Let's Raise the Roof!
Function Room Plans
Above the traditional bar are of The New Clarence lies a huge empty space - full of light, full of potential.
The Hull Community Pub Society is raising funds to restore the upstairs function room at The New Clarence — Hull's first and only community-owned pub. Located in the heart of Hull city centre, The New Clarence is owned and run by over 530 members on a not-for-profit, one-member-one-vote basis.
The function room renovation is a five-stage, £260,000 project that will create Hull's most accessible city-centre events space — with lift access, step-free floors and two accessible toilets. Once complete, the space will host weddings, conferences, live music, community meetings, beer festivals and more, filling a gap left by the closure of local churches and community centres across the city.
You can support the project by buying community shares from as little as £100. Investors of £1,000 or more may qualify for 30% income tax relief through the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). Any funds raised are matched by potential grant funding from Hull City Council, making every pound go further.
The share offer opened in May 2026 and closes on 5 July 2026. Join over 530 members who already own a stake in Hull's community pub.
To find out more or buy shares check out our crowdfunder,
Graphic showing what the enlarged, double height function room will look like
Raise the roof
fundraiser
This video shows why we are trying to raise £100k via cpmmunity shares. Click here to buy shares.
Award winning!
In January 2026 CAMRA announced that The New Clarence team had won their national pub saving award.
The original campaign
This video shows how the pub looked before we raised enough money to renovate and reopen the bar and kitchen
Community owned pubs are more sustainable
There are over 170 Community owned pubs in the UK. Community pubs are more sustainable than commercially run pubs because their purpose is to serve the community, not make a profit.
The Landlords of pubs owned by breweries and pub companies have to pay rent to operate the pub. They are also 'tied' in to selling product provided by the pub company which they have to buy at a significant mark up.
Community owned and run pubs don't have to pay rent to anyone and they are 'free houses' which means they are free to buy their beer and food from any supplier. They can also benefit from substantial discounts on business rates.
Find the New Clarence
Google map screen shot showing the location of the pub in the City Centre and zoomed in to the New Town
