Former Whalebone landlord to run community-owned New Clarence

SPRUCED UP: An image of how the renovated New Clarence could look

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

The owners of a forthcoming community-run pub in the city centre have made a significant appointment, with former Whalebone landlord Jamie Reading becoming its first manager.

Jamie will take the reins at The New Clarence in Charles Street, and will begin preparing for what is hoped will be a summer opening.

He comes with a renowned pedigree, being a five-time winner of the local  Campaign for Real Ale’s Pub of the Year.

Jamie said: “This pub has huge potential and is in an excellent location, near the New Theatre at the heart of the city. This is a great opportunity to be at the heart of this project to run Hull’s first co-operatively owned pub. It will have one of the best meeting venues and music spaces in the city, and will be fully accessible to boot.”

The announcement comes as the Hull Community Pub Society, which owns The New Clarence, approaches its £250,000 fundraising target to renovate and reopen the pub – it needs just another £45,000, with shares available to buy from £100.

Society chairman Simon Berry, a former Paralympian, said: “We are delighted to appoint Jamie from an extremely talented field of candidates. His knowledge and experience of the regional pub scene is unrivalled, and we know he will run a cracking, friendly, real-ale pub with excellent food.”

APPOINTMENT: Jamie Reading, left, with Simon Berry

The New Clarence used to be known as a great real-ale pub and for its Sunday lunches. The society says is committed to bringing all of that back as well as a fully accessible venue space for community groups to meet and to host music events and parties.  

Restoring the function room, which was ripped out by the previous owners, is a key part of the plans.

The pub closed in June 2023 and the society was formed in January this year with the aim of raising enough money to buy and renovate it. The society bought the pub in February.

Last year the society secured a large grant from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund, established to enable communities to keep venues like The New Clarence in public use.

Simon said: “When we hit the target we will have enough money to put the kitchen and cellar back in and fix the roof.  We will improve insulation and make the building energy efficient.

“We are also raising money to put in a lift and accessible toilets so that everyone will be able to use and enjoy the space. Please consider buying shares, from £100, and be part of something special.”