New Royal Mail, Hull

We'd passed this place earlier on the way towards Patrington and Welwick, without noticing it. But, with a little closer looking, we soon spotted it on our return. This was probably the least welcoming of the 11 pubs we tried in East Yorkshire. The landlord was sat drinking with regulars and immediately set about quoting the rules - children can only be outside and despite the removal of most Covid restrictions, service could only be at the table. This was the only pub we tried that still didn't allow service at the bar. Brakspear Bitter is the regular cask ale. A guest beer was Great Newsome Sleck Dust. In addition, there are 10 real ciders from Lilley's - Pickled Parrot, Gladiator, Fire Dancer, Cherries & Berries, Elderflower Cider, Strawberry Cider, Peach Cider, Cheeky Pig, Rum Cider & Rhubarb Cider. This doesn't seem like a micropub as you'd know it, but more like a locals' bar, which is certainly a bit cliquey. Can't fault the cider range, but much improvement is needed in service to make this a truly decent pub.

Created to replace the closed Royal Mail pub that used to be nearby, this is a conversion of what was once the letter sorting room behind the former post office, apparently utilising materials reclaimed from the old pub. The result is a cosy, carpeted room with a nice bar, together with an enclosed decking area behind. On handpump were great Newsome Sleck Dust, Ossett Silver King and Brakspears Gravity in good order, with a fridge full of Lilley's ciders also. A very pleasant place to enjoy a pint. Be warned it can be tricky to find - look for the tearoom and head down the side.

CAMRA WhatPub - whatpub.com

CAMRA WhatPub - whatpub.com