Hull's Old Zoological pub to reopen as Pearsons after takeover
A LONG-TIME member of the Avenues landscape is getting a new image and a new name.
The Old Zoological, in Princes Avenue, has been taken over by local businessmen Adrian Black and Andrew Westerdale, who said they hope to bring "some new life" to the area.
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FRESH IDENTITY: Adrian Black, one of the new owners of the former Old Zoological pub, which is being refitted and renamed as Pearsons. Picture: Jerome Ellerby
"We're completely rebranding it with a new name, completely refurbishing it and having a new exterior," said Mr Black.
The historic pub was built on the site of the former Botanic Gardens railway station waiting room.
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Mr Black and Mr Westerdale took over the pub last month and also own Garbutts, further down the avenue.
The new owners are renaming it Pearsons, after nearby Pearson Park.
Mr Westerdale said: "The Old Zoological has had a lot of bad press and bad stigma and we want to get rid of that."
The pub was closed from Monday for refurbishment and will be reopening on March 25.
Mr Black said Garbutts has become well known in Princes Avenue and hopes Pearsons will be the same.
Mr Westerdale said: "The first couple of months are the honeymoon period – some people will like it, some won't."
The venue first opened as a pub in 1994, taking its name from the Victorian zoological gardens off Spring Bank.
Although it will only be down the road from Garbutts, Mr Westerdale is keen to establish it as a separate enterprise.
He said: "We're giving it it's own identity.
"It's going to have a different feel and decor to Garbutts and a different menu and food."
The Old Zoological already holds a later licence than most of the bars in the area, opening at weekends until 1am.
Mr Westerdale hopes customers in the Avenues will "finish at the zoo" on a night out.
He said: "We've looked at sites before in the city centre but it really struggles in the night-time economy.
"People like the café culture down here, where you can sit outside and enjoy a couple of drinks.
"This area works for us because we have a more mature clientele."
22 Comments
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by b00001
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 6:35PM
“What! My comment was deleted, I'll try again
Well done and good luck with the refurb. I'm sure it will be an improvement.”
by b00001
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 6:31PM
“Well done and good luck with the refurb, It was a $hithole”
by smudgerhcfc
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 3:58PM
“Totally agree with the refurb but not sure on the name change.....”
by Clem_
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 2:44PM
“My late father once recalled going to the Zoological on Beverley Road between the wars to see a travelling 'darts' player who toured the country giving demonstrations and challenging locals to matches. He won most of his matches and enthralled people with his considerable skill. Instead of darts he used six inch nails with sharpened points but no flights.”
by Adam089
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 2:23PM
“About time that dump got refurbished, it was an absolute dive in there with the regular 'clients' scaring off any new customers.”
by tosh83
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 12:33PM
“old zoo was the only decent place down 'prinny ave', it'll probably just blend into all the other establishments down there and attract the usual pretentious crowd like the rest of them.”
by stantheman
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 12:33PM
“Good luck to all concerned. Resent the comment about football hooligans, written by someone who has probably never been on Princes Avenue when a football match is taking place.
Pity the council who rule over this city with its record unemployment levels and who are cutting jobs and closing facilities all over the city can actually turn down the application to develop the two railway house on the same avenue into a high class restaurant.”
by Mally_Hull
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 12:29PM
“PubSpy
Not sure exactly but it was on that corner. Don't remember Top Score lager but remember Hopfenperle lager before I grew up and went on to proper beer. In Zooey you had to take a run up to the bar the floor was so warped.”
by Bumblebeard
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 12:22PM
“Hopefully a new identity & an improvement in clientele, currently a refuge for ne'er do wells, football hooligans, EDL supporters & work dodgers, no doubt they'll have to darken some other pubs doors.”
by tothewoods
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 12:18PM
“I wish you all the best, keep up your standards from your other establishment and you will be on a winner. The only way to ensure any City pub survives is by offering good food, a relaxed friendly atmosphere and you will get the punters. Keep the drunks out and don't become a cheap pint pub.”