Hey, that World Cup was fun, wasn’t it? Seeing all those players at the very peak of their game dishing out some truly memorable moments in a sportswashed desert. Well, if you liked the crushing disappointment of England losing to a slightly better, and much sexier, France team – then you’ll love the crushing disappointment of Sunderland AFC withering in the face of Hull City!
The World Cup final may be on Sunday and you’ll no doubt be frothing at the mouth for the exciting clash between France and Argentina, but before that we’ve got a trip to the City of Culture ahead of us.
Unfortunately, if you like the relaxing Christmassy feel of reaching Hull via public transport then you’ll be sadly disappointed as the government refuses to pay anyone an actual decent wage for any form of public job. What a country!
How Do I Get There?
Hull is one of those great places that look very close to the north east on a map, yet inexplicably take three hours to get there. If you’re driving take the A19, A1(M) and then the M62 heading towards Hull. Join the A63 and when you’re in the City of Culture simply follow the signs for the stadium. Parking is available at the ground for £5.
Sat nav losers: HU3 6HU
If you’re planning on getting the train, think again because there’s a rail strike on (up the workers, fuck the Tories).
What’s the Ground Like?
It would seem the losers at Hull City have changed the name of their stadium again. You all know what the KC/KCOM/MKM Stadium is like, it’s one of the modern ones which are pretty nice, albeit it does have the smallest toilets we’ve ever seen in a football ground built after 1952. Sunderland fans will be in the North East corner of the stadium and it’s completely sold out.
Yer thirsty?
Hull do have a terrible bar situated at the stadium itself (The Pitch Side), which conveniently stops serving pints 45 minutes before kick off. There’s a handful of pubs near the ground including The Boot Room and Parkers on Anlaby Road but we can’t guarantee these will be ‘home fans only’ affairs.
If you have a bit of time on your hands in the city centre, then take a stroll down Silver Street and pop into the Ye Olde White Harte, a delicious 16th century pub. Go a bit further to Scale Street and both The Lion’s Key and the Manchester Arms are other excellent choices. There’s also a lovely Head of Steam pub on King Street, if you’re into that kind of thing.
What’s happening in Hull?
Considering Hull’s status as City of Culture, it’s no surprise that it’s pre-Christmas activities are simply bustling. After the match, you could treat yourself to a night at The Stage Door to watch Madness tribute band – ‘Badness’. Alternatively, swing by The Welly Club to see Fleetwood Mac tribute band – ‘Fleetwood Bac’ – with Half Man Half Biscuit.
