Hull:
Accessed via a narrow alley into a courtyard, this is traditional pub in the Old Town. It’s Sam Smiths, so not being keen on their bitter I drank lager. Nothing amazing about the place, but pleasant enough, and very nice outside in the courtyard in the sun.
Beverley:
AKA “Nellie’s” aparently, this is an old coaching in, and looks and feels the part; very traditional and historic, and not mucked about with. As it’s a Sam Smith’s pub, the prices were low, and the beer choice was theirs alone. I’m not a massive fan of Old Brewery Bitter, but it was in good condition, and atmosphere in the pub was great.
Bispham, Blackpool:
The only ale I got on our Blackpool trip. Some way north of the main attractions, but very near a tram stop, this is a lovely thirties pub, with some great features, owned by the Samuel Smith’s chain. I’d class the exterior as a bit more Arts and Crafts than Art Deco, but the inside has strong Art Deco touches.
There’s no music, no TVs, and no kids :-). Added to that, the prices are stunning: a pint of bitter and a half of cider came to £3.27, little more than the pint alone would cost in many places, and not much of an increase over a visit to a Sam Smith’s pub in 2008.