HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY GBG COUNTY No. 52 (ii) – HALIFAX

As promised, six (sort of) from Halifax to finish the English section of the Guide.

What a wonderful town, from the Piece Hall,

to the Victorian Market,

to the pizza in Vocation.

And there’s great pub accommodation 10 minutes walk up the cobbles.

  1. Shears, Paris Gate

A great location, cosy budget rooms and (the surprise) some of the best Tim Taylors I’ve had in years.

Oh, and chocolate fudge cake.

—–

Just down the hill, closest to the Shay, is my personal favourite, a multi-roomed Ossett flagship.

2) Three Pigeons (top)

Folk come from hundreds of miles away to admire the collection of Websters breweriana;

one chap travelled from Paisley. “It was a great, great brewery” said an emotional Duncan.

He’s graduated to Sol since thn.

—–

Into town now for the Grayston Unity, one of the heroes of the live music scene.

“Monthly Fitness Yoga” are a Psychic TV cover band from Sowerby Bridge; Chris Dyson is a big fan.

3) The Grayston Unity

Well, this is a real con, as they’ve moved the Grayston since my last visit and I’m assuming they haven’t mucked around too much with the seating and the Gents.

Chris Dyson says it’s all fine.

—–

4) Upper George

A courtyard pub !

I love a courtyard pub. The George only lasted a single Covid-affected year in the Guide, but I thought it was wonderful, a great mix of folk and top cask.

My notes that day were a bit chaotic; hope they’re not libellous.

—–

5) Big Six, Savile Park

A multi-roomed classic, Halifax’s version of the Blake Hotel or the Swan with Two Necks.

Shamefully, no visit since 2016, so it could be a Brunning & Price now.

But I doubt it. Halifax folk treasure their heritage.

And their craft bars. But which one should I choose to round off the half dozen ?

The Meandering Bear ?

Kobenhavn ?

The Victorian ?

Oh, you decide. Or ask Chris Dyson.

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Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

13 thoughts on “HALF A DOZEN PUBS IN EVERY GBG COUNTY No. 52 (ii) – HALIFAX”

  2. Again a great choice and a great West Riding Town. For me there would have to be a pub from Sowerby Bridge (southerners note it’s pronounced ‘Sorby Bridge’). For me it would be the Puzzle Inn, although I haven’t been since it re-opened.

    I of course defer to Chris Dyson.

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    1. Sowerby Bridge (southerners note it’s pronounced ‘Sorby Bridge’)

      Yes, there’s no “we” in ‘Sorby Bridge’ like there’s no ‘I’ in team, and no ‘F’ in …….. oh dear, I’ve forgotten that joke.

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  3. One of favourite pub towns, definitely worth its own Top 6 entry, and will be back there again next season after our promotion. Been in all those listed except Big 6, but yes, would also throw in a plug for the Victorian (which think is owned and run by same people as The Kobenhavn).

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      1. Cheers.

        (When say will be back there next campaign that possibly relies on a sorting out of The Shay pitch – got so bad this season they had to switch to Accy Stanley for last few games.)

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      1. It’s fine, a basic bar inside. All the others are better. But, if it’s nice enough to sit outside, the location would be hard to beat. The Ossett beer wasn’t great, condition was fine but a dull beer.

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      3. There’s another one that might be new? We didn’t go in. Diagonally opposite the Meandering Bear, to the right of the entrance to the arcade where Kobenhavn is. The sign on the front says Hop In but Google Maps has it as “Halifax Beer & Cider”.

        I was very impressed with Halifax and the quality of the bars/pubs in close proximity to the station.

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