Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce

Monocle opens: Hull’s new hub for modern business and coffee culture launches with style

The ground floor Daze coffee house, which is open to the public.

DEVELOPED by Allenby Commercial, Monocle is already home to six forward-thinking businesses and includes Daze, its ground floor coffee house which is open to the general public.

The Monocle building has undergone a complete transformation, from its original mirrored façade to a new clear-glass front symbolising openness and connection.

Located next to Paragon Interchange, Monocle offers up to 60,000 sq ft of high-specification workspace, a business lounge with co-working spaces, podcast studio, private gym, event space and a city garden.

The building’s distinctive curved shape inspired the name Monocle, a nod to its circular form and newfound transparency.

Originally called Europa House, the property celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Allenby Commercial has paid homage to that heritage in it design, with warm, 70s-inspired interiors and colour palettes, while delivering a thoroughly modern experience.

Some of the original windows have been recycled as mirrors in the members’ gym. Other eco-friendly features include reclaimed raised access floor panels. Solar panels cover the roof and there are charging points for e-bikes and scooters.

Nearly all the first-floor studios are occupied, with phase two of the stunning development already underway.

Charlie Allenby, Development Director at Allenby Commercial, said: “Monocle has always been about reimagining what a workspace should be.

“We’ve taken a 50-year-old building and transformed it into something truly modern – not just in look, but in how it works for people.

“It’s more than an office – it’s a place that reflects the way we want to live and work now.”

Georgia Allenby, Design and Marketing Director, added: “The design of Monocle celebrates the building’s 1970s heritage, but with a bold, modern twist.

“It’s much more than just a place to work – it’s a destination designed to bring people together.

“Daze and the business lounge are the social core – stylish, curated spaces with real soul.

“We’ve poured so much into every detail, and it’s wonderful to see people already using the space exactly as we imagined: to collaborate, to relax and to be inspired.”

Daze, open Monday to Friday from 8am–6pm, will offer specialty coffee, matcha and Japanese teas, house-branded lager, signature cocktails and healthy food options.

It is run by hospitality expert Lukas Brdlik, formerly of Prague’s acclaimed Anonymous Bar.

Lukas said: “Daze is all about offering a unique experience.

“Customers want more than just great coffee – although we have plenty of that too – they want atmosphere and connection.

“The response so far has been amazing, and we’re just getting started.”

Monocle is already home to the following six tenants:

Adecco – A global workforce solutions business which finds candidates rewarding roles across a range of sectors with services including permanent, temporary, managed and outsourced recruitment.
Allenby Commercial – A family-owned property developer that has been delivering high-quality commercial construction projects for over 30 years, and the company behind Monocle.
Caval – A leading construction recruitment business with a 17-year track record of sourcing the best talent available from across all construction sectors.
Ever After Holidays – A specialist tour operator for Disney destinations and Universal parks worldwide, offering expert knowledge and tailor-made holidays.
Lyon PR – A dedicated PR, comms and media liaison company, which supports private and public sector organisations across Hull, East Yorkshire and the Humber.
One SC Media – An award-winning digital media and marketing agency which delivers industry-leading strategies and services that drive growth.

Phase two of Monocle will see IT solutions provider PrimaryTech move in this September.

When fully occupied, the development will span all six floors of the building, with the potential to house 700 jobs.