Halifax, West Yorkshire, has long held a reputation as a magnet for pub-goers, and for good reason! This vibrant town boasts an impressive concentration of pubs, making it a prime destination for a night out.
Back in May 2018, I captured a glimpse of this lively pub culture with a set of nine pictures taken right in the heart of Halifax town centre. These images showcase just a fraction of the many establishments that draw drinkers from across West Yorkshire and beyond.
If you've ever explored Halifax on a Friday or Saturday night, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. The town centre buzzes with an infectious energy, with people spilling out of traditional pubs, modern bars, and everything in between. It's this unique atmosphere, combined with the sheer variety of drinking spots, that makes Halifax such a popular choice for a good time.
Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle. The full set of image across all 5 post's can be seen on the video below.
The Old Post Office
Step back in time to 1790, and you'd find the heartbeat of Halifax's communication right here. This very spot marked the establishment of the town's first Post Office, a vital hub connecting Halifax to the wider world. Imagine letters arriving by horse-drawn carriage, eagerly awaited by residents, and the bustling activity as news and commerce flowed through its doors.
For centuries, this building served as a beloved local establishment, known affectionately as the Bowling Green pub. It was a place where stories were shared over pints, friendships were forged, and the rhythm of daily life unfolded. The pub was a constant, a familiar landmark in the ever-evolving tapestry of Halifax.
However, like many long-standing institutions, the Bowling Green faced a period of transition. In 2008, its doors temporarily closed, leaving a void in the community. But just two years later, in 2010, it re-emerged with a new identity, taking on its current name, which pays homage to its rich history as the town's original Post Office. This transformation speaks to the resilience of Halifax and its ability to reinvent itself while honoring its heritage. Today, the establishment continues to stand as a testament to the town's enduring spirit, blending its past as a crucial communication center and cherished pub with its present-day role.
The Royal Oak
The year 1929 saw the complete reconstruction of this historic pub, with a unique twist: much of the timber used in its rebuild came directly from HMS Newcastle. This venerable vessel, with its own storied past, lent a piece of itself to the very fabric of the establishment, imbuing it with a tangible link to naval history. Over the years, the pub has worn many names, each reflecting a different era or perhaps a shift in its character. Among them were the lively Tap & Spile and the more provocatively named Dirty Dicks, each a chapter in the building's continuous narrative.
It was within these very walls, on the evening of August 15th, 1975, that a chilling chapter in local history unfolded. Olive Smelt had been enjoying a drink here, unaware that she was about to become the second victim of the notorious Yorkshire Ripper. The attack that night was horrific, leaving a deep scar on Olive and the community. Yet, remarkably, Olive survived the brutal assault. Though the trauma of that night undoubtedly cast a long shadow over her life, she displayed incredible resilience, eventually living to the age of 82. Her survival stands as a testament to her strength, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of one of Britain's most infamous crime sprees.
The Westgate
Union Cross Hotel
Steeped in centuries of history, the Union Cross holds the prestigious title of the oldest inn in Halifax. Its very name, adopted in 1745, is a testament to a pivotal moment in British history: the Jacobite Rebellion. This renaming was a clear and unwavering declaration of loyalty to the reigning crown, a public display of allegiance during a time of national unrest.
Beyond its political statement, the Union Cross has played host to figures of significant historical and cultural importance. Imagine Daniel Defoe, the celebrated author of Robinson Crusoe, perhaps penning notes or observing the local life from within its walls. Or picture John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, finding respite and perhaps inspiration during his travels. These visits underscore the inn's long-standing role as a vital hub for travelers and prominent individuals passing through Halifax.
Like many venerable establishments in Halifax, the Union Cross is shrouded in local lore. Whispers persist of secret tunnels connecting its ancient cellars to the nearby Parish Church. While perhaps apocryphal, these tales add a layer of intrigue, hinting at a hidden history of clandestine movements or emergency escapes woven into the very fabric of the town.
The building itself is recognized for its historical significance, holding a Grade II listed status. This designation protects its architectural integrity and ensures its preservation for future generations. Adding to its rich narrative, Webster's Brewery once established an inn in the adjoining Union Cross Yard, further cementing the location's importance in Halifax's brewing and social history. The Union Cross isn't just an old pub; it's a living archive, offering a tangible link to Halifax's past, from political upheaval to literary and religious journeys, and even the everyday comings and goings of its residents.
The White Horse
The year is 1899, and Halifax's bustling Southgate thoroughfare is undergoing a significant transformation. As the street expands to accommodate the increasing flow of traffic and commerce, a casualty of progress emerges: the beloved White Horse Inn. This isn't just any pub; it's a local institution, a vibrant hub that has served the community since 1819. For eighty years, its doors have welcomed weary travelers, spirited locals, and curious strangers, offering respite and camaraderie.
But progress, as it often does, demands sacrifice. The widening of Southgate necessitates the demolition of the original White Horse. Yet, the story doesn't end there. Rather than fade into memory, the White Horse is reborn, a testament to its enduring spirit and importance within the community. In a remarkable feat of Victorian-era urban planning and architectural prowess, a grand new edifice rises from the ashes, meticulously constructed to replace its predecessor. This isn't merely a rebuild; it's an elevation, a reimagining of a cherished landmark, ensuring that the White Horse's legacy, deeply intertwined with the very fabric of Halifax, continues for generations to come.
