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The ultimate food & drink guide to Hull’s Old Town

Hull’s Old Town is a cultural gem of the local area. Rife with beautiful old English pubs, fantastic restaurants and plenty of stunning architecture, it’s no wonder that the area is so popular with tourists and locals alike. Considering that the city’s Old Town spans a relatively small space, it’s amazing how much the area has to offer, and the value that it holds for Hull and East Yorkshire.

Housing everything from delicatessens and cafes to vegan restaurants and pubs, Hull’s Old Town is something of a culinary hub- and for inclusivity and friendliness, the city’s historic quarter has no rival!

For those of you interested in visiting some of Old Town’s bars and eateries, here is a guide to the area’s establishments, something which will hopefully help you in your decision-making the next time you fancy visiting Old Town for a quick bite to eat, a leisurely lunch, or just a relaxing evening meal.

Hearth

10.5 King St, Hull HU1 2JJ

Sat opposite Hull’s stunning Minster, Hearth is an exciting, brand-new eatery in Trinity Square that serves as a bakery by day and a restaurant by night. The restaurant upstairs is spread over two floors and serves top-quality food prepared by Michelin-level chefs.

Entering through the bar downstairs, patrons are given an opportunity to stop for a cocktail and bar snacks before being guided upstairs where the restaurant awaits, serving incredible dishes from a menu focusing on local and seasonal ingredients.

The bakery is open Tuesday to Sunday until late afternoon; the restaurant opens in the evening on weekdays, and at lunchtime on weekends. Serving some of the most premier food you can find in Hull, Hearth is the perfect place for an important night out!

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Head of Steam Hull

10 King St, Hull HU1 2JJ

Situated right next to Hearth is Head of Steam Hull- an atmospheric and lively establishment whose emphasis on delicious food and brilliant service makes it one of Old Town’s standout eateries.

Operating as both a bar and a pub, Head of Steam has plenty to offer its lucky customers. For those in need of a delicious mid-week meal, the establishment serves up everything from burgers and wraps to pizza and sandwiches. Additionally, those in the mood for a drink to accompany their meal may be interested in one of the bar’s fantastic cocktails!

Affordable, varied and friendly, Head of Steam is capable of accommodating everyone and anyone from a family of four wanting an evening meal, to a group of friends seeking to kick off the night!

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The Lion & Key

48 High St, Hull HU1 1QE

With its unique, beer-mat-covered ceiling and stunning décor, The Lion & Key is everything you could possibly want from a traditional English pub; comfort, ease, sociability and heart-warming food.

Standing alone amidst a wealth of pubs, cafes and restaurants, The Lion & Key is one of Old Town’s most revered establishments- respected and loved by locals for years. Take one step into this bustling old pub and you’ll quickly see why it’s so popular!

The Lion & Key specialises in all kinds of delicious pub food, including; Mussels, Fish & Chips, Steak & Ale Pie and Bangers & Mash. Serving up heart-warming comfort food at a reasonable price, The Lion & Key is perfect for those seeking delicious food in homely surroundings.

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Hitchcock’s

1 Bishop Ln, Hull HU1 1PA

Hitchcock’s is one of the local area’s standout vegetarian eateries, and thanks to it’s unique serving model, friendly staff and delicious food, it has proven to be an incredibly popular place to eat at.

Boasting a winding, maze-like interior, Hitchcock’s is a unique and atmospheric place to visit- a place sure to surprise and satisfy any lucky customer willing to try something new! Customers usually need to pre-book in large groups and are required to specify the sort of cuisine they are after.

On arriving at the establishment, the staff will show you to your seats, from which you have unlimited access to a professionally prepared buffet, including all of your own, pre-arranged favourite dishes! Available from £22 a head (bring your own bottle is also an additional option), Hitchcock’s promise indulgence and quality all in an atmospheric setting.

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Wonky Tulip Coffee House

147a High St, Scale Ln, Hull HU1 1PS

A stone’s throw away from The Lion & Key is the Wonky Tulip Coffee House- a welcoming independent establishment with tonnes of charm. Commanding a view of Old Town’s oldy-worldly pubs and cobbled roads, the Wonky Tulip is perfectly situated for those that love nothing more than to watch the world go by with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

Serving up everything from sweet treats and breakfasts to sandwiches and coffee, the Wonky Tulip is perfect for those seeking somewhere friendly and welcoming to relax for a while!

