Postcard from: Hull - UK City of Culture 2017

Hull marina. Image courtesy of University of Hull

This January Hull was named the ‘2017 UK City of Culture’, the UK’s second ever city to have been nominated (Liverpool was nominated in 2008). Hull will now proudly carry the torch for four years, celebrating its nomination with a programme of cultural events throughout 2017 and beyond.
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I visited Hull during the ‘Made in Hull’ opening week, which kicked off with a bang. During the week, Hull celebrated its history with an impressive display of projections and installations, which saw the crowds come out in droves, signalling a promising start to the year. 

Hull Marina. Image courtesy of Neil Nicklin Photography

You can feel the excitement in the air in Hull - the galleries are jumping for joy as they’ve surpassed their average yearly footfall targets and local businesses are reaping the benefits of more visitors to the city, which has instilled a real sense of pride amongst the locals.
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It looks like former Culture Secretary Andy Bernham got it right when he set up City of Culture for the UK, seeing is as a ‘fantastic opportunity to use culture as a catalyst for economic growth’. 

Hull and East Riding Museum. Image courtesy of DayOutWithTheKids.co.uk

To help you make the most of your visit to Hull, we’ve compiled our top picks of things to see and do throughout the year.

Museums in Hull

• Hull and East Riding Museum – If you love history, you’ll love this museum which features a Roman bath house with an incredible collection of Roman mosaics
• Ferens Art Gallery – Ferens Art Gallery is the primary art gallery in Hull, which recently received a large cash injection thanks to Hull being named as the 2017 UK City of Culture. Here you’ll find an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by European Old Masters, portraiture, marine painting, and modern and contemporary British art
• Maritime Museum – This impressive museum celebrates the great whaling, fishing and trading history of Hull

Furley & Co. Image courtesy of Furley & Co.

Dining and foodie delights in Hull

Furley and Co  (casual dining)
This lively, low-key restaurant is conveniently positioned near the marina. The food here is casual -think quality fast food, such as burgers and falafel wraps. I loved the falafel wrap, with its warm, soft bread served with a side of thick-cut, lightly battered haloumi chips served with a spicy chilli sauce. Beverages include craft beers or for those with a sweet tooth, incredible milkshakes. 

Ambiente. Image courtesy of Ambiente.

Ambiente (tapas)
​If you love tapas, head to Ambiente, an industrial style tapas bar located on Humber Street, a trendy are near the marina. Guests have the option of ordering from a selection of small dishes or sharing boards. To complement your meal, try the sherry tasters, where the staff will guide you through a selection of sherrys and recommended food pairings to accompany each sherry. For group bookings, diners can enjoy the party booth, where they can play their own music and select their own lighting! 

A decadent cake from Cocoa Chocolatier. Image courtesy of Cocoa Chocolatier.

Caffeinated (coffee)
This casual coffee shop in Trinity Market is a great place to get your caffeine fix.

Cocoa Chocolatier
Love chocolate? Head to this chocolatier on Humber Street where you can buy artisan chocolates and cakes. They also offer chocolate-making courses for those who want to try their hand at the craft.
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When to visit - Upcoming highlights from the April – June Programme

Not sure when to visit? We’ve inserted below our top picks of things to see and do from now until June:

‘Poppies: Weeping Window’
Summary: This stunning and emotive public art installation by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper first debuted at the Tower of London. If you missed it the first-time round, now’s your chance.

• Dates: Now – 14 May
• Location: The Maritime Museum

‘Back to Ours’
Summary: This programme of theatre and comedy events held across eight venues is certain to delight. 

• Dates: 30 May – 4 June

‘Where Are We Now’
Summary: This programme of workshops, spoken word, hip – hop ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Dates: 2-4 June

‘The Height of the Reeds’
Summary: This sound journey on the Humber Bridge, the 8th longest bridge in the world spanning 2,220 metres, is currently sold out but due to its popularity, they may extend it, so keep an eye out.

• Dates: TBC
• Location:  Humber Bridge

*During my visit, I was hosted by Hull 2017. All words and opinions are my own.

Elinor Seath