Mike Brown's Pub of the Week: The Hop and Vine in Hull

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Posted August 19th, 2008 by Mike Brown in
Mike Brown meets Stewart Campbell

Howdy!

As there is a severe lack of real cider in Withernsea, I've decided to head to my home town to seek some refreshment of the apple variety!

I'm no stranger to this weeks featured pub, and can often be found frequenting it on my lunch or after a stressful day at work. The place I'm talking about is The Hop and Vine, which is a small cafe-style bar on Albion Street in Hull.

The Hop and Vine is unlike any place I've ever been to before, the first thing I noticed was the fact that everybody in 'the Hop' was there for the same reason, to enjoy a REAL product rather than the usual common alcoholic beverages that are available elsewhere. It's nice to be able to go to a bar and know that the local scallys will be elsewhere getting steaming drunk on Stella, if they ever came to The Hop and Vine they'd wouldn't know what to ask for!

The Hop and Vine is run by Stewart Campbell and his partner Janet Rowan, who are both long-serving members of the Campaign for Real Ale. So, that explains the extensive real products on tap rather than the usual suspects! Stewart can normally be found on the bar, whilst Janet is more of the kitchen person in the partnership, when Janet is in there is normally the smell of freshly made bread in the air.

The Hop and Vine has two or three changing hand pull real ales on from various breweries across the country. As a cider lover, I am particularly proud to have found somewhere that sells real cider that isn't the norm. Last week, after a particularly rough day at work I decided that I needed a pint. So, I made a bee line for the hop and vine and ordered a pint of Ross-on-Wye Tremlett/Brown Cider and it was just the ticket!

As well as the real ales, ciders and perries, The Hop and Vine also sells a selection of imported bottled Belgian beers, draught Czech beers and a large range of wines and spirits too.

Pub meals arn't served at The Hop and Vine, but a selection of home-made paninis, salads, snacks and freshly-made sandwiches ranging from £2.50 upwards are available until 9pm. In a review in the Hull Daily Mail, they said that the Hop and Vine has “The Best Sandwiches in Town” so why not judge for yourself and pop in next time your in Hull City Centre and say hello, I'll be at the bar!

The Hop and Vine is open 11am - 11pm Tuesday - Saturday, and 4pm - 10pm on a Sunday.

Cheers!
Mike Brown.

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