Smashing Pubs in Sowerby Bridge and Ripponden
The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, Sowerby Bridge
The Pub: It's a bar and a cafe - a place for refreshments, just like its name suggests! The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms are situated at Sowerby Bridge station and are run by railway enthusiast brothers Chris and Andrew Wright, who negotiated for many years to get the former ticket office (and erstwhile workplace of Branwell Bronte) back into use. Since its opening in 2009, it's become a popular place for tea and snacks as well as a drop-in for commuters to unwind before heading home.
The Beer: There are usually six real ales available, all sourced within a 15 mile radius. Look out for beer by Slightly Foxed, Elland, Owenshaw Mill and Bridestones.
And what else we like here: The Wright way is to support local businesses and food is supplied by producers such as Cragg Cakes and local butchers. The Jubilee is full of railway artefacts and ephemera and has been decorated much as it would have been during the golden age of rail travel. There is a regular programme of events and groups such as Knit and Natter also meet there.
More info: The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, Station Road, Sowerby Bridge HX6 3LB; 01422 648285
www.jubileerefreshmentrooms.co.uk
The Pub: It's a bar and a cafe - a place for refreshments, just like its name suggests! The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms are situated at Sowerby Bridge station and are run by railway enthusiast brothers Chris and Andrew Wright, who negotiated for many years to get the former ticket office (and erstwhile workplace of Branwell Bronte) back into use. Since its opening in 2009, it's become a popular place for tea and snacks as well as a drop-in for commuters to unwind before heading home.
The Beer: There are usually six real ales available, all sourced within a 15 mile radius. Look out for beer by Slightly Foxed, Elland, Owenshaw Mill and Bridestones.
And what else we like here: The Wright way is to support local businesses and food is supplied by producers such as Cragg Cakes and local butchers. The Jubilee is full of railway artefacts and ephemera and has been decorated much as it would have been during the golden age of rail travel. There is a regular programme of events and groups such as Knit and Natter also meet there.
More info: The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms, Station Road, Sowerby Bridge HX6 3LB; 01422 648285
www.jubileerefreshmentrooms.co.uk
The Booth Wood Inn, Ripponden
The Pub: Formerly known as The Old Bore, this recently-refurbished establishment near Rishworth village had only just reopened when we visited. It has a contemporary feel but has retained the traditional features of real fires and stone flags.
The Beer: Landlord John Oates is the brother of Halifax brewer Mark Oates and so not surprisingly, The Booth Wood Inn is the brewery tap for award-winning Oates Brewery.
And what else we like here: There are plans to exhibit work by local artists on the walls - so watch that space!
More info: The Booth Wood Inn, Oldham Rd, Rishworth, HX6 4QU; 01422 825600; www.boothwoodinn.co.uk
The Pub: Formerly known as The Old Bore, this recently-refurbished establishment near Rishworth village had only just reopened when we visited. It has a contemporary feel but has retained the traditional features of real fires and stone flags.
The Beer: Landlord John Oates is the brother of Halifax brewer Mark Oates and so not surprisingly, The Booth Wood Inn is the brewery tap for award-winning Oates Brewery.
And what else we like here: There are plans to exhibit work by local artists on the walls - so watch that space!
More info: The Booth Wood Inn, Oldham Rd, Rishworth, HX6 4QU; 01422 825600; www.boothwoodinn.co.uk
The Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden
The Pub: At over 700 years old, this warm and welcoming hostelry is considered to be the oldest in Yorkshire. Tucked away by the River Ryburn close to the church, the inn is full of charm - antique furniture, fine art and real fires offer a glimpse into its past.
The Beer: The Old Bridge is a free house and landlord Tim Walker offers two changing guest ales as well as four from Timothy Taylor in Keighley.
And what else we like here: The Bridge has a reputation for fine dining, with food sourced locally and cooked on the premises. The buffet lunches are very popular, so book ahead. On Saturday afternoons, the pub is home to the Pork Pie Appreciation Society and an annual Pork Pie competition is held in March. There is a dense network of footpaths nearby and, if he's not too busy, Tim will be happy to chat to you about the wildlife.
More info: The Old Bridge Inn, Priest Lane, Ripponden, HX6 4DF; 01422 822595;
www.theoldbridgeinn.co.uk; fb: The Old Bridge Inn; t: @TheOldBridgeInn
The Pub: At over 700 years old, this warm and welcoming hostelry is considered to be the oldest in Yorkshire. Tucked away by the River Ryburn close to the church, the inn is full of charm - antique furniture, fine art and real fires offer a glimpse into its past.
The Beer: The Old Bridge is a free house and landlord Tim Walker offers two changing guest ales as well as four from Timothy Taylor in Keighley.
And what else we like here: The Bridge has a reputation for fine dining, with food sourced locally and cooked on the premises. The buffet lunches are very popular, so book ahead. On Saturday afternoons, the pub is home to the Pork Pie Appreciation Society and an annual Pork Pie competition is held in March. There is a dense network of footpaths nearby and, if he's not too busy, Tim will be happy to chat to you about the wildlife.
More info: The Old Bridge Inn, Priest Lane, Ripponden, HX6 4DF; 01422 822595;
www.theoldbridgeinn.co.uk; fb: The Old Bridge Inn; t: @TheOldBridgeInn