Puzzle Hall Inn, Sowerby Bridge

A traditional stone built local with a sign which suggests that it is a Timothy Taylor house despite none of their beer being available. Inside you pass through the larger of the two rooms to reach the bar which is situated in a small and comfortable taproom. The larger room seems dedicated to music with a performance area to one side and all the decor being music related along with posters informing of upcoming acts. One of the crew, a music afficianado, was impressed with the quality of bands attracted by the pub. I was impressed with the well selected ale range which consisted of Ilkley Lotus IPA and Gold, Pheonix Arizona, St. Austell Tribute and Titanic Plum Porter. The Lotus IPA was well kept and flew down. Although it was quiet on our mid afternoon visit, I can easily see how atmospheric this place could be when busy as A&H describes below and I'd certainly visit again if in Sowerby Bridge.

A strange shaped old building with a traditional two room pub inside, one room is for live music which appears to be very regular, the other is a cozy taproom. Both rooms traditionally furnished with flag floors, open fires and wooden furniture, the walls are decorated with B&W photos of musicians and 1960s subjects. A good range of well kept Yorkshire beers available on the pulls.

Fans of old-style, traditional pubs, will find The Puzzle Hall a bit of a treat. Originally built as a private residence in 1628; it became a pub approximately 100 years later. The original stone building is suitably aged and rather rustic looking, with an incongruous, if characterful, brick tower which was added when the pub had its own on site brewery. Inside, it’s a small two roomer, with décor best described as basic and a sense of cosiness just the right side of tatty. A small bar manages to house six pumps and beer quality is excellent. The four I tried, including Saltaire ‘South Island Pale’ and Roosters ‘Yankee’ were all in tip-top nick. Service from the young barmaid was friendly and efficient. A great atmosphere when we called on a Saturday afternoon – the place was nicely busy and it wasn’t long before a couple of friendly locals engaged us in conversation. I could quite happily have settled down for an extended session, but unfortunately time was against us. However, any future visits to Sowerby will definitely have the Puzzle Hall on my ‘to do’ list.