Author Dave Lee

On the hunt for a good pub in Hessle Dave Lee checks out the Pourhouse

Hanley’s in downtown Driffield has a lot going for it, writes Dave Lee, and with a little more ambition it could really start making waves.

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

Chowki is an upmarket take on Indian street food and well worth searching out, writes Dave Lee.

Very much a pub of two halves, the Travellers Rest sits on the marvellously-named Crimple Lane, right on the edge of the showground in Harrogate.

Hull’s latest vegan restaurant The Purple Robot is just a bit too ‘meaty’ for Dave Lee.

Somewhat confusingly, a different pub in Beverley used to be called the Tiger

If you’re a good enough restaurant then the punters will come and, writes Dave Lee, J Johnsons is one of Hull’s best.

To steal a line from Brian Clough, the Punch might not be the best-looking pub in Hull, but it’s in the top one.

Newly opened Home is billed as somewhere to hang out where you can also get food and drink. Dave Lee has already made himself part of the furniture.