Butler Whites

This casual bistro restaurant occupies the carefully transformed warehouse of local fruit merchants Butler & Whites, the functional interior given a sophisticated update. Still in evidence is the framework of metal beams beneath the building’s roof, and nods towards the building’s heritage are seen in the signage on the back wall, with leather seating and a dark wooden bar newly installed. This is a stylish environment in which to enjoy a drink or carefully prepared meal – made with produce delivered from the long-established wholesaler that gives the restaurant its name.

The menu is extensive, beginning with a selection of baked goods for the table that includes nduja butter and fior di latte bread. There are charcuterie and seafood slates for one to three people, starters and grazers featuring the likes of charred asparagus and crispy duck egg with crumbled goats cheese, beetroot puree and hazelnut praline, or Asian-inspired pulled pork dumplings served with a Hoisin-style date jam. Alternatively, you can choose from a selection of what Butler Whites calls ‘baked doughs’, topped with ingredients such as confit garlic chicken and marinated ground lamb, as well as the restaurant’s meat-heavy list of mains. Sunday lunch includes two additions: rare roast sirloin or Yorkshire-sourced lamb, served with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, glazed carrots, and cabbage and cauliflower cheese. 

Butler Whites was the first eatery to open in the Fruit Market Hull regeneration project, the team eager to land a spot in an area rich with heritage and cultural ambition. A key player in the new independent quarter of shops, restaurants and creative spaces ever since, Butler Whites regularly hosts special events to coincide with Hull’s cultural calendar, organising pop-up cocktail bars, in-house DJs, art installations and unplugged acts to run alongside the annual Humber Street Sesh, Freedom Festival and Hull Folk and Maritime Festival.

For more things to do in Hull, explore our guide to the city.