The Mission was converted into a bar in 1995, and compared to other pubs in the city centre, some of which have been around for centuries, it has had relatively little time to establish itself on the circuit. However, the venue, a converted Seaman’s Mission, gives the place a ready-made history and a real opportunity to compete with some of Hull’s venerable drinking establishments.

The Venue
The red-brick Seaman’s Mission comes complete with a spire and stained glass windows, although the chalk boards which festoon the walls leave little doubt that this building has undergone a change of purpose. The interior is light, airy and comfortable, and includes further reminders of the venue’s religious past in the decor, fixtures and fittings.

There is a lot of space inside, and plenty to catch the eye, dusty old books being a speciality. More importantly perhaps - particularly to none-bibliophiles - there is a wealth of comfortable seating, ranging from cosy armchairs to secluded booths.

Complete with a large bar, good facilities, and a bright mix of music The Mission presents a warm, welcoming and visually interesting environment.

The People
Although Posterngate is in the city centre, it is slightly off the beaten track behind the main thoroughfare of Whitefriargate. While this obviously won’t deter locals, or the more curious wanderer, it means that The Mission misses out on casual trade from passers by which many other Hull pubs benefit from. For this reason, the pub can often seem empty during weekdays, a feeling which is heightened by the wide open spaces of the big building. At weekends it’s a different story, as multitudes descend on the central pubs, The Mission claims more than its share of punters. The crowds bring few problems and the atmosphere is generally amicable.

The experienced staff cope well during busy periods, and are happy to banter during quieter moments. The Mission offers some of the best customer service in Hull.

The Drink
The Mission caters well for both bitter and lager drinkers with two excellent pints: Old Mill (£2.35) is a sharp flavoured beer with a good colour and a surprisingly refreshing taste; Kronenbourg (£3.10) is one of the better continental lagers which dominate the pub trade, and a great way to quench a thirst. Those two apart however, there is not a whole lot to get the taste buds excited.

Another problem with drinking in the Mission is the glasses, which aren’t glass but plastic. Obviously a safety-first attitude is a thing to be applauded, but beer never tastes quite as good from a beaker, and you have to wonder if such measures are strictly necessary on a quiet weekday evening.

If the bar needs a redeeming feature, it can be found in the wine list which is extensive by pub standards. Red, white and rose enthusiasts will find something to please the palate, and prices start at £3.25 a glass.

The Food
Offering a standard range of bar meals, burgers and sandwiches, as well as a Sunday carvery priced at £6.49, the food here is good value and enjoyable, a step-up from the kind of re-heated fare available at the lower end of the market. It certainly stands comparison with other pubs in town, although due to its location, it has to compete with the cafe bars opposite Princes Quay, which perhaps offer a little more in the way of sophistication.

Meals are only available at lunch time (11.30am-2pm) and if you get peckish in the evening, you will have to rely on bar snacks, of which there is at least a good selection.

The Last Word
If The Mission has one strength, it is the venue. With distinctive surroundings and friendly service, this genuinely is a really nice place to go for a drink. If it has a weakness, it may be that it is still too often quiet during the week - though if you like plenty of space to yourself you may find this a bonus. The Mission does have the potential to take its place in the pantheon of famous Hull pubs. They might have to ditch the plastic glasses first though.

venue information venue map view hull review add a review