The operator of the food hall, Artisan Food Hall HoH Ltd, has confirmed that the venture has left the building, in Ferensway, calling the departure “hugely disappointing” and “a big loss for Hull”. It is understood that Artisan is involved in a legal dispute with the owners of the building. A spokesperson for Artisan said they had been committed to the food hall and hoped to reopen in a new location in the city.

The agent for the building’s owners declined to comment.

Now, Coun Paul Drake-Davis, the portfolio holder for regeneration, has asked Guildhall officials to set up a meeting with the owners of the building – which was home to the House of Fraser department store until its closure in 2018 – to discuss its future. ResQ, the call centre on the first floor of the former department store, is understood to be running as normal, along with other companies letting office space in the building.

Confirmation of the closure of Hammonds of Hull follows months of speculation about the future of the food hall, amid concerns about dwindling footfall and the departure of several concessions. The doors closed on Monday, March 6, with managers initially saying it would be a temporary measure.

However, in recent weeks, stock and furniture has been removed from the interior. The windows of the venue have been papered over and a removal van was spotted on Tuesday (March 28).

The spokesperson for Artisan said: “It employed more than 150 people and invested in the regeneration of the building to create a successful operation. It was on track. We would like to thank all of the staff employed and our partners for providing support at all times.

“It was a success story in every way, with more than 300 wines, the deli counter, the vinyl bar, live music by talented local artists. Internally we supported local artists who painted the walls and provided an environment focused on Hull and the history surrounding Yorkshire.

“It’s hugely disappointing, a huge loss to the community, visitors to Hull, the public and our suppliers in Yorkshire, the loss of jobs, salaries gone, and millions of pounds invested. We thank the town for their support and hope to secure a new location soon, in order to continue the journey; landlords, please get in touch if you have a building we can relocate to.”

The Hammonds of Hull food hall opened in a blaze of publicity in December 2021. It promised to offer a new approach to eating and drinking in Hull and featured food concessions, a bar, stalls and space for live music, along with locally sourced goods for sale.

However, by the summer of last year, questions were being asked about its viability after the departure of several concessions, concerns about disappointing footfall and criticism of “high prices”. A relaunch in July featured a new tapas venue, more live music, plans for outdoor market stalls and children’s entertainment.

In recent months, a World Cup fan zone and a Saturday Makers’ Market, featuring craft goods, were introduced. Hammonds of Hull also lodged a pavement licence application in a bid to put out 65 tables, 204 chairs and 30 barriers for an outdoor area.

Hammonds of Hull: Popular Yorkshire food hall closes for good after legal dispute with building owner