Tagged pub of week

From the street, the only sign the pub is there is the pub sign, but once you’re through the connecting arch, it becomes apparent where it got its name. The building was once home to chandler and sailmaker EE Sharp and the pub is in what was his workshop. The shop frontage is now the solicitors. There is a courtyard, which used to house a menagerie of tropical birds but is now decorated solely with plants and flowers. Inside is a one-room pub with a range fire at one end and ships’ chattels hung from the beams and on the walls. Rumour has it that the gated door in the rear leads to a tunnel joining the cellar to St Mary’s church. Through for what purpose, no-one is quite sure. What you can be sure of is the food – solid pub grub with a decent selection of pies. All are good and served with mash or gravy or peas, but the truly brave will go for the behemoth called the Mothership – pie with mash, peas, gravy, cheddar cheese and crispy shallots. If pies aren’t your thing, there is a full menu of classic dishes and even “gourmet” chip options, with a selection of four kinds of chip and toppings such as pulled pork or beef chili. The Sailmakers Arms may be tucked away but those in the know, know how to find it. Chandlers Court, 159 High Street, Hull, HU1 1NQ Tel: 01482 227437. www.thesailmakersarms.com

A decent, hearty walk from York city centre on a gorgeous spring day warrants a well-earned pint. Having arrived in Bishopthorpe, we had a choice of not one, but three pubs on one street to choose from – and they say pubs are on the decline.

Though the Wolds Way actually passes just to the east of the village, North Newbald makes a very handy diversion for walkers. It lies 15 or so miles from the start of the walk in Hessle, so if you set off...