#PubPics: The (old) Grayston Unity, Halifax

When it opened in 2016 in a tiny corner of what was an old coach house servicing the town hall on the opposite side of the street, the Grayston Unity described itself as the 'smallest music venue in the UK.' Music, poetry and more were crammed into a space no larger than an average living room before the dividing wall came down post-lockdown opening up the bar to a slightly less smaller space! 

It really was tiny but it had a loyal and regular crowd drinking excellent beer as part of the revived Halifax real ale scene as well as watching arts and culture in a uniquely small space.

Sadly, this is an image of the past as the Grayston moved to a larger unit on the other side of town in the autumn of 2023 where good beer and music is spread out over three floors. It's still small by many standards, but larger than it's previous home. 

The Grayston Unit, 8 Horton Street, Halifax, HX1 1PU.




#PubPics: Sparrow Cafe Bar, North Parade, Bradford

Speaking of the Sparrow on North Parade, here's a photo of the last time I was in there, September 2022. It was early doors on a weekday afternoon and there were a couple of other customers off camera. 

I hadn't realised Kirkstall Brewery were the owners at the time. 

Closure article from the Telegraph and Argus here



#pubpics: Exchange Craft Beer House, Bradford

At the risk of upsetting any Bradfordians, the pub options in the city centre aren't what they were. I do need to investigate the legendary Fighting Cock and the Jacob's Well looks interesting. I gather the Victorian masterpiece that was the New Beehive is no more and the North Parade scene seems to have faded away from what I could see. 

However, the Exchange Craft Beer House located in the grade 1 listed Wool Exchange (entrance at 14 Market Street) is bucking the trend and is a pleasure to visit. I called in on a Friday tea time and it was a nice, relaxed vibe and the beer was excellent. I had 2 pints of Penpol Pale Ale (3.8%) from Verdant (£4.30/pint) before heading for my train. I think a Bradford explore video is on the cards so I'll definitely be back!

Exchange Craft Beer House, 14 Market Street, Bradford BD1 1LH.