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The Brain Jar

4-6 Trinity House Ln, Hull HU1 2JA

Nestled down Trinity Lane is The Brain Jar, Old Town’s curiously named bar with a reputation for fantastic food and delicious cocktails. Boasting sprawling wall art, The Brain Jar is lively and exciting- regardless of whether you visit on a weekday or on a weekend.

Serving up pizza, sandwiches, salads and chicken wings, The Brain Jar excels at providing delicious, homemade food which serves as a brilliant compliment to the establishment’s many amazing cocktails and beverages.

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Dirty Dicks Bar & Restaurant

Lowgate Corner of, Silver St, Hull HU1 1JG

Old Town’s largest eatery and bar is also perhaps its most popular! Drawing in hundreds of eager customers every weekend without fail, Dirty Dicks is a restaurant, bar and late lounge all in one. Those wanting to eat at Dirty Dicks can get their hands on a deluxe buffet; costing £9.95 per person, for a minimum of 15 people, this package is perfect for those seeking an indulgent day out with a group of friends or family!

Some of the dishes featured on the buffet menu are as follows: satay chicken skewer, BBQ chicken, lamb samosa, Mediterranean quiche and a selection of sandwiches.

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The Sailmakers Arms

159 High St, Hull HU1 1NQ

Just around the corner from The Lion & Key is the equally charming Sailmakers Arms, a local favourite of mine which, like The Lion & Key, champions heart-warming food, atmosphere and liveliness above all else.

Spacious and homely, the Sailmakers is just as suited to accommodating a group of friends on a night out as it is a family in need of some tasty, homemade food. The Sailmakers boasts a diverse and extensive list of menus, including a buffet and children’s menu. Some of their standout dishes are as follows: wholetail Whitby scampi, a variety of pies, jumbo hot dogs and Mediterranean lasagne, all of which are available at a reasonable price! Those hankering for comfort food in quaint surroundings will love The Sailmakers Arms.

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Silvers Bar

19 Silver St, Hull HU1 1JG

Silvers Bar is a large, luxurious establishment which prides itself on having excellent customer satisfaction and a track record of immense popularity. With its numerous VIP booths, champagne and cocktails; Silvers offer indulgence and fun to any and all customers lucky enough to visit!

Silvers currently offers the same buffet menu available at Dirty Dicks, which requires pre-booking via phone or e-mail.

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Nanouk

Old Custom House, 6 Market Pl, Hull HU1 1RS

Functioning as a bar, eatery and location for events, Nanouk is capable of doing it all! Serving up cocktails, lagers and cider, Nanouk is the perfect place to come with a group of friends on a night out, or for an event with family.

Those that are interested in eating at Nanouk will be pleased to know that, when booking the venue for your event, there is the option of buffets also being provided. The available buffet options are as follows: traditional (£6.95 per head), afternoon tea-style buffet (£6.95 per head) and a grazing buffet/table (£7.95 per head). For further information regarding their food options for events, give their website a visit!

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Trinity Market

Hull HU1 2JH

Trinity Market is Old Town’s culinary jewel; a sprawling mass of unique food and drink stalls, with enough variety and interest to hold your attention indefinitely. Overlooking Trinity Square and the grand Hull Minster, Trinity Market exemplifies metropolitan bustle and liveliness, and, given the quality of food on offer, it’s no wonder that the market is constantly bustling with eager customers looking for a bite to eat!

With everything from pizza cones and burritos to Greek gyros and sandwiches on offer, Trinity Market is a culinary marvel which demands a visit from everyone in the local area.

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Ye Olde Black Boy

150 High St, Hull HU1 1PS

Hull’s oldest licensed premises, serving since 1729, Ye Olde Black Boy is a pub rife with character, history and comfort. Serving up a variety of cask ales, and award-winning pies for when you’re hungry, Ye Olde Black Boy is the perfect place to hunker down this Winter with a group of friends by a roaring fire!

Situated less than a minute away from The Lion & Key, Ye Olde Black Boy is surrounded by Old Town’s cobbled streets, historic pubs and friendly restaurants, making it an exciting place to visit with friends and family.

