Minerva pub closing - Hull

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: curmudgeon
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 10:07 PM

We were with you in spirit and hoisted some pints in your honour. We were most fortunate that Paul Schurr, the only member of our session who had actually drunk at Minerva was able to recall the words to Linda's wonderful song .         

Dont give up hope - Tom

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST,Jim Radford
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 01:42 PM

Sorry about mistaken date in above posting. The MAYDAY TUGS OF WAR screening in Scarborough is obviouysly on Sunday 20 July (not 19 July as I said above).

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST,Jim Radford
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 01:40 PM

As someone born and bred in Hull and who regularly returns to visit family (and sing in the Shanty Festival and other Yorkshire folk and maritime events) I find the story of the Minerva depressingly familiar. My own folk clb in South London (Folk Mob at the Tudor Barn in Eltham) has just suffered a similar fate (still open but no bar now). Has anyone written a song about the Minerva yet?

PS. I am presenting MAYDAY TUGS OF WAR tomorrow (Sunday 19 July 2008) at 2pm in the Sea Cadets' Hall at Scarborough SeaFest (an award winning film about the wartime Rescue Tugs which also has some excellent sea songs). Anyone who missed the Hull screening in June should come along to Scarborough and see it there.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 19 Jul 08 - 10:35 AM

jOhn and I did the afternoon binge thingy, ably assisted by Mr Legend. The latest information about this noted pub is that it will reopen in April (after its September closure). Hmm.

jOhn and I will be available for afternoon binging until the pub closes in September, with assistance from other Hull notables including Ossonflags, in case anybody wants to add this valuable experience to their CV.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: ossonflags
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 04:29 PM

Cant be there - see pm Les - doing a bit of speed/binge drinking for meself in the Saddleworth.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 01:57 PM

A bit far for a pint - ni' mind Paul. I'll ask jOhn if he's coming up to Whitby.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: gnomad
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 01:14 PM

A'd luv ter cum, bein an ex-lercal an all tha', bu' A dern't think A cn mek i', A'm werkin like. Avva gud time, A'd uv liked ter mee' jOhn, 'es mi 'ero 'e is.

See yer in August, Les.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 09:06 AM

If I can get out of meeting early I will be in for a pint

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 08:30 AM

Any more for any more?

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Pistachio
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:57 AM

Les, great idea but I'll decline your kind invitation as I have been offered tea and cakes up at school!!! (withing walking distance - and safer liquid refreshment, considering I'll be driving to Saddleworth the very next morning!)
(Without the lovely Linda ... see bottom of Saddleworth thread!)

I'll pm you now! You have been warned!
Hazel,x

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:39 AM

I'm gonna try and make it - we're on strike this Wed and Thurs, so that's the last excuse gone for NOT daytime binge drinking!

I'm not a lercal but I did reside there for 9 years and lived to tell the tale.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 15 Jul 08 - 11:22 AM

jOhn and I will be hosting a daytime binge drinking and Former Hull Smerking Club Annual Reunion at the Minerva this Thursday afternoon, commencing at 2pm, at which will will drink beer and put the world to rights. All welcome - but this is a lercal thing for lercal people. Hull Kids against the Werld!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 12:00 PM

We, the Raving Maes, danced there on Tuesday night with Green Ginger Morris.

It was a fantastic night and there were a quite a few people stoppping by to watch.

We're going to go down once a month or so and see how many people we can draw in.

Let's hope it stays!!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 11:30 AM

Actually it was quite reasonable for a Monday afternoon. It's a good location for tourist visitors (we had that Joe Offer in there once) and it's nice to sit outside where we can avoid the 'ner smerking'. If anyone else fancies an afternoon pint in Hull - visitors or locals - I'm usually up for it!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Pistachio
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 10:10 AM

Was the pub busy John?
Having passed the marina the other day I noticed all the demolition work that is going on near the Heritage pub (which is boarded up).

Looking forward to Sea Fever, Shanty Festival, September 6-7 this year. 9 weeks to go!!
H.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: fumblefingers
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 01:15 AM

This probably belongs in the BS section but it's relevent to the thread.

