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Pints, Pubs and a Ghost Train: A Beer-Fuelled Trip to Hull
I spent a couple of days exploring Hull’s pubs, and it was a brilliant mix of history, good beer and friendly people. From classic spots like the Alexandra Hotel to relaxed modern bars like Pave and Atom, every place had its own character. Hull’s Old Town was packed with cosy, quirky pubs, and the beer festival at the Minerva Masonic Hall was a real highlight. I tried everything from smooth bitters to fruity sours and had some great chats along the way. I wrapped things up with a visit to Tom Pudding in Goole before hopping on the famous “ghost train” home.
Hull started out in the 1100s as a small trading spot set up by monks. King Edward I later turned it into a busy port and supply base. Over time, it grew thanks to wool, fishing, and whaling, and during the Industrial Revolution it became big in shipbuilding and trade. Goole came along much later, in 1826, built specifically to move coal from Yorkshire to the sea. Its docks and rail links made it a major inland port. Hull was heavily bombed in World War II but rebuilt, and today both Hull and Goole are still important for trade and transport.
Hull
Spring Bank Tavern
After arriving into Hull and checking in, my first call was to Spring Bank Tavern. Spring Bank Tavern in Hull has been around since the early 1820s, when it started out as a refreshment house with a garden and living quarters. By around 1829 it was already a popular spot, and a few years later, in about 1834, it took on the name Spring Bank Tavern under new ownership—pretty much the name it’s kept ever since. Back in the late 19th century it even had stables and a small fire-brigade station out back. Today it’s known as the oldest pub on Spring Bank, still standing after nearly two centuries of local stories and pints shared.
Inside the Spring Bank Tavern in Hull you’ll find a pub that mixes old-school charm with a fresh, relaxed feel. The space used to be several rooms, but now it’s one open area where you can spot bits of its history—like a glazed-tile splashback and an old cast-iron fireplace that hint at its past. It’s been given a modern refresh, but the heritage still comes through. Whether you’re leaning on the bar chatting or tucked into a corner, it has the welcoming feel of a place made for spending time and taking it easy.
A great line up of 3 cask ales to choose from on the bar, alongside a keg beer selection. I went for “Stretcher Party” by Three Brothers Brewing Co. A beer brewed for the 60th Anniversary of Cleveland Mountain Rescue. A delicious, easy drinking session IPA.
Pave
Next is further up the road to Pave. Pave opened around 2005 on Princes Avenue in Hull’s Avenues area, taking over an old butcher’s shop—you can still spot the original tiles inside. It was started by locals who wanted something a bit different from the usual city centre bars, and it quickly became a laid-back hangout that helped draw people towards the Avenues. These days, it’s still independent, still relaxed, and still seen as one of the places that gives the area its down-to-earth, creative vibe.
Inside it’s got that easy, lived-in feel. Big front windows let in loads of light, and you can still spot bits of the old butcher’s tiles from before it became a bar. There’s a mix of wooden tables, mismatched chairs and comfy sofas, plus colourful artwork from local artists on the walls. It’s the kind of place where you can chill in a corner with friends or just sit by the window and watch the world go by — relaxed, unpretentious and full of little details that make it feel genuinely local.
A great selection of 3 cask ales, a cider and a great keg selection. I opted to go with “Nelson Sauvin” from North Riding Brewery. A delicious, tasty and well balanced New Zealand Pale Ale.
Atom
A slight way further along brings me next to Atom – Hull / Atom Beers. Atom Brewing Co started up in Hull back in 2014, founded by scientists Allan Rice and Sarah Thackray, who wanted to mix science with good beer. They quickly made a name for themselves with bold, modern brews — all vegan-friendly and packed with flavour. Over the years they’ve become a big part of Hull’s craft-beer scene, known for smart brewing and cool collaborations. In late 2024, Atom hit a rough patch and went into administration, but local businessman Rob Brocklesby stepped in to save it. These days, the brewery’s still going strong, brewing inventive beers with plenty of local pride.
