I love my Yorkshire breaks with my daughter, and for our last two we’ve chosen Hebden Bridge for its unique, bohemian feel and its friendly, relaxed vibe.
Hebden Bridge is known for its creativity, diversity and spectacular scenery, but did you know that it’s a foodie’s paradise too? Here’s my food and drink top five:
- Food: The Bay Tree:
We discovered this gem on our last day and wished we’d found it sooner. I ordered a halloumi wrap and my daughter ordered the chicken flatbread. Both came with lots of fresh salad and looked gorgeous, but it was the chicken that stole the show. It was melt in your mouth tender and bursting with flavour! Definitely one I’d wholeheartedly recommend – the cosy interior and lovely warm welcome from the host more than matched its curb appeal.
- Coffee: Rendezvous
As our dog Ozzy wakes me up stupidly early for his morning walk, one of the things I love doing when I’m in Hebden Bridge is stopping off for coffee first thing. The town’s packed with independents, but I soon discovered that very few open before 9am. Rendezvous on Bridge Gate is the exception, and locals gather there early doors and in all weathers to chat under the awning. It was so welcoming and friendly that I ended up calling every morning. The staff even remembered my order, and Ozzy’s name!
- Italian: Origano
Whether you eat in or take away, this is the place to go for quality Italian fare. From the slick service to the extra value gestures with your order, what you get is far from average. Try doughballs to share (they come with garlic mayo and tomato dip), and the foresta pizza if you fancy something a little different. The desserts are great too, especially the cannoli.
- Drinks: Vocation and The Remedy Wine Merchants
While in Hebden I met friends who are lucky enough to live in the area for a few Saturday night drinks at real ale venue Vocation. As locals know, the town takes on a different vibe on Saturdays when out of town drinkers flock in, but Vocation combines a chilled out and ‘out out’ atmosphere beautifully.
I’d also highly recommend The Remedy Wine Merchants opposite the open-air market for a glass of cava if you want a bit of glamour – I loved sitting at their circular bar, gazing at their shelves stacked with gorgeous wines, Proseccos and champagnes.
- Breakfast: Hebden Sarnies
There aren’t many locations where spam and tofu co-exist on the same menu, but it’s not unusual to see a ‘full vegan’ offered alongside a more traditional fry up here. If you want to go ‘full Hebden’, I’d highly recommend the scrambled tofu and chilli wraps at Hebden Sarnies. There’s a huge amount of choice and the owner is super-friendly and chatty. It’s dog friendly too.
Also worth a visit:
- Cardamom for amazing curry and authentic Indian dishes (eat in or take away)
- Mooch for curb appeal and charm (and a lovely place for a solo glass of wine if you’re more comfortable with a bistro vibe than a pub)
- Sakers wholefoods for beautiful bakes
- Sunday’s open-air market, including Casa Mia’s stall for desserts to die for
So there we have it; a foodie head start for first time visitors. Of course, part of the town’s charm is that you don’t need to do very much at all to enjoy it, but there’s no harm in enjoying the odd snack or tipple while you watch the world go by.
Written by Claire Kenny
Claire can be found on facebook and Instagram as @my40pluslife.me.
Feature image courtesy of Welcome to Yorkshire
