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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The pub now known as the Cat & Fiddle has a rich history in Halifax. Although officially renamed the Cat & Fiddle in 2014, it's still widely recognized by its long-standing nickname "The Brass Cat". This moniker was formally adopted in 1981, replacing its even older name, the Golden Lion. You can find this historic pub on Cheapside.
Bow Legged with Brass has had several names throughout its history. It was previously known as Pitchers Sports Bar, Griffs, and The Griffin.
What's now known as The Salvation, a venue tucked away beneath a car park, has quite a history. It originally opened as a Comet Electrical Store before undergoing a conversion in 2002 to become a bar named Barracuda. Over the years, it also operated as Barcentro.
Once the bustling hub of the Halifax Co-operative Society, the Arcade Royal underwent a transformation in 2001, being divided into smaller commercial spaces. The pub, now proudly called the Duke of Wellington, became the cornerstone of this redevelopment. It originally opened its doors as "The Goose at the Arcade" before adopting its current name in 2012.
To the near left of the image stands Koko's, a pub famous in Halifax for its ever-changing identity. It boasts a long list of past names, such as The Crown & Anchor, Heaths, The Adega, Scratcherd's, and The Continental. Dominating the background of the shot is The Bull.
Originally reopened in 1940 as the Bull's Head, this pub boasts a history of evolving identities, having also been known as The Manhattan, Xess, and Brasserie at the Bull.
Lewin's stands as one of Halifax's oldest surviving pubs, with a history stretching back to its construction in 1769. For much of its existence, it was known as the Hare & Hounds. The pub bears the name of the Lewin family, who proudly operated it for over 60 years, continuing their stewardship until sometime during World War II. Over the years, it has also been called The Last Drop and O'Neil's. Notably, Lewin's operated as a men-only drinking establishment until the late 1960s, a testament to changing social norms.
Step out of Halifax Railway Station and you'll find The Imperial Crown directly across the way. This building, with a past as both the Greece House and later the Crown Hotel, now faces the station entrance.
One of Halifax's newer bars-pubs I must confess having never been in the Middle Bar.
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