Flooded Halifax inn celebrates double honour as it re-opens its doors

A country inn in Halifax is listed as one of Estrella Damn’s Top 50 Gastropubs in the country.
The successful team at the Shibden Mill InnThe successful team at the Shibden Mill Inn
The successful team at the Shibden Mill Inn

But the Shibden Mill Inn has had little chance to celebrate the news, after Storm Ciara forced its closure for three weeks.

Its doors re-open at noon on Friday, February 28, and the team look forward to building on their success.

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Now fully dried out, with floor-re-flagged and carpeted, the beamed Inn will welcome customers old and new for food, drinks, or to stay in one of 11 boutique guest rooms.

Owner Max Heaton described the top 50 listing as “a huge achievement”, adding: “This is the first time in our history we made the famous awards which include big names such as Tom Kerridge, Michael Wignall, and Andrew Pern

. “We are absolutely delighted to have been voted by top industry experts as one of the top 50 Gastropubs in the country.

"To be even considered in the same breath as some of the names on that list is a credit to all the hard work carried out by the team.

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“It was a great day spent in great company with fellow Yorkshire representatives, The Star Inn at Harome and the Angel at Hetton. We will work very hard to make sure we are on that list again and beat our current position of 41.”

Judges noted nine menus, “all carefully curated by head chef Will Webster and his team”. A la carte choices such as puffed cod skins with horseradish and crème fraîche, or Shibden Ale sausage roll with caramelised apple ketchup clearly impressed.

Mr Heaton added: “Will Webster started as our sous chef three years ago and was the obvious replacement when our previous head chef left two years ago. He has really grown into the role and is making a serious reputation for himself in the industry and he is a vital part of the team”.

This week, the Inn was also thrilled to be named as Fevertree’s Pub Garden of the Year.

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Mr Heaton added: "This is another great achievement and a nice little memory of how the inn looks when the sun is back out shining. We are very much on track for re-opening on Friday at midday. We’ve had lots of bookings and lots of regulars have promised to come. Should be a great night and all the staff are itchiing to get back to normality.

"The team have been fantastic during the closure. Everybody has helped tremendously to make sure we are in a position to reopen on Friday."

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