Flagship restaurant closes as developer explores exciting new venture

James Birch in 1884 Dock Street Kitchen

ONE of the most high-profile restaurants in the region has closed its doors for the final time as its parent company sets its sights on an exciting new project.

Headstart Retail made the decision this week to close 1884 Dock Street Kitchen with immediate effect and is now exploring new options for the building at the side of Hull Marina.

The 30 staff at the restaurant, including the director, James Birch, are still being paid, and most of them are expected to transfer to new roles within the group, which also plans to open a new restaurant, Cucina 1884, in Hessle later this year.

The sister restaurant,1884 Wine and Tapas Bar, remains open as normal and will continue to offer the same 1884 standard of food and service.

James is in the process of contacting people who have made bookings at 1884 Dock Street Kitchen, and he is asking anyone who holds gift vouchers to take them to the restaurant by Saturday 14 July.

The closure comes six years after 1884 Dock Street Kitchen opened and is consistent with Headstart’s history of developing and renewing its portfolio in the restaurant sector.

In 2010 the company unveiled The Wilson, café bar by day and fine-dining restaurant in the evening, and the first of the new wave of food and beverage outlets in the Marina area. The high-end 1884 Dock Street Kitchen followed in June 2012 and went on to garner local, regional and national restaurant awards as well as critical acclaim in the national media and a coveted listing in the Michelin Guide.

In 2015 Headstart launched 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar, which has also won several awards and built a reputation for excellence. Cucina 1884 will be different again, and James said it is now a case of wait and see at 1884 Dock Street Kitchen.

He said: “We have had six fantastic years and we can only say thank you to the customers, suppliers and staff who have supported us throughout that time. But the area around the Marina has changed beyond recognition since we opened, as has the food and drink offer. The number of food and drink outlets which have opened is into double figures, and the time has come for a rethink.

“The success of our projects at The Wilson, 1884 Dock Street Kitchen and 1884 Wine and Tapas Bar underlines Headstart’s commitment to quality. We have a fantastic location in a part of the city which is undergoing a transformation in terms of the social scene and residential development and we are looking at how we make the most of that.

“1884 Wine and Tapas Bar is going from strength to strength and Cucina 1884 will be a superb addition to our stable. Everything we do sets new standards in the hospitality sector, and we’ll be aiming to do the same as we bid farewell to 1884 Dock Street Kitchen.”