Things You Could Do in 1990s Hull That You Can't Now

Hull’s changed — mostly for the better, sometimes not. But there’s a particular kind of Saturday that only existed in the 90s, and if you were there, this list is going to sting a bit (in a nice way). Here’s what you could do in 1990s Hull that you just can’t now.

1. Do the big shop at Grandways

Red and yellow stripes, the pencil mascot, a proper Hull institution run by William Jackson & Son. Grandways was broken up in the early 90s — but the logo lives on.

2. Flick through vinyl at Sydney Scarborough’s

The record shop every Hull music fan passed through — famously tucked under the City Hall, where you could actually listen to a record before you bought it. Syd Scarborough’s had been selling Hull its music since 1915. Try that with a streaming app. Sydney Scarborough tee →

3. Dance till 2am at LA’s

Lexington Avenue on Ferensway — the neon, the three rooms, Bus Stop on a Tuesday. If you nerr, you nerr.

4. Grab a Yankee Burger on the way home

The late-night feed of choice. No notes. Yankee Burger tee →

5. Catch a film at the Tower

Before the multiplexes, there was the Tower — all that lovely old deco detailing. They don’t build them like that anymore.

6. Have a proper night at The Room

Hull’s clubland had more than one legend. The Room earned its place in the city’s nights-out hall of fame.

7. Say hello to Dead Bod

Alright, you can still visit him — but back then Dead Bod, the cheerful painted bird down by the docks, was just out there on his shed, being gloriously, pointlessly Hull.

The point of all this

None of it’s really gone — not while people still remember it. That’s the whole idea behind 'Ulltmate: the Hull that closed down, reprinted. Wear your bit of it with pride.

FAQs

Is this list in any particular order?

Not really — it’s a wander, not a ranking. Everyone’s Hull is a bit different.

Where was Sydney Scarborough’s record shop?

It’s best remembered for its spot under Hull City Hall, though the business dates back to 1915 on Anlaby Road.

Do you sell prints of all these places?

We’re building the collection out. Grandways, Lexington Avenue, Sydney Scarborough, Yankee Burger, the Tower, The Room and Dead Bod are all part of the ’Ulltmate range.