Smoking bans

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 02 Jul 08 - 08:04 PM

I wwent to Minerva on Mundy with Les, we had a few bears and it was really nice.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 23 May 08 - 11:58 AM

email received from TCG

THE MINERVA HOTEL

21/05/08
I am very pleased that we have had positive news from both Hull City Council and British Waterways Marina Ltd, confirming that the extensive works to the Lock Gates at Hull Marina will not be taking place until the end of September. Therefore I am delighted to confirm that the Minerva will continue trading throughout the summer.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers who have been so vocal and positive in their support for the Minerva over the past two weeks, and look forward to them enjoying our hospitality over the summer.

The background factors that led to our decision to 'mothball' the Minerva still remain, so we will cease trading at the Minerva Hotel at the end of September 2008.

- The closure of many neighbouring buildings which are now to be revitalised under the fruit market development plans has also meant that there are fewer 'local' customers who visit us on a regular basis

- The change in pedestrian access from The Deep has seen a significant reduction in the number of tourists who walk down to the Minerva following their visit to this attraction since the works commenced in January 2008 as part of the fruit market development.

- The decline of the local 'circuit' from seven pubs to just two over recent years has meant that fewer people are coming to this part of Hull

- The introduction of the Smoking Ban in July 2007 has had a well-documented negative impact on many traditional pubs, including the Minerva.

We believe that the regeneration of the local area, and specifically the fruit market development and apartments adjacent to the trade centre, should result in a positive boost to the local economy which could enable us to re-open the Minerva as a sustainable business around Easter 2009 in time to celebrate our bi-centenary. Unfortunately in the meantime despite the best efforts of our team and the support of regular customers, it is not possible to keep the Minerva open as a sustainable business through the winter.

Again I would like to thank all of our customers who have been so passionate about the Minerva over the past few weeks.



Kind regards


Ross Dick-Cleland
Operations Manager
TCG Acquisitions Ltd

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 23 May 08 - 05:19 AM

I hope the 'stay of execution' is true. Gives me a chance to visit the place once more - and hopefully not for the last time. Fingers crossed.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 22 May 08 - 09:32 PM

Saw it on the news too.
looks good.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Willa
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:17 PM

News today that the Clipper race 2009 will start/finish at Hull Marina next Seprember. It is hoped this will bring 200,000 visitors to the area. (This year's leg from Hull is said to have brought 50,000 visitors.

Another glimmer of hope for the area?

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: 8_Pints
Date: 22 May 08 - 02:48 PM

Anyone confirm this?

Great news if true!

Bob vG

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 08 - 02:28 PM

Inside scoop... The Minerva was due to close this coming Sunday but is now remaining open till Sept. The lure of one last cash cow summer season proving too tempting and making a lie of the statement that the works on the lock gates would cause disruption to trade, which was never likely.

I'm thrilled that there'll be one last summer there and who knows what difference the extra time will make. Hopefully the publicity will prove vital and extra business will stave off the death sentence.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 20 May 08 - 12:12 PM

One further point:

Say what you like about Tescos etc but at least when they screw the suppliers they do pass on (some of)the savings to the customer. The pubcos screw the brewers, the licensees and the customers. So, the brewers struggle to make a living, the licensees struggle to make a living and the customers pay sky high prices.

And they wonder why pubs are closing.


Rant over

R

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: ossonflags
Date: 20 May 08 - 12:02 PM

Well said Rog.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 20 May 08 - 08:18 AM

I personally have been convinced for a while that it is pubcos and their exhorbitant markups and rents that make it difficult for licencees to get any profit margin. In addition, to get any margin at all, the price to the customer has to be high and that is mainly what puts people off.

It is a classic case of well-intentioned but badly written legislation causing more harm than good. Breaking the link between brewers and pubs just left room for the pubcos to develop and they have no interest in pubs or beer - they are simply property owning companies out to make as much profit as possible.

The smoking ban has not caused pubs to close - many people who didn't go in before because of the smoke have now come back and they at least balance out those who stay away because they can't smoke. I'm a non-smoker (never started) and the smoke never bothered me - but the pubs are nicer places without it.

