For lots of people visits to the pub have become less frequent in recent years. Increasing costs have made what was once an affordable activity a less regular event.
Often many of us have had the idea that it would be nice to be on the receiving end of some of the cash going over the bar and have fondly entertained thoughts of having our own pub.
For far too long now Hull City fans have had to resign themselves to paying high pub prices and handing over hard earned cash to people with no connection or interest in the club. Supporters have looked wistfully at other league clubs where they have supporters’ clubs they can call their own. A place where they can have a pint at a reasonable price and enjoy the company of like- minded people, in the knowledge that the money going over the bar will in some way benefit the supporters or the club itself.
Earlier last year members of the independent Hull City fans organisation, The Tigers Co-operative, decided it was about time to do something about it and voted to provide £10,000 as seed corn to attract a funding package that would see just such a club set up.
It took many months of protracted negotiations but, finally, a lengthy lease was secured for the old British Rail Social Club at the town end of Anlaby Road. Anyone who knows the area will tell you that this is just a short walk from the KC. The club was named the ‘Tigers Lair’ by Tigers Co-operative members and the work, which commenced in October last year, has now been completed.
The feasibility of the ambitious scheme has been re-enforced by Railtrack, the owners of the property, and the John Smiths brewery. Jointly they have committed investment in the scheme to the tune of just under £400,000.
Annual membership of the Lair only costs £5 (with OAP annual membership at only £2.50). Membership has already reached nearly 700 and every day more are joining. For the casual visitor Day memberships are also available for just £1. Husband and wife team Graeme and Mavis Smith, who have many years experience of members only clubs, will be running all day to day operations with guidance from time to time by the committee.
The Tigers Lair is a modern members’ club to cater for all tastes. It could be said to be two clubs for the price of one.
Firstly, the sports bar is a football themed environment, where games of pool or darts can be enjoyed, or where you can just sit with the lads and watch the live football via satellite on the state of the art 8ft wide big screen. Members will also be able to spend many enjoyable hours examining the vast selection of Hull City memorabilia as well as that donated by other clubs. There will also be the occasional special sports evening with guest speakers or sports quizzes to enjoy.
The other area of the club is the warm and relaxing lounge. It is for those who seek refuge from the day to day stresses of life. You can have a quiet drink and a natter and maybe a meal. There is certainly no sport in here. Also, from time to time, you can enjoy some of the best live music to be found locally. What better place could there be to sample excellent home cooked food than the Tigers Lair?
Whichever environment you choose you will find the prices compare favourably with other local venues and are cheaper than most. Members will have the comfort in knowing that the money they spend will find its way back into the Tiger community. Sponsorship of Hull City AFC, schemes to benefit supporters, disadvantaged groups and local football are all high on the priority list.
With a capacity of around 600 the club is big enough to cater for most who want to visit, even on a match day. That’s if you can get past big Nige on the door! The Lair will be open from 11 to 11 on Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 10.30pm on a Sunday, so whatever the time or whatever you want to do, you’re sure to be able to find it at the Lair.
The Lair will be opening its doors for the first time at 11.00am on Saturday 15th March and there will be an open day on Sunday the 16th for everyone to come and see what all the fuss is about. Wednesday 19th March will be a special evening held as a thank you for those who have shown faith and become members even before we had opened. It will include a special showcase of young local talent.
Last, but not least, a special thank you must go to Ken Wagstaff who has been a constant source of encouragement and advice. Without Ken we certainly wouldn’t have got this far. As our Honorary Life President, Waggy will also be found behind the bar on match days serving beer as well as dispensing his own unique brand of football wisdom for those seeking enlightenment.
For further information please ring 01482 211208 or 07808 762989.