Howdy!

It's POTW time, and this time I've stopped for a bite to eat and a bevvy in Paull. Despite the village only having a small population, and being a single street until the 20th century, I was still spoilt for choice as there are actually 3 pubs in Paull, the Crown, the Royal Oak and the Humber Tavern. After studying, in detail, the food available in each stablishment, I chose to try out the Humber Tavern.

I must admit, I originally called into the pub one Sunday back in Summer, but the place was so busy that day that I decided to give it a miss as I was in a rush and I would have had to wait for a table. However, If I could have, I'd have happily stayed as the Sunday lunches looked delicious and very ample! Anyway, with the food looking so good, I was tetermined to try again, so I picked a quiet Saturday lunch-time just prior to Christmas. Other than a few worse-for-wear-looking local girlies seeking food to nurse a hangover and a few regulars at the bar there was just me and my group eating.

We sat in the main bar area, as opposed to the restaurant area which looked like it was being prepared for a Christmas booking of some description. The bar looks like it's recently been refurbished and it has a predominantly wood-look to it. It was clean, with new looking tables, a stage area, and a well stocked bar. On the wall in the centre of the main bar is the BIGGEST blackboard you'll ever see and neatly wrote in chalk you'll see details of future events at the pub. Lets be honest, this is nothing new, but many licensees do nothing, zilch, zero to promote their pubs and you'll often hear them moaning (whilst propping up the bar!) that "trade is quiet" or blaming the "economic downturn". So, assuming you enjoy the food here, you have plenty of reasons to go back. If you miss big blackboard, a handy 'flyer-come booklet' is also available which you can take home and plan those future nights out at your leisure with the rest of your family or mates. Simple, and much more affective than pubs putting on events at the last minute and hoping for the best. Anyway, enough of me ranting!

Back to my visit to the Humber Tavern, the rather friendly lady (manageress I think) came across to our table and presented us with some hefty looking menus and once we'd decided, she came back and took our order. Seeing how nice the lasagne looked when one of the rough-looking girls ordered it earlier, I decided to order it myself, and a side order of chunky chips!

Whilst waiting for the food to come, I went across to the bar to have a nosy at what drinks were available and was happy to see Tetley Bitter and Shepherd Neame Spitfire ale on handpull. I went for the latter, as in my opinion, a beer made by an independent brewer in Kent is better than a beer made by a global company. For those who don't know, Tetley was bought by Carlsberg, even though it is at present made in Leeds, it is to be moved to Northampton in the first few months of 2011 which is a real shame as it's been made in Leeds since 1822. Yes, I know, I'm on me soapbox again, aren't I?!

Where was I? Oh yes, the food! How could I forget my second favourite hobby! Ten minutes (or so) after ordering, our food came was delivered to our table. It was well presented and tasted as good as it looked. After finishing, I proudly announced I still had room for pudding, I clearly don't get fed at home! I was a little upset that they had run out of Dime Bar Crunch as that's always a winner with my sweet tooth, but they more than made up for this with a homemade treacle sponge pudding, with unlumpy custard which seems to be a rarity amongst us custard lovers!

Top marks all round, the food was great.

The Humber Tavern can be found at 70 Main Street, Paull, HU12 8AL and you can book on (01482) 899347. It is open Monday-Thursday from 12.00pm until 12.00am, and Friday and Saturday from 12.00pm until 1.30am, with the restaurant open from 12.00pm until 9.00pm Monday to Saturday and 12.00pm until 7.00pm on a Sunday.

Cheers!
Mike Brown.

Related links:

• The Humber Tavern on facebook.