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Old Bridge Inn, Ripponden


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Reputedly the oldest pub in Yorkshire, next to the River Ryburn and the 16th century packhorse bridge on the Calderdale Way. This amazing timber-framed Grade II-listed building, with its internal cruck structure, was a house in 1307, later encased in mid 18th century stone and whitewashed. lt now incorporates a portion of what some believe to be a 13th century wall. When restored in 1882, 250 layers of whitewash were found.

There are three rooms on two levels, the bar extending into all three. The lowest, has an the astonishing cruck beam, an unusual feature in Calderdale. A weekday buffet lunch is served, something of a local legend, started in 1963. The Pork Pie Appreciation Society meets on Saturday evenings at 7.30, with a pork pie competition in March or April, with proceeds going to charity.

Information for this venue is provided by the Halifax & Calderdale Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Calderdale District (B)
Last updated
15/03/2024
Last surveyed
03/03/2017
Leasehold owner
unknown
Freehold owner
unknown
Pub ID
HAL/1033
Asset of Community Value

One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest

Listed status: II

Claiming to be 'probably Yorkshire's oldest hostelry' and quoting a 1307 date, the present building is mainly mid-18th century but with some earlier features as well. The last significant changes were around 1963 when the current family owners took charge.

The split-level lower bar is of cruck frame construction and some of the wall panelling may be 16th-century. The bar counter is from the 1960s refit as probably is the tall stone fireplace (the other is much older). The counter in the high-ceilinged main bar also looks to be 1960s but both its top and the bar-back are more recent. Another old stone fireplace here. In the top bar you'll find wattle and daub walls, some encased in stone, a very old fireplace and more 1960s bar furniture. Note the old stone doorway between top and main bar with monolithic jambs.

General information about historic pub interiors

Despite its claim to be ‘probably Yorkshire’s oldest hostelry’ quoting a date of 1307, the present building is
mid-18th century with earlier features inside (Historic England). It is named after the old packhorse bridge you
must cross by foot to reach the pub.
In the same family ownership since 1963, it has been little-altered since changes made around that date but also retains a
wealth of very old features. There are three rooms of character – the top bar in the two-storey part of the
building on the left; the main bar in the middle; and the lower bar on the right.
Down two steps and on two levels, the lower bar is of cruck frame construction and has one wall of panelling
possibly from the 16th century. The bar counter (used for food service) was added in the 1960s which may be
the date of the narrow tall stone fireplace; the other stone fireplace is very old.
The high-ceilinged main bar has a bar counter featuring timber uprights and looks to be from the 1960s with a
modern tiled top; Bar back shelves are modern. The stone fireplace is much older but the flagstone floor is
from recent times.
The top bar has a plank and muntin; and wattle and daub walls, some later encased in stone. The room has a
plank and beam ceiling, a very old stone fireplace, and a small timber bar counter and most of the shelves for
a bar back are likely to have been added in the early 1960s.
Between the top and main bar is a very old stone doorway with monolithic jambs.

General information about historic pub interiors
Opening Times Unavailable

Current beers

This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 4 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
Boltmaker pumpclip
Timothy Taylor - Boltmaker

Session Bitter

ABV: 4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No

This beer is served regularly. Spotted twice recently. Last spotted 1 week ago

Taylor's Dark Mild
Timothy Taylor - Dark Mild

Mild

ABV: 3.4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No

This beer is served regularly.

Golden Best Pumpclip
Timothy Taylor - Golden Best

Mild

ABV: 3.4%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No

This beer is served regularly.

Taylor's  Landlord Pump clip
Timothy Taylor - Landlord

Session Bitter

ABV: 4.3%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No

This beer is served regularly. Spotted twice recently. Last spotted 1 week ago


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Facilities
Lunchtime Meals Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals Evening Meals
Garden Garden
Parking Parking
Real Fire Real Fire
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub Real Heritage Pub
LocAle LocAle
Quiet Quiet
Transport
Close to bus routes
First: X58, 560; Yorkshire Tiger: 561; TLC Travel: 900, 901

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