Pub Of The Week: The White Swan, Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge and its surrounding area is blessed with quite a few good alehouses, but the White Swan has the slight advantage of standing right opposite the bridge that gives the town its name.

It has been here for centuries, and has that gentle mellowed look, enhanced by some colourful hanging baskets and a large beer garden to the rear.

This garden is one of the joys of the Swan. It is immaculately kept with flowers, shrubs and containers, has plenty of seating at long tables, and at different levels, so watch your step.

There are views up the hillside to the south (the communications mast at the top is a bit of a let-down, but we can try to ignore that) and the wooded hills across the river. And this small happy haven is just a yard or so away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

The emphasis here is on staple Yorkshire beers like Black Sheep Bitter and Tetleys, and the home-cooked food is very much along “pub grub” lines.

Indoors, it’s an L-shaped area, with the bar in one half, and a long snug in the other. There are some great big comfy settees, plenty of easy chairs and stools, and a lot of evidence that this is very much a ‘local’, because the walls are crammed with photographs of the town’s sportsmen in local winning teams.

This is about as far away from refurbished designer chic as you can get. It looks as if cameras from a TV crew could walk in and immediately recreate a bar of a more mellow yesterday.

The White Swan is at the very heart of its community and what better way to share in a little local gossip than with a pint firmly in hand?

Phil Penfold 

The White Swan, Bridge Gate, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EX. 01422 844650.

THE VERDICT

Welcome*****

Drinks selection****

Atmosphere*****

Food***

Prices****