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Fretwells

36 Scale Ln, Hull HU1 1LF

Hull’s Old Town is not short of historic pubs to visit, and Fretwells is one of its very finest! Bustling and welcoming, Fretwells serve up a variety of local lagers and ciders, and is just as suited to those wanting a quiet drink as it is those looking to start off a night out! If you’re hankering for a busy local pub with plenty of character, then I urge you to visit Fretwells!

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Manchester Arms Hull

7 Scale Ln, Hull HU1 1LA

Historic, unique and by all accounts haunted, the Manchester Arms regularly draws in massive crowds of customers every weekend, despite the establishment’s supernatural connections!

Located directly opposite Fretwells, this much-beloved pub is affordable, lively and unfailingly welcoming, making it the perfect place to come with family and friends, no matter the occasion! Beer, lager, cider and every thinkable spirit, whatever you’re after, the Manchester Arms are sure to have it! Next time you’re in Old Town and in need of an atmospheric pub, give this historic, haunted establishment a much-deserved visit!

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Robins & Keller

32 Scale Ln, Hull HU1 1LF

One of Old Town’s finest, Robins & Keller is a cosy, traditional pub nestled comfortably down Scale Lane. Serving up a range of hand-pulled beers and lagers, this homely establishment champions wholesome comfort above all else, and is the perfect place to visit when you need to wind down after a tough week at work.

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O’Leary’s Bar

41 Lowgate, Hull HU1 1EA

O’Leary’s is, amongst other things, one of Hull and East Yorkshire’s most popular sports bars. Spacious, lively and promising a good time, O’Leary’s also functions as an impressive and much-beloved eatery! Whether you’re in the mood for a burger, a sandwich, or just a snack, O’Leary’s is proud to bolster your night of sport with some delicious, homemade food!

Affordable and perfect for large groups of friends, O’Leary’s serves up atmosphere and delicious food in equal measure.

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Ye Olde White Harte

25 Silver St, Hull HU1 1JG

A true and traditional English public house, Ye Olde White Harte, like many of the pubs featured on this list is; atmospheric, welcoming, down to earth and allegedly haunted!

Complete with historic décor, friendly staff and plenty of hand-pulled beers, Ye Olde White Harte is the place to come to put your feet up and relax in one of the city’s oldest pubs.

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Oscar’s Bar

21 Silver St, Hull HU1 1JG

Another of Old Town’s brilliant sports bars, at Oscar’s it’s all about having a good time! Hosting events of all sorts, from sports nights to live music of every genre, Oscar’s are always looking to engage their customers in a positive and exciting way, however they can!

Those hankering for a lively night out with friends and family will find no better host than Oscars! Affordable, accommodating and hugely popular, Oscars is one of the local area’s most beloved bars.

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Yates Hull

1-4 Trinity House Ln, Hull HU1 2JD

Situated on Trinity House Lane, Yates thrives as a pub, club and sports bar all in one! Full of atmosphere and affordable, Yates is the perfect Saturday night destination for groups of friends looking to wind down after a busy week.

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Dexters Bar

2 Posterngate, Hull HU1 2JN

Located just a few doors down from Head of Steam, Dexter’s is an outstanding bar and grill. Serving up burgers, hot dogs, sweet things and an abundance of excellent vegan options, Dexter’s makes it their mission to accommodate everyone, no matter their dietary requirements.

Overlooking Trinity Square, Dexter’s is a laid-back and modern establishment whose friendly staff, delicious food and excellent positioning make it the perfect place to come for a mid-week meal or a Saturday night drink!

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The Kingston

25 Trinity House LN

Rubbing shoulders with Trinity Market is The Kingston, a picturesque bar and pub with commanding views of Trinity Square and Old Town’s many cobbled side streets. This traditional establishment is beautifully furnished, full of friendly staff, and full of fantastic beers and beverages on offer.

No matter the time of day, or the day of the week, you’re always sure to receive a warm welcome at The Kingston- one of Old Town’s standout pubs.

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The Bonny Boat

17 Trinity House Ln, Hull HU1 2JA

This nautically themed public house is as characterful as it is charming! Making up just one homely room, The Bonny Boat promises visitors a fantastic night out with its loud sing-along music, friendly staff, and locally sourced ales.

Situated opposite The Brain Jar, The Bonny Boat has been open for a number of years now and, given how popular it is weekend after weekend, it shows that the establishment has lost none of its charm and fun. For those of you visiting Old Town for the very first time, Bonny Boat is a must.

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