This week is Independent Venue Week, so we will be proudly shining a light on some of the city’s best-loved destinations. And you can’t talk about independent venues in Hull without mentioning an iconic terraced house turned music venue off Newland Avenue, so ladies and gentleman, we start with the one and only…The New Adelphi Club.
For more than three decades, The New Adelphi Club has been one of the cornerstones of Hull’s independent music scene. Nestled away on De Grey Street, this institute of a venue has played host to some of music’s most iconic names, going back multiple decades.
The venue, as we know it today, opened in 1984 under the ownership of Paul Jackson – or ‘Jacko’ as he’s known to many.
Paul transformed, what was once a terraced house, into a vital stepping stone for emerging artists. Its wooden floors have felt the stomping feet of early performances from Pulp, Oasis, and The Stone Roses, while local legends like The Housemartins also cut their teeth on its modest but legendary stage.
The Adelphi celebrated its 40th birthday last year and, as part of a little update, 15 of Pulp’s original flight cases, generously donated by the band, were turned into a unique new bar area.
What makes the Adelphi truly special is its unwavering commitment to grassroots music. Unlike many venues that have succumbed to commercial pressures, the Adelphi has maintained its DIY ethos. The walls, plastered with decades of gig posters, tell stories of countless breakthrough moments and unforgettable nights. In 2022 its commitment to grassroots was recognised when it was named The UK Grassroots Music Venue of the Year.
The Adelphi doesn’t just host gigs; it’s a community.