Nightlife in Hull

If it’s bar-hopping you’re after, look no further than Newlands Avenue. A long straight road a mile north of the city centre, it’s home to dozens of bars, cafés, pubs and restaurants. Start at Larkins Bar. Open for lunch and dinner, the food is a winning mix of burgers and British classics but it’s the beer menu that steals the show, with dozens of craft ales and draft beers from around the world on offer.

Once you’re suitably refreshed, make the 20-second stroll to Tofts Lane Bar & Grill. Bag a table on the street if the sun is shining or head indoors to check out their range of cask ales, boutique spirits, ace cocktails and well-travelled wines. They have regular live music and cabaret nights, making it one of the livelier pubs on the strip.

Heading back down towards our Hull City Centre hotel in the now buzzing Old Fruit Market part of town, Butler Whites is a great place to grab something to eat from their sharing plates and tuck into their constantly updated cocktail menu.

Lastly, end up your bar-hopping session at Riddlers Bar in Trinity Square. The cocktails are imaginative and tasty (and served in everything from a jam jar to an old tin teapot). Plus, the music and ambience are relaxed and welcoming, perfect for sitting down over a cocktail (or three) and putting the world to rights.

When it comes to pubs, Old Town has all the answers – although that point could be debated the following morning. If you want to drink in the city’s history, start at Ye Olde Black Boy. The oldest pub in the city dating back to 1729, they serve up a wide range of beers, wines, ciders and spirits and – in a nod to modern day culture – pride themselves on their vinyl-only music selection largely spanning 60s, 70s and 80s classic pop, punk and rock.

Just round the corner is Ye Olde White Hart. Built in 1550, this two-floor pub has historic hallmarks everywhere you look, including traditional fireplaces, oak panelling and – yes, really – a human skull which was discovered in the pub in the 19th century. They do a wide range of real ales, ciders and beers and also house the largest single malt collection in the city.

Another traditional boozer, you know the Lion and Key takes pride in their ale by their staggering collection of beer mats plastered to the ceiling. With top pub grub and a friendly welcome, it’s rightly a popular watering hole. From there, head down towards the Humber to the Minerva Pub. A family-run pub overlooking the marina, they serve everything from craft ales to boutique gins as well as a popular Sunday roast.

Finally, if you like your pint with a side order of air guitar, make sure to check out The Sesh on Spring Bank. A live music night held every Tuesday at the Polar Bear pub for over 14 years, it’s now grown into its own live two-day music festival held at the start of August.

A true Hull institution, Spiders is an acquired taste thanks to its strict music policy – rock, metal, indie, Motown and soul all get the green light, but ask for any pop or dance music and you’ll be laughed out of the DJ booth. Dressing up is encouraged – think Tim Burton-style and you won’t go far wrong – and grab one of their ace cocktails from Pangalactic Gargle Blaster to get yourself in the mood. The club has shaped Hull’s club scene for decades and is the very definition of alternative. If you’re planning on checking out the action, then our Hull North hotel is a convenient 10-minute drive away.

Still edgy but slightly less alternative, The Welly Club rocks to a soundtrack of indie, electro, 90s and even drum and bass, with regular club nights and live music. Another Hull institution that’s been open for over a century, the Beverly Road club is a short walk north from the Paragon centre and opens every Thursday and Saturday.

Aimed largely at students, or people at a loose end on Monday nights, The Piper Club is another long-running Hull nightclub that specialises in drinks deals, mixed up party anthems and a 3am license. Located on Newland Avenue, it’s a great place to finish up after you’ve checked out nearby bars Tofts Lane and Larkins Bar.

With the latest late license of them all – a bleary-eyed 6am for the hardcore – Fuel is a gay-friendly home to Hull’s most up-for-it crowd who get down to a house, RnB and EDM soundtrack every Saturday night with regular guest DJs.