Atom Bar Hull opened in 2022 at 38 Princes Avenue, taking over a striking old bank building after Atom Brewing Co moved from their Old Town spot. The place itself has a bit of history — it was built in the 1930s as a Yorkshire Bank branch and still stands out for its grand corner design, mentioned in Hull City Council’s Princes Avenue conservation notes. Over the years, the area’s gone from a leafy Victorian street to one of Hull’s liveliest hangouts. When the bank finally closed, Atom stepped in and gave the building a fresh new life as a welcoming local bar.
Step inside and you’ll find a bright, airy space with loads of natural light pouring through the big front windows. The design’s simple but stylish — wooden tables, comfy seating, and plenty of room to spread out. It’s got a relaxed, welcoming feel where you can sit back for a chat or meet friends without any fuss. The open layout makes it feel spacious yet cosy, and there’s always a bit of a buzz without being too loud. It’s a friendly local spot with a polished, modern look — unmistakably Hull.
A great line up of keg options along with a handpull cider, and even more choices of cans in the fridges. I opted to go with a sour beer from Brew York. “Katy Berry 2025”, a fantastic Blueberry and Vanilla sour beer, super tart and fruity.
The Alexandra Hotel
A short taxi ride brought me next to The Alexandra Hotel. The Alexandra Hotel on Hessle Road in Hull is a beautifully preserved Victorian pub and hotel built around 1895 by the architects Smith, Brodrick & Walker. It’s Grade II listed for its ornate terracotta details, glazed-tile frontage, etched glass, and mahogany bar that still give it real old-school charm. The Star of David motifs in the windows are a nod to the area’s historic Jewish community. Over the years, the pub’s been lovingly restored and remains a favourite local spot for a pint, known for its heritage interior and welcoming atmosphere.
Inside, the Alexandra Hotel feels like stepping back in time. The pub’s full of character, with polished mahogany woodwork, patterned tiles, and beautifully etched glass that catches the light. Original features like moulded door frames, decorative ceilings, and vintage mirrors give it real Victorian charm. The layout still reflects its 19th-century design, with cosy corners and a traditional bar that feels untouched by modern trends. Every detail seems to tell part of its story, making it one of those rare places where history isn’t just preserved — it’s still very much alive in the atmosphere.
Was great meeting and chatting to Mike and a couple of regulars who I got chatting to at the bar. I will have to visit again when they start brewing. On the bar a choice of 7 cask ales to choose from alongside a range of real ciders and keg options. I chose to go with “Hull of a Brew” from Yorkshire Brewhouse. A great beer style which I don’t see around a lot. A very tasty, well balanced and easy drinking Light Mild Ale.
Nolan’s
Onto Nolan’s next. Nolan’s sits on Silver Street in Hull, in a building that’s seen many lives before becoming a pub. Early 20th-century records list the site as home to gunmakers and later a jeweller’s shop. It wasn’t until much later that it was converted into a bar and taken on by the Nolan family, who gave it their name. The transformation kept the structure’s original shopfront and much of its Victorian charm. Today, it’s one of Hull’s independent free houses, its history reflecting the city’s shift from traditional crafts and trade to a vibrant social scene built around local pubs.
Inside it feels a bit like stepping into someone’s favourite secret spot. It’s small and cosy, just one room with a long bar and a mix of wooden tables squeezed in close. The décor leans toward classic pub charm — dark wood, warm lighting, and walls covered in old Hull photos and brewery plaques. It’s not flashy or themed — just a proper, down-to-earth pub that feels instantly familiar, even if it’s your first time there.
Was great meeting owner Paddy and the team and great to see they are doing so well, especially with adding an extra cask ales pump to serve a range of 4. I went for “Bass”, a favourite of mine. Very well kept, a fantastic beer.
