By the Canal

The Drayman

When I first came to Hull 30 years ago most of the local pubs were supplied by the Hull Brewery Company and I recall that the beers so supplied were of the highest quality; I should know I supped enough of it. However it seems that others did not share my tastes and sales gradually dropped off (despite my best efforts). The brewery was sold and then in 1985 the sad and  fateful day arrived when the brewing stopped and the poor souls of Hull had to drink beer from Mansfield! 

But what to do with the old brewery itself? It stood empty for a while but in the early 90s they converted the place into offices and renamed it 'The Maltings' . This sculpture by Kevin Storch and is called 'The Drayman' and stands in the courtyard of the old brewery. It's cast in bronze and I think it's meant to be a fountain but it was turned off when I was there.

The Earl de Grey

No blog about Hull could  fail to mention the infamous Earl de Grey. This now closed drinking establishment is situated close to the docks. It had a reputation for a certain type of clientele; that is to say sailors with money and women who were all too willing to make them part with it. It was, in short, a knocking shop. Its renown was worldwide among the sailing fraternity.
A flavour of the place can be gleaned from the following story printed in the local paper when the pub closed. "Until 15 years ago, two parrots lived in the pub mimicking the drunken revellers who propped up the bar. Cha Cha and Ringo were popular regulars until the pub was burgled in 1985. The thieves, fearing the chatty parrots would reveal their identities, stabbed Cha Cha to death. Legend has it the bird was later buried under Castle Street during the road's construction. Lonely Ringo pined for his mate and never spoke again."

Now the building is Grade2 listed but boarded up with only this fading sign to remind us of its interesting if insalubrious past.

Man, if you gotta ask you'll never know.

Ok I'll tell you; it's a restaurant in a converted warehouse by Princes Quay. It's part of a chain of Italian restaurants and if you want to know more ask someone else. Over a year ago I showed one of the windows on the other side of the building here; by next year I might show the whole building.

Lights, Camera, Action ....

With these lights and cameras your car will be safely looked after in the Albion Street car park.

Fenced in

City Daily Photo's theme this month was fences and I wish now that I had remembered this shot that I took in June last year; still better late than never. This footbridge carries you over a main rail line and Clive Sullivan Way, actually the A63. Clive Sullivan was a famous rugby league player who played for both Hull teams and died at the age of 42.

Gazebo

The British weather is known to be fickle and the need for a some protection from the elements led to the building of this ornate shelter that looks out on to Bridlington's Harbour and bay. The view in this direction gives no clue to the tower block lurking directly behind; the views from those windows must be spectacular.