05/07/25 – Holmfirth

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Exploring Holmfirth’s Historic Pubs

Holmfirth’s historic pubs offer a blend of tradition and modernity. The Old Bridge Inn, dating back to 1819, features cosy lounges and cask ales. Nowhere, opened in 2024, combines a contemporary vibe with an on-site brewery. The Tap House merges Victorian charm with local ales, and The Nook Brewhouse boasts a rich history since 1754, focusing on real ales. O’Briens Bottle Shop revitalises an old butcher’s shop into a popular café, while The Elephant & Castle, one of Holmfirth’s oldest, maintains its historic character. Lastly, Barhemian, a newly opened cosy bar, has quickly become a local favourite.

Holmfirth is a charming little town in West Yorkshire, best known as the setting for the long-running TV show Last of the Summer Wine. It started out as a quiet village, growing around the wool and textile industries during the Industrial Revolution. With its beautiful hills and rivers, Holmfirth became a popular tourist spot, especially for walkers and nature lovers. The town has a strong arts scene, with festivals, music, and a historic cinema that’s over 100 years old.

The Old Bridge Inn and Coffee House

My first call was to The Old Bridge Inn and Coffee House. Built in 1819 as a grand mill‑owner’s residence by William Dickinson, the structure at Market Walk evolved through the 19th century under Joseph Charlesworth, who named it Eldon House and weathered the great Holme Valley flood of 1852. Later its grounds hosted shops, a newspaper press and the Valley Theatre in 1913. In 1929 it became the Conservative Club before converting into a hotel in 1986.

It’s got that proper old Yorkshire charm from the outside with a classic stone exterior and a traditional pub feel as you step through the doors. Inside, you’ll find cosy lounges, wooden beams, and open fires that make it feel warm and welcoming. The rooms are comfy with a mix of old character and modern touches. There’s a popular restaurant and bar, plus a riverside terrace that’s perfect on sunny days.

Drinks wise a great line up of 5 cask ales, alongside a wide range of keg options. My first beer of the day was “Yorkshireman” from Craven Brew Co. A delicious, well balanced Traditional English Bitter.

Nowhere

Next up is Nowhere. This opened in early 2024 in a once-abandoned 200-year-old building by the river in Holmfirth. Brought back to life by local owner Myles Pinfold and hospitality pro Ted Andrassy, the space was turned into a stylish spot with a fresh, modern vibe. It’s got open-plan kitchens, Scandinavian inspired interiors, and balconies that look out over the water. The place has quickly become a local favourite, hosting everything from brunches and supper clubs to vinyl nights, mini cinema events, and artisan markets. It’s all about good food, creativity, and bringing people together in a laid-back, welcoming setting.

Inside is a mix of modern style and cosy touches. The space feels bright and open, with big windows, exposed brick, and clean Scandi-style design. There’s an open kitchen so you can see the chefs at work, and a few different levels that give it a relaxed, informal flow. The seating ranges from big communal tables to comfy corners, perfect for anything from brunch with mates to a quiet evening meal.

The on-site brewery at Nowhere launched in 2024 and is led by head brewer Doug. On the bar today a choice of 2 cask ales, alongside a range of keg beers, all brewed on site. I went with their “#1 – English Pale Ale”. A delicious, light and easy drinking pale ale.

The Tap House

Next up is to The Tap House. This is set in a cool old Victorian building from the 1800s that used to be a bank before it turned into a bar and bistro in 2014. Its history links to the nearby Nook, which goes way back to the 1700s as a pub and brewery. The Roberts family has been running things next door since the ’60s, brewing local ales that the Tap House proudly serves.

Inside The Tap House feels warm and welcoming, with a mix of original Victorian features like exposed brick and wood beams alongside modern touches. The space is cosy but roomy, with a laid-back vibe that makes you want to settle in for a good meal or a catch-up with friends. There are plenty of comfy seats, from small tables to bigger spots for groups. The lighting’s soft and inviting giving a great relaxed and friendly feel.

Drinks wise a selection of 4 cask ales on the bar, alongside a range of keg options. I went with “Blond” from The Nook Brewhouse. A lovely citrus pale ale, very refreshing with great flavours.

