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.
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Originally established as the Co-operative Society of Halifax, the venerable building at the heart of the arcade has a rich history spanning well over a century. For decades, it served as a bustling hub for community commerce, embodying the principles of mutual aid and local provision that were central to the Co-operative movement at the turn of the Millennium.
In a significant shift, the building embarked on a new chapter, transforming into a popular public house. It first opened its doors as The Goose, quickly becoming a lively spot within the arcade's vibrant atmosphere. Then, in 2012, a further evolution occurred with a change of identity. The establishment was rebranded and proudly reopened as The Duke of Wellington, a name that evokes a sense of historical gravitas while maintaining its role as a welcoming local for residents and visitors alike. This transition reflects not only a change in nomenclature but also the evolving landscape of Halifax's social and commercial spaces.
Established in the heart of Halifax in 1890, what we now know as a popular pub and restaurant began its life as The Borough Club, an exclusive gentleman's club. For nearly a century, this elegant establishment served as a private retreat for the town's elite, a place where gentlemen could socialise, conduct business, and relax away from the bustle of daily life. Imagine hushed conversations in leather-bound armchairs, the clinking of glasses, and the scent of pipe smoke filling the air within its distinguished walls.
However, as society evolved, so too did the needs and preferences of Halifax's residents. In the early 1980s, a significant transformation took place, breathing new life into the historic building. The exclusive gentleman's club shed its private skin and reopened its doors to the public, reinvented as a vibrant pub and restaurant. This marked a pivotal moment, transitioning from a members-only sanctuary to a community hub accessible to all.
Since then, the venue has continued to adapt and reinvent itself, reflecting changing trends and tastes in the local hospitality scene. It has been known by several memorable names, each leaving its own mark on the building's legacy:
- Flashman's: A name that perhaps evoked a sense of daring or playfulness, suggesting a lively atmosphere.
- Bar Eleven: A more contemporary and perhaps minimalist name, hinting at a modern drinking and dining experience.
- Harrison's Social: This latest incarnation suggests a focus on community and social gathering, aiming to be a welcoming spot for friends and families alike.
Each name change represents a new chapter in the building's rich history, demonstrating its remarkable ability to evolve while remaining a central part of Halifax's social fabric.
Maggie's and Mcfly's
Opening its doors in 2002, what was once Halifax's last remaining cinema underwent a dramatic transformation, emerging as the vibrant Jumpin Jak's Nightclub. This marked a significant shift for the historic building, trading the hushed reverence of cinematic storytelling for the pulsating beats and flashing lights of a late-night hotspot. Since then, the property has experienced a revolving door of ownership and identities, each adding another layer to its rich, evolving narrative. It has served as The Groove, echoing with different music and memories, and later became Chicago's, each incarnation reflecting the changing tides of Halifax's nightlife.
Intriguingly, glimpses of its past life as a cinema occasionally resurface. The upstairs area, where the original cinema screens remarkably remain intact, is sometimes opened to the public. These rare opportunities allow visitors to step back in time, offering a poignant contrast between the building's current dynamic existence and its former, more sedate, purpose. It's a chance for locals to reminisce, sharing stories of past moviegoing experiences within the very walls that once hosted them, and for new generations to witness a tangible piece of Halifax's entertainment history.
The Gundog
Stepping into The Gundog today, you're not just entering a pub; you're walking into nearly two centuries of history, a saga that began with its original opening in 1829. While its current façade, a testament to early 20th-century architectural trends, might suggest a more recent origin, it replaced the original frontage as part of a comprehensive rebuild, breathing new life into the beloved establishment.
But the name "The Gundog" is a relatively recent chapter in its long story, adopted in 2016. Before that, this venerable watering hole answered to a fascinating succession of names, each likely reflecting the prevailing spirit or ownership of its era. It was once known as The Sportsman, perhaps a nod to local hunting traditions or popular sporting events of the day. Prior to that, it operated as The Cooper's Arms, a name that evokes the skilled craft of barrel-making, possibly indicating a connection to local breweries or the storage of libations. And, reaching further back into its past, it bore the classic and inviting moniker of The Rose & Crown, a name frequently associated with traditional British pubs, symbolizing royalty and national pride. Each name change represents a subtle shift in identity, a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of this resilient and enduring local landmark.
For decades, this beloved local establishment was affectionately known by Halifax residents as the Portman & Pickles. Its name, a familiar fixture in the town's social landscape, held a certain charm and history for many years. However, its story stretches back even further, with earlier incarnations as the Wheatsheaf and the William Deighton, each name whispering tales of bygone eras and the ever-evolving tapestry of local life.
Then came 2012, a year of national celebration and reflection. To mark the momentous Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, a landmark occasion celebrating sixty years of her reign, the pub underwent a significant transformation. In a fitting tribute to Her Majesty and this historic milestone, it was proudly renamed The Jubilee. This change not only honored the reigning monarch but also cemented the pub's place within a significant moment in British history, forever linking its identity to a truly royal commemoration. The renaming marked a new chapter for the pub, infusing it with a renewed sense of national pride and a fresh identity that resonated with the celebratory spirit of the time.
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