A city centre pub has turned back the clock as it joins Hull’s ever-expanding real ale trail.

Ye Olde Corn Exchange has pulled the plug on the big screens and neon lights and reopened after refurbishment with an offer based on cask ales, home-made food and a keen eye on Hull’s heritage.

Husband and wife management team Adam and Helen Scruton are young but bring plenty of relevant experience – they also look after Ye Olde Black Boy, where they have been behind the bar for the last three years.

The Corn Exchange, on the corner of Lowgate and North Church Side in the Old Town, was a catering establishment as long ago as the 18th century when, according to files from history within the pub, it was the Excise Coffee House. Local brewer John Meggitt secured the lease in 1788 and the name Corn Exchange was applied in the early 19th century. Black and white pictures around the walls show the old Humber Dock – now Hull Marina. There is also a nod to the time when the pub was known as “Percy’s Palace” under licensee Percy Johnson, although these days the pictures of Hull KR which used to dominate the building are balanced by shots of Hull FC and Hull City – two of each team.

“It was very modern before we arrived but we have turned it back into a traditional pub,” said Adam.

Helen added: “We’re from the Hull area and we’ve had the Black Boy for a while now so we know the Old Town and we know that Ye Olde Corn Exchange is important to the city.

“The Old Town is the sort of area that attracts the more discerning drinkers so we’re offering 10 real ales as well as traditional cider. Our food is all home-made and locally-sourced as far as possible. Ye Olde Corn Exchange used to be famous for its fish and chips and that’s what we are aiming for.”

Plans for the future include live music in keeping with the surroundings, with local bands performing on Friday nights from 15 February and the relocation of the “Busker’s Ball” open mic night from the Black Boy.

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “The great strength of Hull’s evening economy is the variety that we have to offer and Ye Olde Corn Exchange adds to that.

“We have an excellent mix of pubs and café bars of very high quality. Traditional pubs selling cask ales are on the increase, particularly in the Old Town, and there is no doubt they are helping to attract people into the city centre.”