Mad Hatter, Hull

This was one of two pubs that I'd intended to visit before a Leeds Rhinos game, but after the train was delayed by half an hour I had less time for a proper visit and ended up spending only just over 10 minutes in here and not much longer in the other, not much time to get an impression. Though this, claiming to be Hull's smallest pub, ought to be a cinch. There were two hand pumps with local Great Newsome beers on. I went for Holderness Dark, a 4.3% mild (NBSS 3.5, £4/pint) though I had to persuade the young lad running the bar to give me a fuller measure than his initial attempt. He was very friendly and chatty, and explained that the pub is busier in the week when workers from a call centre nearby pop in when they get a break during the day. I didn't get a chance to ask why there is seemingly no pub name on the frontage. (There's what looks like it might be the frame of a light box, but I couldn't tell if it was being installed or being taken down. The pub name is seen on a couple of window panes, but not really in an eye-catching way for passers by.) I'll have to remember that if I ever call in again.

Facebook page of the Mad Hatter Cafe Bar - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of the Mad Hatter Cafe Bar - www.facebook.com

The Mad Hatter is situated on a quiet side street only a minute's walk away from the main Old Town action but it is quiet enough to appreciate. We nearly walked straight past it. There does not appear to be any signage for the pub, apart from Hatter's being etched into the front windows. This is a single, small room bar that is seemingly popular with a younger crowd. The bar staff were equally young but were very friendly and engaging with us. Gone are the chilli based dishes mentioned previously. In fact, this is now a wet-led bar. The bar itself has been moved to the right-hand wall and features a couple of handpulls. For our visit, just one was clipped with an enjoyable Great Newsome Hopstice. The cider was Kingstone Press. A fair amount has been fit into what is apparently Hull's smallest pub. There is brick flooring, some rather garish wallpaper, a projector screen and a grandfather clock on the ceiling along with some pedestrian traffic lights. There is a fruit machine in a small alcove but apart from background music playing, I found the atmosphere quite relaxed. Tables were a little sticky but I'd happily give this one another try if in the area.