The White Hart
A walk to The White Hart. The White Hart on Alfred Gelder Street has been part of Hull’s city centre since 1904, when it was rebuilt for the Hull Brewery Company by local architects Freeman, Son & Gaskell. Designed to face the newly opened street, it shows off Edwardian style with red brick, stone trim, and decorative terracotta details that give it real character. The building’s strong street presence earned it Grade II listing status, marking it as an important piece of Hull’s early 20th-century architecture. After standing quiet for a while, it was refurbished and reopened around 2018, bringing the handsome old pub front back to life.
Inside, the White Hart feels like stepping back in time. Much of its early 1900s character is still there — dark mahogany woodwork, stained glass, and a stunning curved ceramic bar made by Burmantofts Pottery of Leeds. The layout has that classic Edwardian pub feel, with snug corners, tiled details, and old mirrors adding warmth and charm. It’s got a mix of heritage and comfort — traditional without feeling stuffy. After the 2018 restoration, everything looks refreshed but still authentic, keeping the pub’s historic atmosphere while making it a relaxed spot for a drink that feels properly connected to Hull’s past.
Hosting a Brew York event and showcasing a variety of their cask and keg beers on the bar. I went with “Hellfire” from Brew York. Inspired by Doom, this super fruity and tart Cherry and Rhubarb Pie sour is delicious.
The Ship Inn
Last of the first day was to The Ship Inn on Hodgson Street. This has been around in one form or another since the 1700s, when a small alehouse stood near the River Hull serving ferry workers and locals. By the 1800s it was a proper pub, later bought by Moors’ & Robson’s Brewery in 1901 for about £2,000. The old building was knocked down and rebuilt in 1932 with that classic 1930s pub look—big gables and brickwork that’s still recognisable today. Despite the changes around it, the Ship Inn has kept its local roots and remains one of the few surviving reminders of Hull’s old riverside pub scene.
Inside feels like a proper old-school Hull pub — no frills, just character. There’s an L-shaped bar that gives the place a cosy, lived-in vibe, with plenty of regulars chatting over pints of real ale or cider. The décor’s simple and traditional, with dark wood, beer mats, and a real fire that makes it extra welcoming in winter. There’s a dartboard in the back room, a few comfy corners to sit in, and a little beer garden out back that catches the sun. It’s the kind of pub where everyone knows everyone, and newcomers are quickly made to feel at home.
A great warm welcome and a choice of 6 cask ales on the bar to choose from, a wide range of real ciders, a fridge of cans and a variety of keg choices. I opted to go with “Brother Rabbit” from Thornbridge Brewery. A super tasty Blonde Ale, a great session ale.
The Minerva
My first spot to visit on my second day in Hull was The Minerva. The Minerva in Hull was built in 1828–29 on reclaimed land beside the Humber Estuary. Originally called the Minerva Hotel, it served travellers and merchants using Hull’s docks. Its first known landlord, Richard Cortis, was also an emigration agent in the 1850s. The pub became a key social spot for dock workers and sailors throughout the 19th century. It was damaged during the Second World War but later restored. Listed as a Grade II building in 1994 for its Georgian character and maritime heritage, The Minerva remains one of Hull’s oldest surviving dockside pubs, symbolising the city’s seafaring and industrial past.
Inside feels like entering a warm, welcoming old-school pub with character and history. You’ll find wood panelling, vintage maritime photos and brass fixtures that nod to its dockside past. There are small snug-type rooms that give a cosy vibe, and a bar area filled with cask ales and craft beers. While the décor keeps the heritage front and centre, the space has been refreshed enough to feel comfortable and relaxed rather than worn-out.
On the bat a range of 6 cask ales to choose from, alongside keg options. I opted to go with “Forged in Fire” from Docks Beers. A super delicious and tasty Porter flavoured with Cinder Toffee. Very enjoyable.
