This review is spot on , my friends and I popped in on a Wednesday afternoon . We were looked up and down by two presumably regulars , a trolleyed Guardian reader named Kev and a giant gnome ( Kev informed us he was a folk singer about to do a turn ) . The gnome was obviously not happy with our presence , probably just wanted to sing to a sozzled Kev . A change of staff happened and a surly ginger barman took over , this young man must be a holder of a masters degree in hospitality ! When we asked for another round we were refused on the grounds " we were laughing too much ". I've drank in a few pubs in my time , but this was a first . So in my opinion this pub should be avoided , apart from the history not a lot going for it . Try Ye Olde White Harte , a pub that welcomes new clientelle not just highbrow , pompous regulars .
Ye Olde Black Boy
Hull
Real Ale, Real Fire, Real Music!!!
- Address:
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150 High Street, Old Town, Hull HU1 1PS
- Contact us:
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01482 470480
Contact via email
HelenScruton
- Opening hours:
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Mon - Tue: 5:30 - 11:30
Wed - Sun: 12:30 - 11:30
| Owner's info |
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| User's info |
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9 reviews of Ye Olde Black Boy in English
I love Ye Olde Black Boy and you should too, if not…you are a racist!
The main things that keep me coming back to the Black Boy are 1) The beers, (oddly enough in a pub…) as I always find a good selection, kept well and only served if it’s at its best. A nice change from the ‘serve it and see’ philosophy of many places. 2) The eclectic mixture of people that frequent the place, from accountants to postmen, with good a measure of students and tourists too. So you’re always guaranteed a good conversation be it with the other customers or the friendly staff.
I have also come to like the Wednesday Open Mic night, which I foolishly used to consider ‘glorified karaoke’ before actually attending, some of the truly talented musicians that play there have made it an unmissable evening for me nowadays.
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2 reviews
My favourite thing about Ye Olde Black Boy is the Stowfords Press Cider, which it was explained by the friendly (brown haired) barman that it is made by a company called Westons who have been making cider for a long time (cant remember the date) so its the real stuff and is much better than the Strongbow that is normally served in pubs. The second is the music, if I get away from work early I like to listen to the folk session with a very friendly (gnome-like) singer and his friends on a wed daytime and I often go to the open mic acoustic night later that night where some very talented musicians share their music. All the staff have been friendly to me and have helped me settle into Hull and make new friends, I've made friends with some very special people in this pub. The pub looks like its not changed much since 1729 and the Landlord/Lady are always trying to keep the place looking smart and they have the nicest smelling toilets in Hull (there is even hand cream in the womens). Unfortunately I learned that a company called Enterprise own the building and due to the high rent and tied beer prices this causes a higher price than what they would like to charge, but the young couple running it have 2 young kids and I think they are doing a great job, well done and hope you keep up the good work.
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It's a great shame about Ye Olde Black Boy, it should be an unmissable Hull pub but unfortunately it is thoroughly missable. I could never recommend it to anyone, and I don't. The problem is obviously nothing to do with the superb surroundings, the history or the location.
The main drawback is the cliquey atmosphere of sour-faced regulars, usually blocking access to the bar and being very unwelcoming. While they perfect the art of talking loudly and dishing out dirty looks to non-members of their gang, you struggle to get to the bar with only half a dozen people (in the broadest sense of the word) in the place.
Music often too loud, not an especially good range of beers, and not cheap either. With so much to choose from in Hull, I can't think of a reason to visit Ye Olde Black Boy.
Comment 5 comments on this review show all
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robmowthorpe, 2 June 2011:
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puckwit, 13 July 2011:I would have to whole heartedly disagree, I have never been treat in anything other a friendly, welcoming manner. I can agree that the barman can come across a little surly at first though. As for Ye old white hart if feel that is the kind of pub for you, feel free to stay there.
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OliviaCharles, 14 July 2011:The first time I went to black boy i was new to Hull and was supprised how welcoming and chatty the regulars were. This review is blatently written by a sour faced chav. I agree that this side of old town does not welcome scruffy chavs (two other local pubs have fairly strict dress codes). Ye Olde Black Boy is for intelligent people with an interest in history, real ale (not that £ a pint rubbish) real cider and my friends like the large choice of malt whiskeys. If you like folk and more modern original music and/or vinyl music then this is the place for you. I love the way i can hear the music but still speak to my friends and meet new people.
ye Olde White Hart is the scruffiest smelliest pub ive found in Hull and im sure I could smell dog and my smirnoff vodka had a strange tint to it (obviously not the real stuff).
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caporetto, 18 September 2011:It’s always interesting when someone responds to reasonable comments with insults, slang, inaccuracies, but then makes a passionate appeal to intelligence and cultural appreciation. Why the hostility exactly? Thanks for defending the Black Boy, your aggressive response speaks volumes about the place.
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scrutonadam, 16 July 2012:Why don’t you come in and have a beer with me? I’m only trying to run a business and feed my family! When I took over the pub it was failing massively, the two previous licensees went bust after a year because of low standards and poor quality products. I have been here for three years and our trade has tripled in a time of recession. Your comment is quite damaging to my business and unfair. The pub industry is struggling enough without people like you sounding off on the Internet, criticising without a second thought. If you come in and ask for Adam I’ll buy you a drink. Thanks I’m really looking forward to meeting you!
The oldest continuously licensed premises in Hull in the heart of the historic Old Town. They serve an excellent range of drinks, including regularly changing real ales.
The first Monday of the month sea a folk music tune session in the main bar (starts about 8pm), and on Wednesday afternoons a few friends meet to sing and play.
Comment 1 comment on this review
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OliviaCharles, 14 July 2011:
It now has an open mic acoustic in the evening on a wed and gets some great covers and original music. A*
Black Boy is a lovely little pub tucked away in old town. The staff are simply wonderful and it truly is service with a smile. A great place to come for banter.
The place is certainly not haunted, and the pub’s name has nothing to do with slave boys, slave men, or slave dogs working there. Ask the bar staff for the real story.
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This is a great pub, with lots of great ales, an open fire and the friendliest of staff. It is a bit dank but it is a pub for drinking! There is a mixture of clientèle, from tourists to regulars to those who are just a bit curious.
Real drinking pubs like this are dying out and it is nice to see a shining example of a real pub.
I’ve heard the Ghost tale is nonsense from a reliable source…
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i believe it is haunted as well because every time i walk past it,it gives me a shiver down my spine.Also Prospect Centre is haunted by Patients and Staff cos it was were the old Hull Royal Infirmary was.
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When I was an art student in Hull this was my local. They did filling cheese sandwiches that any student could easily afford and pulled a good pint. Going back to college was the hard bit. Punters were chatty and friendly. The assorted real ales are superb.
recently they open new rooms upstairs doubling the size but downstairs it is dark and dingy with a snug. Black paintwork and nicotine walls.
Black Boy dates back to the 1330s, though the first reference to licenced premises on the site was in 1729. Most now is 17th and 18th century.
Ye Olde Black Boy is the definitive genuine traditional Olde English pub and of course it has a ghost. it is a little slave boy (hence the name) who was a servant there before the abolishion.
Well worth a look!
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