Smashing Pubs in and around Hebden Bridge
The Fox and Goose, Hebden Bridge
The Pub: A traditional real ale pub steeped in history - there's been an alehouse on the site since the 1300s. The Fox and Goose is currently under threat of closure, but devoted locals and regulars are working together to save it by running it as a pub cooperative.
The Beer: The house beer is Goose Juice brewed by Bridestones just over the hill. Guest beers come from other local breweries including Moorhouses.
And what else we like here: Everyone is welcome at the Fox, walkers, cyclists, dogs, musicians and visitors from far and wide. There're no alcopops, no meals, no TV or juke box. The interior has seen better days but many feel its 'shabbiness' is part of The Fox's charm - and with friendly locals to chat to, you won't even notice!
More info: The Fox and Goose, 7 Heptonstall Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 6AZ; 01422 648052; www.foxandgoose.org t: @hebdenfox
The Pub: A traditional real ale pub steeped in history - there's been an alehouse on the site since the 1300s. The Fox and Goose is currently under threat of closure, but devoted locals and regulars are working together to save it by running it as a pub cooperative.
The Beer: The house beer is Goose Juice brewed by Bridestones just over the hill. Guest beers come from other local breweries including Moorhouses.
And what else we like here: Everyone is welcome at the Fox, walkers, cyclists, dogs, musicians and visitors from far and wide. There're no alcopops, no meals, no TV or juke box. The interior has seen better days but many feel its 'shabbiness' is part of The Fox's charm - and with friendly locals to chat to, you won't even notice!
More info: The Fox and Goose, 7 Heptonstall Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 6AZ; 01422 648052; www.foxandgoose.org t: @hebdenfox
The Hinchliffe Arms, Cragg Vale
The Pub: Nestling near Cragg Vale church at the foot of Erringden Moor, 'The Hinch' is a welcome stop-off for walkers as well as a scenic spot for lunch or an evening meal. The new owners arrived in April this year and have sought to place the pub at the heart of village life, gaining a reputation for good beer, good food and a warm welcome along the way.
The Beer: Landlord Miles Laprell believes in supporting local producers and keeps a good range of ales from Yorkshire breweries. When we visited, there were beers from The Hay Rake in Littleborough, Goose Eye, Bridgehouse and Ilkley.
And what else we like here: Food is also sourced as locally as possible, including eggs from a nearby farm and ice cream from Just Jenny's in Halifax. The walls display work by local artists.
More info:The Hinchliffe Arms, Cragg Vale, Halifax, HX7 5TA; 01422 883256
www.hinchliffearmscraggvale.co.uk fb: The Hinchliffe Arms; t: @TheHinchCragg
The Pub: Nestling near Cragg Vale church at the foot of Erringden Moor, 'The Hinch' is a welcome stop-off for walkers as well as a scenic spot for lunch or an evening meal. The new owners arrived in April this year and have sought to place the pub at the heart of village life, gaining a reputation for good beer, good food and a warm welcome along the way.
The Beer: Landlord Miles Laprell believes in supporting local producers and keeps a good range of ales from Yorkshire breweries. When we visited, there were beers from The Hay Rake in Littleborough, Goose Eye, Bridgehouse and Ilkley.
And what else we like here: Food is also sourced as locally as possible, including eggs from a nearby farm and ice cream from Just Jenny's in Halifax. The walls display work by local artists.
More info:The Hinchliffe Arms, Cragg Vale, Halifax, HX7 5TA; 01422 883256
www.hinchliffearmscraggvale.co.uk fb: The Hinchliffe Arms; t: @TheHinchCragg
The New Delight Inn, Colden
The Pub: A stone-flagged cosy pub at Jack Bridge above Hebden Bridge, popular with walkers and cyclists.
The Beer: Bridestones Brewing is just a stone's throw away and the New Delight is the brewery tap. Pennine Gold is always on, usually accompanied by either Sandstone or Indian's Head. Other real ales are also available. And what else we like here: 'The Newdy' is perfectly placed for the Pennine Way, the Calderdale Way and the Mary Towneley Loop, and dogs, hikers, cyclists and riders are all welcome. For the less energetic, there is a bus stop outside the pub. Or you could just camp next door with www.hebdenbridgecamping.co.uk More info: The New Delight Inn, Jack Bridge, Colden, www.newdelightinn.co.uk. HX7 7HT; 01422 844628 |
The Packhorse, Widdop
The Pub: Known locally as 'The Ridge' because of its location up on the moors near the Pennine Way, the Packhorse building dates back to 1610.