Taphouse
A short walk brings me to Taphouse. Taphouse opened in 2019 at 70 Humber Street, right in the middle of Hull’s revitalised Fruit Market. The building started life as a fruit-merchant’s warehouse in the 19th century, part of a bustling dockside trade where merchants sold everything from apples to 20,000 lettuces a week to local markets. As the trade declined in the late 20th century, the warehouse was left quiet until Yorkshire Brewing Company transformed it into one of East Yorkshire’s biggest brewpubs and home to Bone Machine Brew Co, but sadly is no longer a brewpub. They kept much of the building’s industrial charm, turning a piece of Hull’s trading past into a lively, modern beer spot.
Inside feels like stepping into a laid-back mix of old and new. The space keeps its warehouse roots with exposed brick, steel beams, and high ceilings, but it’s bright and welcoming thanks to huge windows and warm lighting. There’s a buzz without being too loud — a mix of people chatting, music playing, and the sound of life drifting in from Humber Street. The open layout gives it a relaxed, social feel, with big tables, comfy corners, and plenty of space to just hang out. It’s industrial, a bit rough around the edges, but effortlessly cool.
A massive 30 lines which includes 2 cask lines and a wide variety of keg and cider lines featuring lots of different styles. I went with “Ragnar” from Rudgate Brewery. A light and flavourful pale ale which was very easy drinking.
Hull & East Yorkshire CAMRA Beer Festival
I next headed onto the beer festival. Hull and East Yorkshire CAMRA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. The local branch has run its Real Ale & Cider Festival over 40 times, though it hasn’t been held since 2019. The 2025 event marks both the branch’s golden year and the festival’s comeback. CAMRA started nationally in 1971, so the Hull branch joined soon after—probably launching its first festival in the early 1980s. Over time, it’s become known for its friendly crowd, good food, and a big mix of real ales and ciders from local and national breweries.
It was held at Minerva Masonic Hall, on Dagger Lane in Hull which has a long history. The site first held a Presbyterian chapel built in 1698, and in 1802 it became home to the Minerva Lodge of Freemasons. The current hall is now Grade II listed for its historic value and is still used by the lodge today. It’s an atmospheric old building that fits perfectly with a traditional beer festival.
A great choice of around 30 beers and a selection of local ciders. Managed to try a number of beers from Jazz BrewCo, Aitchesons, Great Newsome Brewery and Yorkshire Brewhouse. Was great chatting to a few of the volunteers, and great to bump into Andy who is one of my followers.
Furley & Co
Furley & Co sits at 18–20 Princes Dock Street in Hull, in a three-storey Victorian warehouse built around 1829 on reclaimed dockland. The building once belonged to Furley & Co, a busy maritime freight company that ran paddle steamers and canal boats across Yorkshire during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The firm’s name became well known on the Humber for its shipping and trade work before it closed in the 1970s. After years of mixed commercial use, the warehouse was restored in 2015 and reopened as Furley & Co, keeping much of its original maritime character and industrial charm.
Just outside the building, a blue plaque commemorates Sir Alfred James Newton (1845–1921), highlighting another link to Hull’s trading past. It marks the site of Newton Bros, the firm founded by Newton, who was born in Hull. The plaque notes his remarkable career — he became the first chairman of Harrods and later served as Lord Mayor of London in 1899. His roots in local commerce and shipping reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped Hull’s dockside businesses, including companies like Furley & Co.
Inside feels a bit like stepping into an old dockside warehouse that’s been given a modern, laid-back twist. The place keeps its original character with big windows, high ceilings, and exposed brick, but it’s been softened up with warm lighting and comfy seating. There’s a mix of cosy corners, bar stools, and long tables where people can just relax and chat. Upstairs has a slightly quieter, chill vibe, while downstairs feels more lively and open. It’s the kind of spot that feels easy to settle into — stylish but unpretentious, with that cool industrial Hull charm.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales alongside 12 keg lines with different styles. I went for “Hawaiian Shirt” from Ashover Brew Co. A delicious hoppy American Pale Ale hopped with Mosaic Hops.
