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City named in list of 11 coolest UK postcodes

Holly Phillips
BBC News
Charlie O'Loughlin/ BBC A narrow, cobbled street lined with historic townhouses painted white, yellow and pale blue. The buildings have large windows. A brick archway connects two buildings in the distance. A leafless birch tree stands behind railings on the right and the sky is blue with light clouds. Charlie O'Loughlin/ BBC
HU1 in Hull was named one of the coolest places to live by the Sunday Times

HU1 in Hull has been branded one of the coolest places to live by the Sunday Times.

The area was named in the top 11 trendiest UK postcodes to move to in 2025 and was described as a location "for real northern hipsters".

The article highlighted independent shops, cafes and cultural venues for contributing to the area's "glow-up".

Hull City Council said it was "delighted" that Hull had been recognised.

"For us, it is not just those who live in the HU1 postcode, it is for all those who live, work and socialise across the city," a spokesperson added.

Reacting to the news, businesses in the area praised the community and creativity around them.

Charlie O'Loughlin/ BBC The exterior of the New Adelphi Club. The photo shoes a grey-painted building with a red-brick upper section. A large mural on the wall reads, "YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY." There's a warning plaque and a framed poster near the entrance.Charlie O'Loughlin/ BBC
A former terraced house was turned into the New Adelphi Club

Paul Sarel, manager at The New Adelphi Club, said he was "too humble" to describe the grassroots venue as "cool" and instead praised those who supported it.

"Without our loyal community of friends, gig-goers and supporters we'd be nothing," he said.

Oasis, Radiohead and the Stone Roses were among the groups who played at the club before finding global fame.

Mr Sarel said the venue just wanted to give people "a platform to perform".

"If you tell me you want to play a show with a washboard and a didgeridoo and you think it's good, then we'll put you on."

Fossca A photo of Natalie Tillison - a woman with long brown hair standing in a brightly lit interior filled with colourful furniture and decor. She wears a brown suede jacket and a white skirt and is leaning on a wooden sideboard. The design studio features vibrant lamps, striped columns, mirrors and rattan furniture, with large windows showing a city street, with a black car parked outside.Fossca
Natalie Tillison opened her design studio, Folie Chambre, in Hepworth's Arcade last year

Folie Chambre, a design studio in Hepworth's Arcade, was also mentioned by the Sunday Times.

It was founded by historian and designer Natalie Tillison last year and sources antique and vintage furniture.

She described HU1 as a "beautiful area with a diverse landscape" and said there was "a hell of a lot of local talent".

Ms Tillison said: "Fabulous independent restaurants, bakeries, cafes and shops are able to flourish in the area and support each other."

HU1's new status is in stark contrast to 20 years ago when Hull topped Channel 4's list of The Best and Worst Places to Live in the UK.

The rankings were based on crime, education, employment, environment and lifestyle.

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