£1m Indian restaurant creates 30 new jobs at Hull’s Fruit Market

Plans have been revealed for the launch of a new restaurant in Hull’s Fruit Market, marking in the latest major investment into the city’s cultural and creative quarter.

Tapan Mahapatra and Mukesh Tirkoti are the men behind the Tapasya restaurant brand, which includes Tapasya’ s first restaurant located on Beverley Road in Hull and Tapasya Catering.

The duo have also announced plans to open a new signature restaurant in September 2016.

Overlooking Hull Marina and aptly named “Tapasya @ Marina”, the new restaurant will create 30 jobs following an investment of £1m.

The restaurant, based in the former CatZero building in Humber Dock Street, will be opening its doors for lunches, evening meals and special occasion parties.

Tapan Mahapatra, founder of Tapasya, said: “Our latest investment is a clear sign we are making a strong commitment to support and stimulate the regeneration of the Fruit Market area and promote tourism in Hull ahead of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, of which we are strong advocates.

“We’re excited by the vision for the renewal of the Fruit Market and the substantial investments that are being made to make the area a thriving place of culture, creativity and commercial activity.

“We believe the Fruit Market is the perfect place for more local people and visitors to the city to enjoy Tapasya’s unique dining experience.”

The announcement is the latest development in the rejuvenation of the Fruit Market area, which is being driven forward by the joint venture company formed by regeneration firm Wykeland Group and residential developer Beal Homes, in partnership with Hull City Council.

The development partners have revealedtheir vision for the £80m regenerationof the Fruit Market as “a unique, vibrant, cultural quarter where people live, work and play”.

The creation of an urban village includes new and refurbished commercial, retail and leisure space centred on Humber Street. New independent shops, restaurants, cafes and galleries will be complemented by more than 100 new mews-style homes around private courtyards, subject to planning permission.

David Donkin, property director of Hull-based Wykeland, said: “We’re delighted Tapasya’s owners are bringing their admired brand and refined dining experience to the Fruit Market.

“Tapasya fits the bill ideally for our vision for the Fruit Market as a place featuring high-quality independent operations offering a diverse and complementary leisure and retail experience, supported by a rapidly-growing commercial community

At the helm of Tapasya @Marina’s kitchens is a new Chef from a Michelin Star restaurant in London.

Mukesh Tirkoti said: “The new restaurant will bring 30 new job opportunities into Hull. We will also be offering a take-away menu for boat owners in the Marina which will be the first of its kind in the area.”