HUBBOX Relaunches St Ives ‘Mothership’
Hub St Ives, the original home of the HUBBOX brand, has re-opened following a major refurbishment, new extension, a bold design overhaul, and an evolved food and drink offering.
Hub first opened on the harbourside in St Ives back in 2003 and quickly became a focal point for those seeking great food and drink in a laid-back atmosphere – a place to gather, refuel and watch life in the picturesque harbour unfold.
CEO Richard Boon, who founded the independent Cornish brand, explained: “St Ives is our original home and ‘Mothership’ – the heart and soul of the whole enterprise. It was here that we hit upon the simple Hub concept; American-style street food made with quality local ingredients, with an inspired selection of drinks, in an environment which encourages you to linger.”
He added: “We realised that we had created something which other towns in the South West needed on their beleaguered High Streets, and so the roll-out began.”
The concept was first taken to Truro where a shipping container served as the first HUBBOX in 2012, then to bricks and mortar premises in Exeter, Pentewan, Plymouth, Bristol and Taunton, with a move to a new larger site in Exeter this January.
Six years on and six new venues later, Richard has turned his attention back to where it all began; on the bustling harbourside in his home-town of St Ives.
Neighbouring restaurant Onshore was purchased last year, and the two premises have been knocked into one to create a large open-plan ground floor with various seating areas and terraces; upstairs a further bar and restaurant area boasts a balcony with impressive views of St Ives Bay.
The company’s recently-appointed Head of Food, Grant Nethercott (formerly of Alba restaurant, also in St Ives), has devised a menu featuring Hub classics, as well as some additions inspired by the BBQ grill installed in the newly-fitted kitchen.
Grant said: “We’ve got an awesome team of chefs here in St Ives who are especially looking forward to serving fresh fish and local meat cooked on the BBQ Grill; we’ll be barbequing everything we can get our hands on, from ribs to sardines and our own soon-to-be-classic kebabs.”
Hub St Ives has always kept ahead of the curve when it comes to vegetarian and vegan food, with varied and imaginative options playing a major role on the menu.
The drinks offering has also evolved to reflect the coming-of-age of the craft beer movement, the burgeoning local cider scene, the continuing thirst for top-notch cocktails, and the growing range of non-alcohol alternatives.
Reflecting on the relaunch, Richard said: “I’m really proud that a brand born here in St Ives has been embraced across the South West. The relaunch of our original site is a landmark moment for the company, which now employs 200 people. We have exciting plans on the horizon, with openings in Portsmouth and Cardiff, but we’ll always be a Cornwall-based company, championing Cornwall’s produce, people and potential.”
The expanded and refurbished Hub St Ives reopened on Monday 8th April for all day eating and drinking. Live music and DJ Sessions are planned for the summer. For more info look to social media:
Insta: @hubbox_ | Twitter: @HubStives | Facebook: @HubStives | www.hubbox.co.uk www.hub-stives.co.uk