Historic Huddersfield pub set to reopen following six-figure investment

One of Huddersfield’s oldest pubs is set to relaunch under a new name in July following a major six-figure investment from its owners.

What was originally founded as The Commercial in Holmbridge in 1809, was bought by Gary and Karen Smith in 2014 in a state of disrepair. They subsequently turned it into a local pub and brasserie, The Bridge.

But after five years of trading, the couple will now complete a second-round of renovations at the end of June - carried out by local contractors, Byram Construction.

The pub will be unveiled as The Pickled Pheasant at an official open evening on Friday July 5.

The six-months of building work have seen a five-strong team from Byram Construction transform The Bridge’s former on-site brewery, into a new 600-sq ft bar area.

Gary Smith said: “Our vision, right from the outset, is to create a quality country pub and hotel destination, where both local people and visitors, who want to enjoy the Peak District and the village of Holmfirth, can feel equally welcome.

“One of our regulars, for example, has created a walking route guide for tourists, which we will be putting in the rooms for people to use at their leisure.

“There are thousands of pubs shutting each month, and yet, most people are longing for a good quality pub to spend time in. So, we want to create something that Karen and I would love to visit ourselves - it’s important to us that we offer something high-end.”

An additional 1,200 sq ft of derelict living space has been converted into four high-quality hotel bedrooms - which are set to attract visitors from across the UK. Also, 400 sq ft of staff quarters have been upgraded.

The refurbishment and conversion work is said to double the total size of the pub.

As a listed building, Byram Construction has had to operate within strict planning stipulations. For example, the natural stone materials which were taken down as part of the brewery demolishment, have been used within the extension of the new bar area.

Karen Smith added: “We are delighted that our vision is coming to life and we can finally feel everything pulling together… We’re looking forward to showing people what our staff have been working so hard on.”

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