Kathmandu has been ‘That Hippy Shop’ on Ferensway for the past 17 years, having only one move since its existence, which was only 3 doors down so it’s never flown far from its Ferensway nest. (Unless you count the days when it was part of the old Trinity Market, but if you admit you remember that, you’re admitting you’re getting old).

 

Kathmandu is the only one of its kind in Hull and the UK and is much more than just ‘That Hippy Shop’, as if offers an Aladins cave full of treasures from smoking paraphernalia to Clothing. It’s always had that same Kathmandu smell ever since I can remember, I used to love it and still do, the whiff of incense burners and the cling clanging of the wind chimes as you open the front door into that cave of beads, rings and bracelets, I’d be like a kid in a sweet shop. There’s no secret behind the success of Kathmandu, Piercer Paul blames it on the shops, ‘Friendly atmosphere, it’s unpretentious and were all pretty easy going so customers feel welcome, we get every type of person walking through the doors, from Students, locals, Nurses and even Policemen popping in for a piercing’.

 

Tribal Bodies is the piercing studio above Kathmandu, but is very much part of Kathmandu itself and always has been. There’s no need to book as the studio is a walk in service where you’ll get seen to within 10 minutes.

When most people think piercings, you think metal, blood, you think big fat hairy bloke covered in tattoos and piercings, getting off on stabbing holes through people, well you couldn’t 
get much further from that stereotype at Kathmandu. Paul the piercer has been 
in the business for 16 years, has all the correct qualifications and although
 he isn’t draped in the shiny stuff himself, he’s always been quite heavily into piercing. Paul is 100% approachable when it comes to piercing, drop dead gorgeous guys always are but apart from that he’s a well rounded, chilled out guy who can answer questions to all your piercing needs without being intimidating in the slightest. Piercings range from £15 upwards and all prices are clearly stated in the studio.

The Jewellery selection itself is the largest in the area, with cabinets filled with every type of earring you can think of. Plugs in every size available in titanium, wood, acrylic and bone in all shapes and sizes along with hand carved wooden tribal earrings, UV jewellery, BCR’s from 2mm – 10mm along with, what must be thousands of belly bars, you really are spoilt for choice.

 

Kathmandu has many other treasures lurking behind glass cabinets and coat
 pegs. As far as Kathmandu Clothing goes, Paul describes it as ‘Hippy Fashion’. With everything from tie die skirts to hoodies, dresses, scarf’s and bags along with independent ‘Emo’ labels for the younger generation. The shop also has a wide range of handmade artefacts from around the globe, shipped in from the likes of India, Nepal and China. Bringing in such original and fascinating stock was the idea of owner Anthony, who’d always been a bit of a traveller and wanted to bring the wonders from around the globe back to Hull, where you can browse the many of the hand painted Native American Masks, Crystals, and artefacts. Kathmandu also stock a massive selection of Joss Sticks and tarot cards, now it’s been a few years since I last lit a Joss Stick but for those who love the things, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Kathmandu.

 

Kathmandu. Support Local Businesses.

 

Open Monday – Friday 10am – 5.30pm