July 2026. Saltaire. Bradford.
Shame on you for thinking we’d abandon the Cask Camino within a month.#
No, we are true pilgrims, committed to the cause of bringing you exciting pub stops along the Leeds-Liverpool canal, which we resume at Gallows Bridge in Shipley.
The stretch to Saltaire takes barely an hour, but once you leave the graffiti of Shipley it gets notably more middle class,
as the Hockney galleries come into view,
the sculpture trail starts,
and the Dragon Boats on the Aire drag trade to Roberts Park.
Actually, Saltaire feels busier than central Bradford today, and we take refuge from the pashminas in the United Reformed Church,
one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve been in,
where the organist plays my mum’s favourite “How Great Thou Art” and this one from our own wedding.
Mrs RM is welling up a bit, it takes more than that to make me emotional.
Across the road Salt Mill is virtually a shrine to Hockney, who could draw a bit, though his Cubist post box (1962) is the unexpected standout.
The Peace Museum has moved here, and I recommend it strongly, as peace is something to aim for.
as is the Espresso bar with its fudge brownie.
But it’s beer you want, and beer you shall have.
retiredmartin 