Works wonders

The Works in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, combines quality beer with a contemporary and lively atmosphere writes Richard Jones.

While the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide is an indispensable companion for myself and, I suspect, most other United Kingdom based beer lovers, the outlets selected for inclusion are unashamedly chosen on the basis of their beer quality. Blindly following the beer guide in an unfamiliar town or city can, therefore, occasionally lead to unpleasant surprises. A decent pint is one thing, but you sometimes want to enjoy your beer in an environment that has made the acquaintance of a paint brush since 1973 or that attracts a hint of atmosphere on a Friday evening.

The Works opened in the former mill town of Sowerby Bridge near Halifax in West Yorkshire in August 2005. Formerly an engineering works and latterly a joinery workshop, The Works is a wonderful example of a contemporary, beer focussed pub. Externally, the building is clean and functional with imposing industrial doors and tall arched windows. There are a number of tables to the front, but there are better pubs in the locality if you want a view.

Instead, head indoors and admire the wonderfully open and airy interior with its wooden floorboards, exposed brickwork and enormous brick fireplace. Decorations come courtesy of eBay and include an upright piano, beer memorabilia and even a traditional vaulting horse. Seating is in the form of wooden chairs with tables or low slung ‘coffee house’ sofas. The high ceiling is beamed with steel girders in one section, and covered with large tiles in another. In the co.....

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By Richard Jones

Section : Spotlight

Page number : 21