Shame about the Minerva but blame greedy pub owning conglomerates not smokers or non-smokers.

R

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST,Hugh Allen
Date: 20 May 08 - 07:15 AM

The smoking ban was introduced in July last year.
10 months later pubs are closing all over the place.

Whilst this may not be the sole cause it is a major contributory factor. The anti-smoking lobby have a lot to answer for.
They will deny that they are a partial cause of this disaster because they don't want to feel responsible but there can be no refuting that this is the case. The pub going tradition is dying fast and they are largely to blame.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: ossonflags
Date: 20 May 08 - 06:13 AM

Well that loks pretty final to me......

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: alanww
Date: 19 May 08 - 12:16 PM

Oh B*gg*r!!!
Had some great sings in there and the beer was brill!
" ...'tis our sailing time!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 19 May 08 - 11:03 AM

Was that Ross 'Dick' Cleland?

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 19 May 08 - 10:04 AM

CLOSURE OF THE MINERVA HOTEL, HULL

It is with regret that we have taken the decision to cease trading at the Minerva Hotel with effect from Monday 26 May.

The Minerva is a great Locals Pub and has a strong heritage of which we are very aware. Unfortunately there are many external factors which have undermined the ability of the Minerva to run as a sustainable business:

- The planned closure of the lock gate as part of the Trade Centre development for our peak summer trading time of June, July and August means that there will be no easy access to the Minerva for the majority of visitors to the area.

- The closure of many neighbouring buildings which are now to be revitalised under the fruit market development plans has also meant that there are fewer 'local' customers who visit us on a regular basis

- The change in pedestrian access from The Deep has seen a significant reduction in the number of tourists who walk down to the Minerva following their visit to this attraction since the works commenced in January 2008 as part of the fruit market development.

- The decline of the local 'circuit' from seven pubs to just two over recent years has meant that fewer people are coming to this part of Hull

-          The introduction of the Smoking Ban in July 2007 has had a well-documented negative impact on many traditional pubs, including the Minerva.

We believe that the regeneration of the local area, and specifically the fruit market development and apartments adjacent to the trade centre, should result in a positive boost to the local economy which could enable us to re-open the Minerva as a sustainable business in 2009. Unfortunately in the meantime despite the best efforts of our team and the support of regular customers, it is not possible to keep the Minerva open as a sustainable business.

We would like to thank everyone for their custom and hope that the local economic situation improves so that we can re-open this great Local Pub.

Ross Dick-Cleland
Operations Manager
TCG Acquisitions Ltd

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 May 08 - 09:20 AM

Hi skipy - I thought you may post on this one - What took you so long! :-)

Look back up the thread - It says quite categoricaly with the smoking ban and rate rises being partly blamed.

The pub is NOT closing because of the smoking ban. That is mentioned as being amongst a number or other reasons. Don't let it keep getting to you like this, it will only depress you again! The smoking ban is a very small contributor to pub closures and you can still smoke to hearts content outside. Now, when they stop that as well you WILL have something to moan about!

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 18 May 08 - 11:46 AM

I've just written to TSG asking for their explanation. Recently the Wellington Street bridge (the one between the lock gates at the Marina) has been refurbished - although I've never seen it in use. And just over the other side of the Marina there is a large development of flats nearing completion.

On the subject of the photos - the Minerva still advertises the Minerva Brewery - they just never took the sign down.

Brid Widder mentions work being done on the lock gates - do you have any more details, Janet?

I believe that one of the problems over increased business rates is caused by these 'property management companies' increasing the paper value of their properties to make their balance sheets look good and provide bonuses to their directors, ignoring the fact that it then makes the businesses unprofitable.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: skipy
Date: 16 May 08 - 05:01 PM

I told you so!
Skipy
& many more to follow!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 16 May 08 - 05:14 AM

Thanks for the update, brid widder.

