amazing space we have here to provide top quality entertainment.
“I am over the moon to be given this opportunity, I am grateful to everybody who has supported me and I am determined to make 1884 Marina Bar a huge success by bringing a unique concept to Hull and operating it to the highest standards.
“As Director I have responsibility for everything here and I will be very hands-on, particularly in the kitchen where we will combine traditional techniques and tastes to offer modern cuisine at affordable prices. I am putting my team together now and more than anything else I am looking for people who have a strong work ethic and a fervent passion for this industry.”
Dan took his first steps in the restaurant trade at the age of 16 when he was hired after responding to an advertisement for a pot washer at Masons, a highly-rated café bar in Princes Dock Street, Hull. His career took him to restaurants including the Michelin-Star Pipe and Glass at South Dalton and the Triton Inn at Brantingham before he joined the team at The Wilson, a Headstart project which kick-started the regeneration of Hull’s Fruit Market area as a stylish café bar by day with fine dining in the evenings.
Dan progressed to Head Chef at The Wilson and kept the role when it was transformed in May 2015 into 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar under Deborah Spicer, the Director.
Deborah said: “I brought Dan into The Wilson in his early 20s because he was a fantastic chef and when we took the big step up to launch 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar it was an easy decision to appoint him as Head Chef.
“We’ve built a wonderful customer base, we’ve won awards, we’ve gained an excellent reputation and Dan has earned the chance to run his own place. He’ll do a terrific job because he’s a great chef with bags of energy and ideas. Meanwhile 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar will continue to go from strength to strength with the amazing team that we have here.”
1884 Marina Bar is on course to open fully by mid-August. It will operate an outside bar at Humber Street Sesh on Friday 3 August and Saturday 4 August, when 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar is also planning a special food and drink service as the Sesh extends to the west side of Hull Marina for the first time. Both venues will also be open on Saturday 11 August to welcome the crowds of people expected to flock to the area for the City of Culture dominoes event, which will begin at the boatyard.
Dan said: “We’ll reveal more details of our plans during the coming weeks but Hull Marina is the place to be in Hull and we’re bringing something new and exciting.”
The 30 staff who were working at 1884 Dock Street Kitchen when it closed, including the director, James Birch, are expected to transfer to the new projects within the group.
Anyone interested in applying for positions at 1884 Marina Bar should email Dan at Dan@1884marinabar.co.uk
