I had this Saturday off so after Woodhouse Moor Park run and a nice coffee in this lovely coffee shop I know 😉 I walked into town to catch the train to one of my favourite northern cities Halifax. 

My team FC Halifax were playing in the FA cup against Exeter in a few hours time so It was the perfect opportunity to make a day of it.

Perhaps Halifax is not the first place that comes into your mind when you have a day off I hope this blog will persuade you to put it on your list of places to visit.

Piece Hall

My first stop was The Piece Hall. This place would be the jewell in any cities crown. It is the world's only remaining Georgian cloth hall. The architecture is enchanting. When you walk inside you feel like you are in continental Europe not in Calderdale!

Halifax was the leading light in cloth production in the 18th century.  In 1779 the 315 rooms housed local clothiers trading their wares. Today the same units are the home of incredible indy shops, bars and cafes and on occasion the whole space turns into concerts. 

In 2017 I contemplating opening my own shop here though I decided it was too far from home.

Top fact- A piece of cloth is 30 yards long (approx 27meters) This was the standard length of cloth traded at Piece hall.

The Calderdale Industrial Museum

A short walk to enter the Calderdale Industrial Museum. If you enjoy museums this one is a belter. There are volunteer historians in every room who share their passion for all the exhibits. This is no ordinary museum many of the machines they exhibit are in working order providing an oratory element to your visit that you just don't get in most museums.  Be wary though  the museum is only open on Saturdays. 

Temperance 

I walked up to  a coffee shop i’d been wanted to go to for ages. Temperance did not disappoint. I was warmly greeted and had a lovingly crafted latte made with North Star beans. The barista told me he was hoping to go to the Halifax game but someone had called in sick so he had to come into work instead! I really felt for him! The joys of running a hospitality business!! I was even more grateful for my own team in that moment!

The plates of food delivered to the tables around me made my mouth water. I made a side note i to go back for brunch when I had more time. However kick off was 'looming'

Halifax Borough Market

On the way to The Shay 'I walked through Halifax Borough Market which I noticed bore a remarkable resemblance to the 1904 hall in Leeds Kirkgate Market. (incidentally another spot I considered when setting up my coffee shop) Can you see the pattern?

*I later discovered both markets were designed by the Halifax born Leeming Brothers ( John and Joseph). Borough market in 1896 before the brothers won the tender to design the new Leeds market shortly after. Both were inspired by The Crystal Palace

As expected, despite an excellent performance FC Halifax lost but at least I got a nice photo of the skyline. 

Before  I headed back to Leeds I strolled back to The Piece Hall to frequent The Wine Barrel. I trreated my self to a large full bodied Shiraz to drown my sorrows

A  couple joined me and we reflected on the history of the area. They recommended I I watched Gentleman Jack to learn more about the diarist Anne Lister (commonly refereed to as 'the first modern lesbian') and the wider history of the area. Anne Lister's house Shibden Hall  is  council owned and the grounds and house are open to the public just above the city.

The Halifax result withstanding a dream Tim day.

Get yourself to Halifax🥳

Footnotes

More great coffee at

Jamocha coffee lounge (Darkwoods coffee) In the City

Spill Coffee House (North Star coffee) Dean Clough Mill

Eager to try

Hatch (brunchspot)

Soul bakery