The Nook Brewhouse

Next up is The Nook Brewhouse. The Nook’s been a big part of Holmfirth for ages—originally called the Rose & Crown, it’s been around since 1754! In the ’70s, David Roberts took over and started focusing on proper cask ales when most places were all about keg beer. That helped The Nook build a solid reputation as a great spot for real ale lovers. Then, in 2009, the Roberts family brought back the brewing side by opening the Nook Brewhouse right on the old brewery’s site. Nowadays, The Nook is a lively local favourite, mixing its long history with good vibes and top-notch beers.

The Nook looks like a classic Yorkshire pub from the outside, with its old stone walls and traditional signage giving it proper local charm. Inside, it’s warm and welcoming, with lots of wooden beams, cosy corners, and a relaxed vibe. The bar is the heart of the place, often buzzing with chatter and laughter. There’s plenty of comfy seating, whether you’re after a quick pint or a longer catch-up. It’s got that perfect mix of old-school pub character and friendly atmosphere that makes it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. The outside area is delightful overlooking the river.

A fantastic line up of 9 cask ales, ranging in style and strength, alongside a range of keg beers. In here I went with “Baby Blonde”, a light, tasty and easy drinking blonde ale.

O’Briens Bottle Shop & Beer Café

Nest up is O’Briens Bottle Shop & Beer Café. This is a proper passion project from Luke and Elena O’Brien, who took over an old butcher’s shop called Mettrick Bros (which was also an Age UK charity store for a while) and brought it back to life around 2022. While fixing it up, they uncovered loads of original features—tiles, stained glass, old beams, even the old butcher’s sign above the door. They opened it as a chilled-out bottle shop and beer café, and it’s quickly become a local favourite. With quiz nights, vinyl sessions, and a friendly vibe, it’s the kind of place people keep coming back to.

They’ve kept loads of the original features from the old butcher’s shop—like tiled walls, old flooring, and stained glass—but added their own laid-back, modern twist. There’s a mix of comfy seats, high tables, and little nooks to settle into, whether you’re there for a quiet drink or catching up with mates. The shelves are lined with interesting bottles, and there’s usually something good playing on the speakers. It’s got that relaxed, welcoming feel where you feel right at home as soon as you walk through the door.

Drinks wise a great keg line up, including today a number from the US for their Independence Day Event. Lots of different styles and strengths. I sampled three beers from the US from Vitamin Sea Brewing (Pacific Sunrise – New England IPA), Great Notion Brewing (Northleft – New England IPA) and Foam Brewers (The Nameless – New England IPA). All fantastic, super juicy, hazy and tasty.

The Elephant & Castle

Next up is to The Elephant & Castle. This is one of Holmfirth’s oldest pubs, with roots going back to the 1700s. It’s long been a fixture in the heart of town, serving locals, travellers, and later on, tourists drawn in by Holmfirth’s growing fame. The building itself is full of classic Yorkshire character, built from traditional stone and standing near the river. Over the centuries, it’s been a meeting spot, a community hub, and even featured in the background of Last of the Summer Wine. Its name and look have stayed the same for generations, making it one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks.

Inside there are low-beamed ceilings, cosy nooks, and open fires that make it feel warm and welcoming, especially in winter. The decor’s traditional without feeling dated, with old photos, local bits and bobs, and friendly touches all around. It’s the kind of place where you can find a quiet corner for a chat or join the buzz at the bar. A great large outdoor beer garden to the rear, adds another great touch to the pub.

On the bar a choice of 2 cask ales, alongside a large range of keg beers. Here I went with “Farmers Blonde” from Bradfield Brewery. A delicious, easy drinking and very sessionable blonde ale.

Barhemian

Last up is Barhemian. This opened in early 2024, tucked away down a little ginnel off Victoria Square in Holmfirth. It’s run by Emily and Sam Walland, a couple from Huddersfield who used to run a place in Meltham. The spot was pretty much just a hidden doorway before they transformed it into a cosy, buzzing bar. It’s small, friendly, and already a hit with locals and visitors alike. There’s even a shuffleboard table that’s become a bit of a favourite. It might be tucked away, but it’s quickly made a name for itself as a proper hidden gem in town.

Inside feels like a chilled-out little hideaway full of character. It’s not huge, but it’s got a cosy, friendly vibe with comfy mismatched chairs, warm lighting, and cool little details everywhere. Whether you’re just in for a quick drink or hanging out for a while, it’s the kind of relaxed spot where you feel right at home and want to stick around.

A great range of beers on the bar to choose from, some of which are brewed by themselves. “Fruity Sour” from their own BH Beers Brewery for me in here. A delicious tart and sour beer, full of fruity flavour.