Decision to visit award-winning bar and pizzeria was a no-brainer

A VENUE THAT DOES HULL PROUD

- By SOFIE JACKSON

UNLESS you've been under a rock since 2017, you've probably heard of The Brain Jar in Hull's Old Town. The cocktail bar and pizzeria has a beloved following and won and been shortlisted for many awards.

Earlier this month, Brain Jar bar manager Matt Smith was announced as a global champion at the 2025 Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series. Judges were impressed with his velvety-smooth creation “Dead Bod”, a cocktail inspired by Hull’s iconic piece of graffiti art.

It’s just one of many accolades for The Brain Jar, but I'd still yet to visit. I decided to make amends on a midweek night and was very glad I did.

When you walk through the door, the immediate feeling is of warmth and cosiness. The staff are friendly, the music is low-key and soothing, and soft lighting bathes you in an amber glow like you’re in a giant bottle of whisky.