South West-based burger and barbecue restaurant Hub Box have closed their city-centre site to focus on a new larger 3,400sq ft flagship opening in Plymouth’s Royal William Yard this Easter.
Founder Richard Boon said: “With a heavy heart, we’ve decided to permanently close our restaurant on Old Town Street, Plymouth, but are thrilled to announce that work has started on our new flagship site in the iconic Melville Building in Royal William Yard. Taking up residence on the ground floor of the Grade1 listed Melville block, we’ll be the first business to open in the building following extensive renovations. Expected to open around Easter, we cannot wait to show you how we’ve transformed this historic building.”
The new 180-seat restaurant and bar will take up residence on the ground floor of the Grade 1 listed Melville block in the former naval yard. Effectively offering double the space of the previous restaurant, the new site will include an indoor and outdoor courtyard and waterfront areas. Overlooking the Royal William Yard Marina, Hub Box is planning to bring its “signature unique and vibrant style” to the yard with a design that’s a “celebration of South West coast and surf culture, with a modern and spirited feel”.
Regeneration specialists Urban Splash, who have been developing Plymouth’s Royal William Yard for 20 years, are also bringing an Everyman Cinema and negotiating with another unnamed restaurateur about opening in one of three unclaimed ground-floor units.
Emily Handslip, Urban Splash commercial director, said: “We are so excited that Hub Box is joining us at Royal William Yard and adding to the amazing hospitality offer here; this is an incredible place to visit with something for everyone, and it’s just about to get even better.
“Melville is a truly iconic building, sensitively and skilfully restored to its former glory and fit for the future. It feels especially rewarding to have a successful local independent business be the first to open here and make this special space its new Plymouth home.”
Hub Box has 10 restaurants including sites in Truro, Falmouth, Pentewan, St Ives, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Portsmouth and Exeter.