Could I issue a personal plea for people to please keep us informed as to future developments? It would be most appreciated. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: brid widder
Date: 15 May 08 - 08:51 PM

Latest news... TCG have said the reason they are closing now... at the start of the summer season ... is because of work being done on the lock gates... a customer survey suggests this work will prevent a large proportion of customers getting there... the work will take several months... at the present time the intention is to re-open next easter. If permanent closure was intended they would presumably want to cut their losses...as they are keeping the lease and therefore paying rent we should maybe assume they are telling the truth.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: oombanjo
Date: 14 May 08 - 02:28 PM

Thank you for putting the link up Sminky,the article in the NYT. was great. cheers Oombanjo

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST, Sminky
Date: 14 May 08 - 10:09 AM

Here are some more more photos and info. It even got a mention in the New York Times!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: oombanjo
Date: 13 May 08 - 02:44 PM

what a shame, I liked the Minerva and would always eat there when in Hull

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: JeZeBeL
Date: 13 May 08 - 07:24 AM

I'm gobsmacked.....I frequent the Minerva quite a lot, especially in the summer. It's my partner and my favourite place to sit and chill after work in the summer........I just don't know what to say??

Why do they always close the gorgeous historical pubs with PROPER beer and leave the crappy Pi**water serving places open!!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: old git
Date: 13 May 08 - 05:48 AM

Roaring Forties and Hissyfit together , Hazel!! Sounds good. I'm sure we'll manage it some time over the weekend. Not sure if I could make it to the end of Sweet Minerva dry-eyed though!!
geoff

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: selby
Date: 13 May 08 - 05:47 AM

For me the passing is sad loss of personnel history my Granddad met my Grandma when she was a barmaid there in 1915ish.

I hope nobody's telling porkies and that after the work in that area it reopens, it is a fine piece history. Not living in Hull looking in from outside the council seems to have a bit of social responsibility unlike where I live.

An old pub was been modernised the exterior had to stay, but the contractor unfortunately backed a bulldozer into it and it collapsed as the contractor said at the time it was a good job the accident happened as the building could have collapsed onto anyone. The council where impressed at what a service the contractor had provided to the community and in retrospect his new monstrosity looked better than the old building anyway

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Folkiedave
Date: 13 May 08 - 05:20 AM

Thanks Mick - but I doubt it was the same landlord!!

Stan made curmudgeons look friendly!!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST,buspassed
Date: 13 May 08 - 04:48 AM

Great photo Sminky! Shows the time when the Minerva had it's own small brewery, bit of history there. The only similar operation I can think of at the time was 'Bruces Brewery' in S.London where the small chain of pubs had brewing on the premises.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST,Joe
Date: 13 May 08 - 04:33 AM

I discovered porter at the Minerva! shutting down for 2 years with a view to reopen later on? Not likely! Too many pubs shut down using these excuses.

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: ossonflags
Date: 13 May 08 - 02:58 AM

Dave, Viccy dock tavern is still there and still sellinfg ale - played it a few times in the early days of "Punch The Horse"in fact it was the first paying gig we had!!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: brid widder
Date: 12 May 08 - 07:57 PM

sorry... that last post was me!

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 08 - 07:45 PM

This really is sad news... and quite puzzling... the Minerva is owned by the city council... and leased to TCG... they are closing it but keeping the lease... so they would presumably still need to pay the rent!!

I rent from the council too... my allotment... & my understanding is that I have to use it for the intended purpose... i.e growing things... or my tenancy could be discontinued... even if I do pay the rent. So if the Tattershall Castle Group can't make it pay why don't they simply sell to someone who might?...

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Folkiedave
Date: 12 May 08 - 06:54 PM

I left Hull in the late sixties. In those days I was a member of the Waterguard (Sustoms and Excise if you like) and that was next door to the office!

Handy. Too bloody handy some times!

And the Victoria Dock Tavern on Viccy Dock - what happened to that?

Subject: RE: Minerva pub closing - Hull
From: Pistachio
Date: 12 May 08 - 06:44 PM

Gutted, It's the first pub I sang in at 'Sea Fever' 2002 or 3 and where Linda and I sang our final set last year, - which included her song 'Sweet Minerva'. - then we got news of Col K.

What memories.

Old Git - will we sing it together on Beverley Beck? Hankies ready!

Like your suggestion for Green Bricks Geoff - it's one of the hardest venues for accoustics.

Hazel.
x.