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

Pub of the Week: The Sailmakers Arms
Welcome80%
Drinks selection80%
Atmosphere60%
Prices80%
75%Overall Score
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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

About The Author

Dave Lee is TV producer and film-maker who also writes on food & drink, travel and culture for various publications. He is a regular contributor on BBC Radio 4 and the Yorkshire Post. Worryingly, he believes that the finest food on earth is the pattie butty.

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