The Beer: Beers from across the area including Copper Dragon in Skipton and Worsthorne near Burnley. There are also over 140 whiskeys available. And what else we like here: As well as an eat-in menu, the Packhorse sells locally-made pies and cakes to take away. Photographs on the walls show the construction of the nearby reservoirs and the bridge that carried the Blake Dean railway. Walking routes are in abundance - why not try a circuit around Widdop and Gorple reservoirs? It's said that from whichever direction you approach, when you can see the white building that is the Packhorse, you're just 45 minutes away from that pint! More info: The Packhorse Inn, Widdop Road, Widdop, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7AT; 01422 842803 |
The Parcel Office, Hebden Bridge
The Pub: Known to many as the commuter-friendly Coffee Station at Hebden Bridge station, on a Friday and Saturday evening, The Old Parcel Office transforms into a pop-up ale and cider bar.
The Beer: A choice of cider from the Real Cider Company is always available, including one from Holmfirth company Pure North. Beer lovers will not be disappointed though with ale from Little Valley and Bridestones also on offer. And what else we like here: The Parcel Office is keen to support local, small producers and pies from The Porkery are on the menu. Acoustic music in the form of 'Brief Encounters' takes place on a Friday evening. More info: The Parcel Office, Hebden Bridge Railway Station, Hebden Bridge; t: @parcelofficebar |
The Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge
The Pub: The Stubbing Wharf is a short walk out of Hebden Bridge along the Rochdale Canal where it offers the perfect beer-stop for walkers and canal cruisers alike. With real fires in winter and seats near the tow path in warmer weather, the Stubbing is popular with both locals and visitors.
The Beer: As well as Skipton's Copper Dragon, the Stubbing offers pints from smaller South Pennines breweries including Little Valley, Naylors, Bridgehouse and Slightly Foxed.
And what else we like here: The Stubbing Wharf takes the 'pub food done well' approach and sources ingredients locally - some of the salad and vegetables are grown just along the towpath at the Callis Community Garden! There are photos of local landmarks by bar regular John Mitton on the walls and a book swap scheme. The Stubbing is also host to the monthly Shaggy Dog storytelling night, Wednesday's Open Mic and the Thursday quiz.
Before and after: walk along the canal into Hebden Bridge and visit its array of independent shops, many selling local artwork and specialised goods. Or you could try the The History Walk in nearby Charlestown. Alternatively, brush up on your Ted Hughes - the former poet laureate who set his poem Stubbing Wharfe here. Sylvia Plath's grave is on the hill opposite in Heptonstall Cemetery.
More info: The Stubbing Wharf, King Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 6LU; 01422 844107
www.stubbingwharf.com; fb: Stubbing Wharf; t:@stubbingwharf
The Pub: The Stubbing Wharf is a short walk out of Hebden Bridge along the Rochdale Canal where it offers the perfect beer-stop for walkers and canal cruisers alike. With real fires in winter and seats near the tow path in warmer weather, the Stubbing is popular with both locals and visitors.
The Beer: As well as Skipton's Copper Dragon, the Stubbing offers pints from smaller South Pennines breweries including Little Valley, Naylors, Bridgehouse and Slightly Foxed.
And what else we like here: The Stubbing Wharf takes the 'pub food done well' approach and sources ingredients locally - some of the salad and vegetables are grown just along the towpath at the Callis Community Garden! There are photos of local landmarks by bar regular John Mitton on the walls and a book swap scheme. The Stubbing is also host to the monthly Shaggy Dog storytelling night, Wednesday's Open Mic and the Thursday quiz.
Before and after: walk along the canal into Hebden Bridge and visit its array of independent shops, many selling local artwork and specialised goods. Or you could try the The History Walk in nearby Charlestown. Alternatively, brush up on your Ted Hughes - the former poet laureate who set his poem Stubbing Wharfe here. Sylvia Plath's grave is on the hill opposite in Heptonstall Cemetery.
More info: The Stubbing Wharf, King Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 6LU; 01422 844107
www.stubbingwharf.com; fb: Stubbing Wharf; t:@stubbingwharf