Half Past the Weekend is back!

28 April, 2011

With the support of Hull BID, owners of McCoy’s and Leonardo’s Bistro Bar joined forces to deliver Half Past the Weekend, which is aimed at raising the profile of city centre restaurants and cafe bars.

The event launched over the Easter weekend, with free live music along Princes Dock Street, and was very popular with audiences enjoying the sunshine and waterside location.

Half Past The Weekend continues every Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5.30pm.

“The original event had live music along Princes Dock Street every Wednesday evening,” said Mark Bayston, owner of McCoy’s.

“This year Leonardo’s Bistro Bar will be providing the live music on the Wednesday night and we will deliver the entertainment on a Thursday night. We’re still putting the finishing touches to our programme but the aim will be to provide a platform for local musicians and to show people what the city centre has to offer in the food and drink sector in the early evening.”

Both businesses have already invested in the installation of toughened glass screens around the outdoor dining areas along Princes Dock Street and Paul Gregory, owner of Leonardo’s Bistro Bar, said the effort is already paying off.

“Everybody knows these are difficult times but our business is up more than 20 per cent so far this year,” said Paul.

“I think that’s a result of the work we put in last summer to promote this part of the city centre and to encourage people to visit us in the early evening. The improvements to the outdoor areas will help us build on that as will the return of Half Past the Weekend, with even more entertainment than was provided last year.”

The investment has been welcomed by Hull BID, which works to support businesses within the city centre.

“We always do what we can to create and promote city centre events and activities but the return of Half Past the Weekend is down to Mark and Paul,” said Kathryn Shillito, Hull BID City Centre Manager.

“We’re delighted that they are not only bringing back an event that was so successful last year bit that they have managed to make it bigger and better. We look forward to seeing McCoy’s, Leonardo’s Bistro bar and other venues benefit as a result.”