Scale & Feather Bar
Onto Scale and Feather Bar which was a few minutes walk away. The Scale & Feather stands on Scale Lane in Hull’s Old Town, its story stretching back two centuries. Before taking its present name, it was known as Walters, after Walter Wilberforce, a local barber who ran his shop here in the early 1800s. His name lingered long after the scissors were set down, becoming the title of the pub that later occupied the site. As Hull’s docks rose and declined, the building changed hands and purpose, yet remained a gathering place. Today, as the Scale & Feather, it preserves that sense of continuity—where old names and new stories meet in the same walls.
The Scale & Feather has a warm, traditional look with a few modern touches. Inside, exposed brick and dark wood give it a historic Old Town feel, while polished wooden floors and soft lighting create a comfortable atmosphere. The bar stretches along one side, framed by mirrors and brass fittings from earlier refurbishments. Rock album covers and local artwork hang on the walls, adding colour and personality without crowding the space. The windows overlook Scale Lane’s cobbled street, and the mix of wooden stools, leather chairs, and vintage décor keeps the balance between old Hull charm and a modern pub style.
A line up of 4 cask ales, alongside with 4 ciders (including Olivers and Ampleforth Abbey) and a great variety of keg beers. I went with “From Around the Way” from Pool Brewing. A fantastic Smoked Golden Ale with BestMalz Applewood Beech Smoked Malt. Very different but enjoyable.
WM Hawkes
Along the road brings me to 3 pubs all around the same area. The first being Wm Hawkes. Wm Hawkes in Hull has an interesting backstory that goes way beyond being just a pub. The building on Scale Lane originally housed a gunmaker’s workshop run by William Hawkes, who started making guns and rifles there around 1810 after taking over from another gunsmith named Bottomley. For more than a century, the site was known locally for its connection to the gun trade. Eventually, the workshop closed and the building found new life as a pub, keeping the old name as a nod to its roots. Today, Wm Hawkes stands as a small reminder of Hull’s industrial and maritime past.
Wm Hawkes has a traditional, old-style interior that fits perfectly with its setting in Hull’s Old Town. The pub is made up of several small rooms with low ceilings, wooden beams, and exposed brick walls. There’s a mix of dark wood furniture, old photographs, and vintage details that reflect the building’s long history. The bar area is compact but full of character, and the layout feels more like a series of snug corners than one big open space. Subtle lighting and a classic pub design give it a warm, timeless look that feels both historic and welcoming.
A nice line up of 4 cask ales on the bar, alongside a cider and a range of keg options. I went with “Leeds Best” from Leeds Brewery. A delicious classic Yorkshire Bitter, well balanced, malty and tasty.
The Lion & Key
Over the road to The Lion And Key. The Lion & Key on High Street in Hull has a long, colourful past. First licensed in 1817, it began as the Britannia Coffee House before becoming a pub named to mark the British capture of Ciudad Rodrigo in 1812 — the “key” symbolising the victory and the “lion” representing Britain. Over the years, it’s seen plenty of change, even closing for a while to serve as office space before reopening in the 1980s as Durty Nelly’s, an Irish-style bar. It later reclaimed its old name and remains a well-loved part of Hull’s historic old town.
Inside it feels instantly welcoming and full of character. The place has dark wood panelling, old enamel signs, and walls covered with vintage bits and pieces that give it a classic, lived-in charm. A bustling main bar area and a lovely outdoor beer garden. The lighting is soft, the atmosphere relaxed, and there’s that comforting sense of history in every corner, like the pub’s been collecting stories for centuries and is in no rush to stop.
Drinks wise a line up on the bar of 5 cask ales, alongside a selection of keg beers to choose from. “Original Blonde” from White Rose Brewery was my beer selection in here. A refreshing and easy drinking Blonde Ale. Very sessionable.
