Hull’s community-owned New Clarence pub marks first anniversary with celebration

The New Clarence, a beloved Hull pub owned collectively by 600 locals, is celebrating its first anniversary with a public gathering on 1st September from 6.30pm.

Two years ago, The New Clarence was abandoned and boarded up, seemingly a relic of the past.

Since its reopening in September 2025, the pub has traded strongly and earned recognition as CAMRA's national Pub Saving Champion for 2025.

The celebration offers an opportunity to meet the volunteers and owners who revitalised the space and to learn about upcoming plans.

Among these is a campaign to raise £39,000 for a new, fully accessible function room, with the crowdfunder running until 6th September.

Simon Berry, Chairperson of the Society that owns the pub, reflected on the journey.

"Two years ago this pub was boarded up and looked like it might be lost for good. We reopened in September 2025, and a year on it's thriving — run by the people who use it, with 600 of us now owning a share of it," Berry said.

"We've already raised £60,900 towards finishing the function room, and this next stage is what turns The New Clarence from a great local into somewhere the whole city can use — for weddings, gigs, meetings, whatever Hull needs."

The funding appeal welcomes the public to become owners of their local pub by purchasing shares starting at £100.

So far, £60,900 has been raised, supported by £25,000 from the Community Shares Booster Fund.

The New Clarence's story showcases the power of community ownership in revitalising local spaces, inviting more people to participate in its continued growth.