Pub Awards: Best Freehouse – the Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax

It’s clear from the numbers that the business goes from strength to strength. Measuring success through repeat bookings (of which there are many) and customer reactions across the board, this is a business that is flying high.

Offering a superb range of choice through its menu, and at reasonable prices, the Shibden Mill Inn proves a strong draw for those looking for a peaceful, leafy location away from the hustle and bustle of Halifax.

Recent investment has seen the pub’s rooms rough bang up to date, and it has created and developed a grill room and wine cave. It’s grilling is squarely focused on locally sourced, farm-reared and butchered beef, lamb and chicken.

A strong focus on staff training and development has kept turnover to a minimum and many have worked their way up in the business and are fully invested in ensuring the operation continues to thrive.

Judge Mandy Wragg said: “Nestled in the fold of a lush valley on the outskirts of bustling Halifax, this 17th century inn is a haven of calm. Smartly whitewashed and dripping with wisteria, it’s a fabulous place to sit out on a good day and enjoy a pint of local ale – or a glass of wine from the interesting, accessible list. In the winter, the beamed bar is the place to be – in front of the roaring fire perhaps, with the papers and a Nettlenipper cheese and homemade pickle sandwich, or go the whole hog with a local lamb rump with pickled shallots slow roasted fig, sesame seeds & crispy barley; everyone gets the same warm, friendly welcome and no-ones going to move you on.”