Fretwells
Next is opposite on the corner to Fretwells. Fretwells in Hull’s Old Town, occupies a nineteenth-century building once used by a local printing firm called Fretwell’s. The name honours that business, which traded on the same site. The building sits at the corner of Scale Lane and High Street and retains much of its original brickwork and charm. Reopened in the 2020s by local publicans known for restoring historic venues, it blends period features with a traditional bar and games room. Today, Fretwells is celebrated for reviving Hull’s pub heritage through independent ownership and respect for the city’s industrial past.
Inside Fretwells, it’s got that proper old-school pub feel — warm lighting, dark wood, and a bar that looks like it’s been there forever. The walls are covered in vintage bits and bobs, giving it loads of character without trying too hard. There are a few quiet corners if you fancy a chill pint, plus a games room with things like pinball and bar billiards. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear your mates talk, grab a decent drink, and just relax. No gimmicks, just a cosy, laid-back pub done right.
A fantastic line up of 5 cask ales to choose from on the bar, alongside a variety of keg options. In here I went for “DV US” from Deeply Vale Brewery. A super tasty and easy drinking Session Pale Ale.
Hatters Cafe Bar
Another short stroll brought me to Hatters Cafe Bar. Tucked away on Manor Street in Hull’s Old Town, the Mad Hatter has a bit of quiet history behind its quirky name. Long before it became Hull’s smallest pub and reopened in 2024 with its Alice-in-Wonderland theme, the spot was known as Chilli Devil’s, and before that, the building had seen plenty of changes as part of one of the city’s oldest streets. Manor Street’s been around since Hull’s early trading days, lined with old warehouses, shops, and watering holes that have come and gone over the centuries. Now, the Mad Hatter keeps that legacy alive — small, friendly, and full of stories.
Inside it feels like stepping into a cosy, slightly eccentric hideaway. The space is tiny but full of character — think mismatched chairs, quirky trinkets, and fairy lights twinkling against old brick walls. Alice in Wonderland touches are everywhere, from playful wall art to the odd teacup tucked on a shelf. It’s the kind of place where you instantly relax, with a warm, homely atmosphere that feels more like a friend’s snug living room than a city pub. Despite its size, it’s full of life, laughter, and that unmistakable Hull charm.
2 cask ales on from Great Newsome Brewery along with a selection of keg beers. I went for their “Frothingham Best”. A delicious, well balanced English Bitter.
Hop & Vine
Next is onto Hop and Vine. The Hop & Vine is located in the cellar of 24 Albion Street, part of a Georgian townhouse dating back to around 1790. The building has a classic three-storey frontage with original sash windows, stone lintels and iron railings, all protected under its Grade II listing. Originally built as a home, it later became a shop and then a dental surgery before Stewart Campbell and Janet Rowan converted the basement into a pub opening in 2006z Now owned by Tony Garrett since 2017, it still retains much of its historic character and sits within Hull’s Georgian New Town Conservation Area, protected since the mid-1970s.
Inside, the Hop & Vine feels like a hidden gem—a small brick-vaulted cellar with low ceilings, warm lighting and a mix of wooden tables and benches that create a homely, relaxed atmosphere. There’s no loud music or screens, just quiet conversation echoing off the old brick walls. The décor is simple, with touches of local art and vintage signs adding character. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—cosy, slightly quirky, and full of that timeless old-Hull charm that makes you want to linger longer than planned.
It was great meeting Tony and bumping into Jazz BrewCo in here. The cheeseboard I had was delicious with some great cheeses. On the bar a range of 4 cask ales, a draught Pilsner and a variety of Real Ciders to choose from. I opted to go with “Devilishly Pale” from Rudgate Brewery. A very sessionable, easy drinking and light Pale Ale.
Brew
A walk down the road brings me to Brew. Brew sits on Bond Street in Hull, an area with a long and changing history. Bond Street was heavily affected by both World Wars — nearby sites like the Edwin Davis department store were bombed in 1915 and again during WWII, reshaped each time through rebuilding. The post-war years brought major redevelopment, turning the street into a key part of Hull’s modern city centre. More recently, the area’s been part of the Albion Square regeneration project, which cleared old buildings for new life. So while Brew itself is a newer addition, it’s built on a spot shaped by a century of rebuilding and reinvention.
