The Percy Shaw, Halifax

Facebook page of The Percy Shaw - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Percy Shaw - www.facebook.com

A modern pub on the side of a cinema/leisure complex, with good views over the bus station below. Formerly a Wetherspoons, it changed ownership in January 2024 to the local Black Star pub company. The interior is almost entirely unchanged, although there is now sound on the TV and it is surprising how tidy the place looks without menus and other Spoons literature cluttering up the tables. It still retains a selection of ales, with Recoil Antidote Blonde, Copper Dragon Golden Pippin, Hobgoblin IPA and Doom Bar on handpump, as well as a super-cheap (£1.80) house ale entitled Cats Eyes Amber, which was not at all pleasant and tasted suspiciously like Ruddles. Food is equally kept at low prices, although the menu is quite restricted. Early days but it will be interesting to see what they make of it.

Ultra-modern JDW amusingly located above the job centre. Big plate glass windows with great views over the valley. Light wood slats are everywhere, including being used to divide the room in two. Otherwise it's black tiles and red walls, all rather tasteful (if a bit American diner) for a modern fit-out and has the vibe of being the ‘family’ Spoons of the two in town. Three guest ales, my Moorhouse Blonde Witch was in good form (NBSS 3.5) and the Wethergrub arrived in good order and with a smile. A good Spoons, and both in the ‘Fax are decent examples. Of interest is the name – Percy Shaw invented the cat’s eye in the 1930s.