The Empress

You'll find The Empress wedged right into the heart of Hull's city centre, the sort of place that's been pulling pints for locals since before anyone was bothered with craft beer lists. Walk in and you're greeted with timber-dark interiors, sticky carpets that tell stories, and a crowd that ranges from office workers knocking off early to regulars who've probably got their own barstool reserved. The vibe is properly unpretentious—no Instagram filters needed, no trying too hard. You come for honest beer, reasonably priced drinks, and the kind of no-nonsense service you actually want from a Hull pub. It's the sort of place where conversation happens naturally, whether you're here solo or with mates.