The Best Pubs in Hull
Hull’s pub scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of maritime history and modern creativity. You can sip award winning cask ales in a 16th century inn with a legendary human skull, enjoy craft beers and Mexican street food in a Grade II listed sports pub, or settle into a family run spot on the marina with 50 gins and waterside views. The city’s diverse offerings include huge beer gardens, roaring fires, live music, legendary carveries, and dog friendly corners for every kind of gathering, from a quiet date to a lively group celebration. With a rich past as a major port and a present full of independent spirit, Hull’s pubs invite you to explore, linger, and connect over great food and drink. Come and discover the best pubs in Hull.


1. The Whittington & Cat
Commercial Rd, Hull HU1 2SA, UK
Head straight to The Whittington & Cat for a proper, family-run pub that nails the balance between a cosy local and a cracking sports bar. They’ve got a top selection of beers and wines, plus a menu packed with generous, home-cooked pies that have fans raving. It’s brilliantly dog-friendly and perfect for groups, whether you’re catching the game on TNT Sports or celebrating a big family occasion. Right in the thick of it, this is the kind of place where the welcome is as warm as the food, and you’ll leave already planning your next visit.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The White Hart Pub
109 Alfred Gelder St, Hull HU1 1EP, UK
Tucked away in the city centre, The White Hart is a stunning Grade II listed gem that perfectly blends historic charm with a proper sports pub spirit. They pour an expertly chosen range of cask ales, craft beers, and cocktails, while big screens ensure you never miss the match. The pub is incredibly dog friendly and welcoming for groups, plus you can enjoy delicious Mexican street food delivered straight from the neighboring restaurant. With a calendar of fascinating local history events and a genuinely friendly team, this independent spot offers a brilliant, no nonsense place to settle in for hours.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Lion & Key
48 High St, Hull HU1 1QE, UK
Step into The Lion & Key, a historic gem in the Old Town where the ceilings shimmer with thousands of beer mats and the welcome is as warm as the crackling fire. This place nails the perfect balance of old world character and modern energy, with a brilliant selection of beers, wines, and cocktails that keeps the buzz going all night. The food is top notch, from classic pub fare to a legendary fish and chips, and the outdoor seating is ideal for groups soaking up the lively vibe. It’s a must visit for anyone who loves a pub with real soul, where the friendly team keeps the party rolling and the good times flowing.
Photo by Gerald England — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. Ye Olde White Harte
25 Silver St, Hull HU1 1JG, UK
Discover the oldest pub in the area, a 16th century gem where history feels alive in every creaking beam and crooked doorway. With two well stocked bars, award winning cask ales, and a huge beer garden, it’s a fantastic spot for groups and their four legged friends. Don’t miss the chance to explore the legendary plotting room and catch a glimpse of the famous human skull, all while enjoying a cheap pint or a unique rhubarb cider. This is a truly wondrous place that invites you to linger, chat with friendly locals, and soak up over 300 years of incredible stories.
Photo by N Chadwick — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. The Minerva
Nelson St, Hull HU1 1XE, UK
Perched right on the marina, The Minerva is a family run gem that serves up freshly cooked homemade food, from perfectly fried haddock and chips to generous Sunday roasts. With a bespoke cocktail list, up to 50 gins with their own perfect serve, and a solid lineup of cask ales and craft beers, there’s something for every taste. The cosy interior is full of character, and the outdoor seating lets you enjoy the waterside views, while live music and a welcoming vibe make it a brilliant spot for groups. Whether you’re a gin lover or just after a hearty meal, this friendly pub is a must visit.
Photo by Andy Beecroft — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. Red Sails
2 Beacon Wy, Hull HU3 4AE, UK
The Red Sails is a fantastic, family friendly spot that’s perfect for groups, with a huge beer garden ideal for sunny afternoons. Their bar is brilliantly stocked with cask ales, fine wines, and cocktails, while the menu offers everything from a famous daily carvery to hearty pub classics. It’s a welcoming place where the food is tasty, the staff are genuinely enthusiastic, and the whole experience is excellent value for money.
Photo by Ian S — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. The Head of Steam Hull
10 King St, Hull HU1 2JJ, UK
For a proper pub that’s equally suited to a quiet date night or a lively group catch up, The Head of Steam is an absolute gem. The beer selection is superb, the cocktails are top notch, and the food, from brilliant burgers to perfectly satisfying plates, never disappoints. With outdoor seating, a dog friendly welcome, and a soundtrack that hits just the right note, every visit feels like a special occasion. This is the kind of place where the service is genuinely warm, the vibes are spot on, and you’ll be counting down the days until your next visit.


8. The Lambwath
Sutton Rd, Hull HU8 0HU, UK
Make your way to The Lambwath, a wonderfully spacious pub where the carvery is the star of the show and every meal feels like a celebration. With a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus big screens for the match and a welcoming outdoor area, it’s a brilliant spot for groups and their four legged friends. The team here goes above and beyond to make sure everyone, from teens to grandparents, has a fantastic time, and the app deals make it incredible value. This is a proper, family friendly local where you’ll always find a warm welcome and a plate piled high with goodness.
Photo by Ian S — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Sailmakers Arms
159 High St, Hull HU1 1NQ, UK
Nestled in the historic Old Town just a short stroll from the Museums Quarter, The Sailmakers Arms is a proper traditional gem that’s been serving the community since 1988. This olde worlde pub is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves real ales, cracking ciders, and a menu packed with locally sourced home cooked food, especially their legendary Pieminister pies. With a large sun drenched courtyard for summer and a roaring open fire for winter, it’s a welcoming spot that’s brilliant for groups, families, and four legged friends alike. The friendly team and quirky decor make every visit feel special, and the huge selection of drinks, including alcohol free options, ensures there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re popping in after a day out or settling in for a proper session, this is a pub that keeps you coming back.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. The Gardener's Arms
35 Cottingham Rd, Hull HU5 2PP, UK
The Gardener’s Arms is a brilliant, wallet friendly local that’s far bigger than it first appears, with a huge car park and plenty of pool tables to keep groups entertained. They pour a fantastic range of cask ales, wines, and cocktails, while the outdoor seating and dog friendly policy make it an easy choice for any occasion. The food is cooked to perfection, with generous breakfasts and a menu that caters to vegan and dietary needs, all served by a genuinely caring team. With great drink promotions and a lively crowd, this is a top spot for students and sports fans alike to settle in for a bargain pint.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




