10 Fun Facts About Hull Pubs

Which historic Hull pub is reputed to have a human skull displayed behind its bar?

Ye Olde White Harte is known for its many legends, including the presence of a human skull displayed behind the bar, adding to its reputation as one of Hull's most haunted pubs.

Which establishment, serving since the early 18th century, is recognized as Hull's oldest licensed pub?

Ye Olde Black Boy, located on High Street, is widely recognized as Hull's oldest licensed pub, with its origins as a licensed establishment dating back to 1729.

Which historic Hull pub in the Land of Green Ginger houses England's smallest window?

The George Hotel, situated in the uniquely named Land of Green Ginger, is renowned for its distinctive feature: England's smallest window.

Which Hull pub's name is said to commemorate Wellington's capture of Ciudad Rodrigo, the 'key' to Spain?

The Lion & Key pub takes its name from a historical event during the Peninsular War, specifically Wellington's capture of Ciudad Rodrigo, which was considered the 'key' to Spain.

Which pub on Hull Marina is reputed to contain one of the smallest pub rooms in Britain?

The Minerva, a prominent pub on Hull Marina, is known for its unique feature of having one of the smallest pub rooms in Britain, which can accommodate only a few adults.

Which Hull music pub has one of the UK's few surviving ceramic-fronted bars?

The Polar Bear is celebrated for its stunning ceramic-fronted bar, a rare feature, making it one of only a handful of pubs in the UK to retain such an impressive architectural element.

Which Hull pub with an upstairs 'Plotting Room' was the site of a 1688 plot against the town's Catholic governor?

The 'Plotting Room' name actually comes from a disproven 19th-century myth about Sir John Hotham and the Civil War; the real 1688 plot against Governor Langdale is remembered in Hull as Town Taking Day.

The Polar Bear pub on Spring Bank takes its name from its proximity to what former Victorian attraction?

The Polar Bear pub was named in homage to the nearby Hull Zoological Gardens, a Victorian attraction that once stood opposite the pub's location.

Which historic Hull pub on High Street is named for a pipe-smoking figure used by tobacco merchants?

Ye Olde Black Boy's intriguing name reputedly comes from the 'black boy' – a pipe-smoking American Indian figure adopted as a symbol by the tobacco trade, as the premises were originally used by a tobacco merchant.

Which pub, once the Paragon Hotel, is named for a heavy local ale that drunks were said to have 'eaten'?

The old ale was described as being as thick as cheese, and the phrase 'You have eaten some Hull Cheese' became local slang for being drunk.