Welcome to Halifax: 'The Shoreditch of the North'

In an article for The Guardian, columnist Helen Pidd recycled a term originally pinned to Halifax by BBC 6 Music and cited the town's burgeoning music scene, newly-flourishing craft ale bars and fresh, Piece Hall-inspired atmosphere as reasons for its use.

Then there's the fact that Calderdale has become a TV executive's playground in recent years. In a shortlist of three towns challenging Halifax to the northern hipster 'crown', one is Hebden Bridge.

It suggests a faux-hipster feel, with the recipe for a northern Shoreditch oasis falling short only at the fact that daft clothing and silly haircuts are not likely to be adorned without comment.

The article praises the independent businesses that underpin Halifax's new economy, from cheeseries to wineries and of course that most hipster of all establishments, vinyl record stores.

Reception has been mixed, it has to be said. Whilst most people recognise there is a compliment in there, many have bristled at the idea of being compared to a new-age hot spot down south. Halifax should be allowed its own identity, they say, tha' doesn't need a comparison here.

The fact is that if the image of Halifax is of good food, quaffable wine and charge-leading music, it's surely a good one, even if the 'hipster' term is a little too easily used.

But what do you think? Are you happy with the 'Shoreditch of the North' tag? Is Halifax a hipster paradise? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected], by tweeting us @HXCourier or by dropping us a line on Facebook.

This article is part of The Courier’s Food & Drink Campaign, celebrating all that is good in Calderdale’s thriving independent wining, dining and drinking scene. Read more about it in this week’s edition, and if you’re a landlord, cheese maker, winemaker or restaurant owner - get in touch - we want to hear your story! Email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 01422 260209.