It has a relaxed, modern interior with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and simple décor. The layout mixes table seating with bar stools, creating a casual, open feel. Warm lighting and neutral tones give it a cosy atmosphere, while board games and artwork add character. Free Wi-Fi and plug sockets make it a comfortable spot for working or socialising. The overall design blends industrial touches with a homely vibe, reflecting the building’s independent, creative spirit.
A variety of 4 keg beers available, along with a fridge full of cans and bottles in lots of different styles. I went with “Fang & Flame” from Brew York. A super tasty Double Dry Hopped Pale Ale brewed in coloration with Green Gold Brewing. Really enjoyed this.
The New Clarence
My last visit in Hull was to The New Clarence. The New Clarence on Charles Street in Hull has quite a story. The original Clarence opened back in 1872 but was demolished in 1987. The current building used to be a Co-op before it became the pub locals know today. It ran for years as The New Clarence until closing in June 2023. After that, a local group called the Hull Community Pub Society stepped in to save it, aiming to reopen it as the city’s first community-owned pub. The place is now officially listed as an Asset of Community Value.
Inside , you’ll find a relaxed, open-plan bar area where the vibe is friendly and unpretentious. The space leans into its community-pub resurrection with lots of wood, warm lighting and enough room to settle in with a drink or share a table with friends. There are spots that feel cosy for quieter chats and areas that shift easily into livelier mode when there’s a quiz or event. It’s not overly polished or pretentious — rather, it feels welcoming and down-to-earth, very much “pub for the people”.
On the bar a choice of 7 cask ales to choose from, along with a choice of Real Ciders and a selection of keg beers. My beer choice was “Cloudbreak” from Bristol Beer Factory. A delicious American IPA, full of flavour and very easy to drink.
Goole
The Tom Pudding
I had time on my way home from Hull to drop into Goole (and catch the Ghost Train home). I always love a visit to Tom Pudding Micropub. Tom Pudding Micropub opened in December 2017 in a former newsagent at 20 Pasture Road in Goole, founded by real-ale enthusiasts Simon Jarrold and Alan Lowey. Its name comes from the historic “tom puddings” — compartment boats used from the 1860s to transport coal along the Aire & Calder Navigation to Goole docks. The venue became well known quickly for its rotating cask ales and relaxed, conversation-focused atmosphere. In August 2025 it was taken over by Martin Bryars who was the manager, so the original owners could retire (again), marking a new chapter in the pub’s story while continuing its focus on traditional ale and community spirit.
Inside is a compact, cosy space with exposed brickwork and old timber beams that give it a warm, rustic character. Seating is simple and close-knit, encouraging conversation, with wooden benches and small tables arranged within a single open room. Decorations are understated but thoughtful, including railway and canal memorabilia that reflect Goole’s industrial past. Soft lighting and neatly maintained interiors create a welcoming atmosphere rather than a crowded one. It feels intimate, characterful and designed for relaxed socialising rather than loud entertainment.
Was great seeing Martin and Adi this evening and as always a fantastic warm welcome. On the bar a choice of 4 cask ales to choose from, along with 3 ciders. I went with “Hidden In Plain Sight” from Chin Chin Brewing Company. A really tasty Pale Ale, full of flavour and very sessionable to drink.
Leeds to Goole “Ghost Train”
The Leeds to Goole “ghost train” refers to the very limited passenger rail service that runs between Leeds and Goole via Knottingley. Only a handful of trains operate each day, stopping at rural stations like Hensall and Snaith, with no Sunday service. This minimal timetable exists mainly to keep the line officially open and avoid the legal process of closure, rather than to meet passenger demand. Low usage and historical service cuts led to its current near-invisible status, even though the line remains important for freight traffic and local campaigners continue to call for better services.
Find out more about “Ghost Station” HERE
Micropub Adventures 