Ye Olde Black Boy, Hull

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FancyaPint?'s review...

One of England's most geographically isolated cities, Hull is full of excellent and (to most of the rest of the country) undiscovered pubs, with "three-pinters" two-a-penny. However, the Black Boy is a little gem, despite (or perhaps because of) its wonderful shabbiness - not to mention the great choice of guest beer and several recent CAMRA recommendations. Licensed in the 1720s and Grade II listed, it is the definitive old-style English boozer, but with a hint of exoticism - as the name suggests - and danger. The building dates from 1331 and has served variously as a fishmonger's, a corn merchant's and a brothel in its time. Yes, it's dank and dimly lit, allegedly haunted, a former smuggling den (we are told that it is still connected to the nearby River Hull by underground passages) with limited facilities and somewhat perfunctory catering - which latter two points we feel for the moment preclude a five-pint rating. What's more, it is a trove of antiquity of the like we have rarely seen before, although it is a pity that some display items including authentic weapons and slave-trade artefacts (not that we condone such practices, it is understood) have recently been removed. But that is a minor gripe at what is otherwise a splendid pub. If you are in Hull, we suggest you visit this one - make sure you check out the "Smoking Room" and, when it's reopened, the upstairs area.

Review: 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by kentish_man 25 Oct 2008 Helpful? yes/no