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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Cross Keys, Halifax
Halifax
HX3 9AE
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 9 of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about The Cross Keys
The line up is still eight cask beers, with the first three on the right hand end of the counter, nearest the door, being the same as mentioned in Ray's review from July, so I assume these are regulars. (See photos for all eight.) I went for the two Goose Eye beers, which were a little cold but not excessively so. Both were around NBSS 3 or 3.5, though I find the Chinook hops a little harsh, and prefer the more balanced bitter, on the whole. Very good pub, easily reached by the 543 bus from the bus station, which stops almost outside. This would be a good venue for a stationary pub crawl in winter.
On 9th September 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 4273 recommendations about 3935 pubs]
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Cross Keys
A well deserved 10 for the welcome from both staff and locals and the outstanding beer quality and beer choices. Eight ales on our visit Goose Eye Chinook & Bitter, Kirkstall Pale & Black Band, Phoenix Arizona, Wensleydale Attitude Adjuster, Toms Tap El Dorado and Jolly Boys Blonde. The prices in here were also very reasonable.
On 14th July 2024
- rating: 10
[User has posted 3645 recommendations about 3645 pubs]
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Cross Keys
Fine old alehouse pub on the south-eastern outskirts of town, housed in a traditional stone building. Partly opened out to leave the main bar, a small seating area in front of the old fireplace and a larger one behind that. Additionally, there is another bar behind the servery, although that was not being used during my visit. Good selection of independent, and mostly Yorkshire, cask beers on the eight handpumps, including my Harlow Blonde from Harrogate (£4.00).
On 27th June 2024
- rating: 8
[User has posted 8679 recommendations about 8678 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Cross Keys
Up a steep hill from the Shears which will get you in the mood for a pint, this is a straightforward small community pub that was bustling with life on a late Friday afternoon. Interior consists of a main bar (blocked by locals), a side area and a further room behind which was nicely decorated though completely empty. Six cask on which seemed to be shifting, My Wensleydale Brewery Gamekeeper was in good nick (NBSS 3.5) if a bit homebrew in taste. Overhearing me ask the barman for a taxi company number, a drinker (at the bar (who turned out to be the landlord) sorted me a cab which unfortunately turned up minutes later, so I had to rush my beer a bit so didn’t quite take everything in. Still, I saw enough to make me think I’d make the effort to do this one again. GBG'22 listed. 7.5
On 25th June 2022
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5552 recommendations about 5533 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Brainy Pool left this review about The Cross Keys
this seemed like a very busy, lively community pub. about six real ales were on and they were mostly local. A birthday party with live music (an Eagles tribute band from what i could gather) was taking place in the beer garden. Loads of beer mats clipped to the wall. Another excellent Halifax pub.
On 28th September 2019
- rating: 9
[User has posted 1174 recommendations about 1136 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about The Cross Keys
Quite a change from the last review of five years ago, this is now one of that select band of failed ex-pubco pubs that has found new life under independent owners (Hugh & Ruth). A double fronted stone built building at right angles to the main road, a sign on the gable end says 1913 but going inside reveals a rather older pub in a newer shell. Its an open plan bar/lounge with two distinct areas separated by a large stone fireplace, almost certainly once two rooms. The lower area to the left has the counter with its six handpulls, all the beers from small Yorkshire breweries and all in great condition, the room is carpeted and furnished with proper bench seating and short tables. To the right and up a step is a sitting area again with similar furnishings but the rear wall is covered in beer mats, many from defunct breweries, a bit of a nostalgia trip for an old bloke like me. There's also a "Ring the Bull" game in this section. A corridor down the side of the counter leads to the usual offices and a Tap Room according to the etched door window, it was closed but it looked like nothing had changed since 1913. It was very busy with locals on a Saturday lunchtime preparing for a pub outing that afternoon, it's a little bit out of central Halifax but well worth the walk or bus trip to Siddal. It would make a two hander with the GBG listed Shears Inn which is at the bottom of the deep valley opposite the pub but the Cross Keys is a much better pub and GBG candidate.
On 4th November 2013
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3599 recommendations about 3279 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Oliver Dunlop left this review about The Cross Keys
Now under new management. A warm welcome is awaiting you from your new Hosts Tony & Ollie. Showing all sky sports and Setanta. Happy hours Mon - Thursday 5:00pm - 7:00pm John Smiths & Fosters only £2.00 a pint. Friday 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Friday free tea time food.Wednesday night is free pool Sunday Karaoke and disco from 4:00pm. Coming soon Cask Ales including Timothy Taylors Landlord. Quiz night with the chance to win up to £100.
Wanted people for Darts, Dominoes and Pool teams. Functions Catered for. See the website at www.siddalcrosskeys.com
On 20th April 2008
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]