It’s finally here – a four-day break from work, potentially accompanied by some chocolate. However, if you’re not particularly fond of sweets and barbecues don’t interest you, you might be considering a pub crawl. And what better way to enjoy your preferred pint than while taking in the views of a stunning Pennine valley.
The River Calder flows from above Todmorden in the west through to Castleford, where it meets the River Aire. The upper reaches of the Calder Valley are especially picturesque; anyone familiar with Sally Wainwright’s productions would find it hard to argue otherwise.
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The Calder Valley also has a reasonable train service (reasonable by British standards, anyway), with stations in all the towns and villages. Over the past 20 years, the Upper Calder Valley has become a vibrant place to live. As a result, the valley is filled with excellent pubs and venues for a quick, affordable meal. Here’s our concise guide to it, including suggested pubs and locations to enjoy the alcohol – or fill your stomach.
Here it is (in no specific order) from east to west. You could, naturally, venture further in both directions, but we’ve limited it to six stops because, frankly, downing more than six pints in a single afternoon isn’t particularly sensible.
Mirfield
The Navigation, located beside the station in Mirfield, is a lively pub offering quality beer. There’s a beer garden with views of the Calder and Hebble Navigation (it’s a canal).
A short walk in the other direction leads you to The Flowerpot on Granny Lane. Run by Ossett Brewery, this establishment offers a fine range of ales and features beer gardens to both the front and rear, beside the River Calder.
For a quick meal, head to LAB (Life’s a Burger) at 118.
Huddersfield
Road merits a stop.
Brighouse
In Brighouse, the railway station is some distance from the town centre. The closest pub is The Commercial Railway Inn, conveniently located beside the station and serving up to five real ales according to the Camra website.
The Market Tavern at 2 Ship Street might seem unremarkable from outside, yet within it offers an impressive range of real ales, craft beers and imported lagers. Across from The Market Tavern, Blakeley’s provides quality fish and chips.
Sowerby Bridge
Sowerby Bridge presents considerable variety along its high street. Choices include The Hogshead Brewhouse at 1 Stanley Street West, The Navigation at 47 Chapel Lane, or the Turk’s Head on Old Cawsey, which has an outdoor terrace with views over the Calder.
Mytholmroyd
In Mytholmroyd, options include the Shoulder of Mutton on New Road, which boasts a beer garden with views of Cragg Brook, and the family-run Dusty Miller on Burnley Road.
For a quick bite, consider Tamanna’s Indian takeaway at 11 New Road. For vegetarian choices and a peaceful conversation, The Blue Teapot on Grange Dean, just off Burnley Road, provides a welcoming environment.
Hebden Bridge
A short walk from Hebden Bridge Station will lead you to Vocation and Co (10 New Road), arguably the finest pub in the area. Here, you can enjoy outstanding beers from the local Vocation brewery, alongside some delicious burgers.
Slightly further on is The Old Gate (1-5 Old Gate), a bustling venue with plenty of seating and quality food. For those after a more classic pub atmosphere, The White Lion (Bridge Gate) is an excellent option.
Todmorden
In Todmorden, there’s a variety of choices just moments from the station. We suggest The Pub (5-9 Water Street), a contemporary, straightforward establishment. A bit further away, yet still easily accessible, is the celebrated Golden Lion (Fielden Square), featuring an excellent beer range, outstanding music, and genuine Thai food.
Throughout the day, Todmorden Market provides a reasonable selection of budget-friendly indoor cafes and outdoor pop-up street food vendors.
