Hull’s first 'subculture' hair salon opens in the city’s Fruit Market

Hull’s first subculture hair salon is the latest independant business to join the lineup in the city’s regenerated Fruit Market.

Mousey Brown’s caters for a wide spectrum of alternative styles, including punk, goth, hipster, mod and hip-hop, but also welcomes customers wanting a more conventional cut.

The 650 sq ft salon in Humber Street, in the centre of the Fruit Market, is designed with exposed brickwork and repurposed fixtures and fittings, respecting the heritage of the area as the former home of Hull’s wholesale fruit and vegetable trade.

The new salon employs four stylists as well as a freelance hair colour artist and a nail technician.

Andy Hampel, co-owner of the salon, said: “We were very well aware of the community spirit in the area and being able to connect a business to that was what really excited us about this opportunity.

“This is a great, new hub of community and culture that people are really flocking to. For us it’s about being part of that community and the location is just amazing. The area has been under-used in the past but now it’s really coming to life.”

Vintage hairstyles specialist Sarah Clayton, who manages Mousey Brown’s, added: “Humber Street and the Fruit Market are perfect for what we’ve created – the environment, which is very different from a typical salon, and the range of styles we do. There’s nothing like it in Hull.

“There’s a fantastic atmosphere here and we will add to the buzz because a hair salon is like a community – a place where people meet and talk.

“I love all the individual places on Humber Street. None of them are big brands – they’re all people with real skills and a passion for what they do. Being here really brings that out. It’s a magnet for creative people.”

The transformation of the Fruit Market is being delivered by Wykeland Beal, a joint venture company formed by regeneration company Wykeland Group and housebuilder Beal Homes, working in partnership with Hull City Council.

The area’s rejuvenation has included a multi-million pounds refurbishment programme to bring derelict buildings in and around Humber Street back into use.

Other new businesses attracted to Humber Street within the past year have included restaurants Ambiente Tapas and Butler Whites; arts venue Humber Street Gallery; the Humber Street Distillery Co gin bar; and vintage fashion brand Poorboy Boutique.

The Fruit Market’s commercial opportunities will be complemented by 101 new mews-style homes around private courtyards, due to start construction before the end of 2017.

Tom Watson, Development Surveyor at Wykeland, speaking on behalf of Wykeland Beal, said: “Our vision for Humber Street is for a vibrant mix of independent retail, leisure, cultural and commercial uses and that is now taking shape.

“The provision of refurbished premises in a unique location offers a fantastic opportunity for a diverse range of entrepreneurial companies at a time when City of Culture is attracting people to Hull from far and wide.

“We’re delighted that both new and previously established businesses are doing so well as the Fruit Market becomes established as an exciting new destination.”

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