Northgate Halifax - Historic Street Pubs Shops 50+ Old Photos & Tour

Northgate, Halifax: from old coaching inns to the Co-op and the first Chinese restaurant

Northgate was once the northern route out of Halifax town centre, running from the top of Woolshops and Old Market towards North Bridge. Today it is easy to think of it as a busy road, but its history includes coaching inns, grand Victorian commercial buildings, a major co-operative store and a restaurant that introduced many local people to Chinese food.

A road beyond the edge of town

In the early 19th century, Halifax’s built-up streets did not extend very far up Northgate. The growth of mills and industry in the valley towards North Bridge helped push the town northwards, bringing shops, workplaces and housing with it.

One important surviving reminder of that expansion is the row of shops and offices at 85–105 Northgate, developed by mill-owner Jonathan Akroyd in the 1840s. The buildings were begun around 1845 and completed within a few years; a date stone records 1846. They are now Grade II listed. Their substantial façades show how commercial Halifax was extending beyond its older central streets.

Inns, horses and a grand hotel

Northgate once had a succession of inns and public houses. The Waggoners Inn, recorded at 13–15 Northgate in 1840, was associated with the early life of Halifax artist Joseph Rideal Smith, who was born there, according to the local historical account.

Further north stood the Northgate Hotel, originally a house known as Northgate House. The property was built in the 1730s or early 1740s for Richard Clapham and later became associated with Anne Lister of Shibden Hall. In the 1830s it was converted into a large hotel, with accommodation for travellers and extensive stabling for horses and carriages. Next door, Northgate Hall served as its assembly room, hosting gatherings and entertainment.

The hotel was demolished in 1961 as Halifax underwent major redevelopment.

The Co-op’s central stores

Northgate was also important to Halifax’s co-operative movement. The Halifax Industrial Society’s Central Stores opened here in 1861, reportedly costing £23,400 to build. The society grew from a local co-operative into a substantial retail organisation, with branches across the district by the end of the 19th century. Its central premises made Northgate a destination for shoppers as well as travellers and workers.

A Chinese restaurant makes history

One of Northgate’s more unexpected milestones came in 1959, when the Far East Chinese restaurant opened at 46–48 Northgate. Local history sources describe it as Halifax’s first Chinese restaurant. The building itself was a large four-storey block dating from the 1890s, previously occupied by the West Riding Furnishing Company and later Jay’s Furniture Store.

The building was eventually demolished in 1973 as part of redevelopment; the Halifax bus station now occupies the site.

A street repeatedly remade

Northgate changed dramatically during the 20th century. In 1950, properties on its eastern side were demolished as the road was widened alongside Broad Street. More old buildings disappeared in subsequent redevelopment, including the large Northgate building in 1973.

Yet pieces of earlier Halifax remain in the surviving Victorian shopfronts and listed buildings. Northgate’s story is not simply one of old pubs disappearing: it reflects Halifax’s expansion beyond its historic centre, its industrial wealth, the rise of co-operative retailing, changing tastes in food and the post-war reshaping of the town.

If we head from the top of Woolshops we have Old Market to our left.

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J S Driver's Stores was a fish and fruit dealers and was actually number 1 Woolshops

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The above two pictures are looking back towards Woolshops

Waggoners Inn 13/15 Northgate in 1840 where the artist of this picture Joseph Rideal Smith was born. The horses and cart on the left are pulling in to Northgate yard. Crossley Street didn't exist then.

18-20 Northgate - C.H.Walker milliners enhanced

At 21 Northgate, stood the 'Royal Sovereigns' from 1822 until 1910 but it may have been nearer North Bridge than the address here suggests.

Junction of Wade Street (top), Northgate and Crossley Street (bottom)

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The second building on was the 'Roebuck' pub, 26 Northgate, also known as The Buck. This opened in 1735 and closed in 1966.

To the right of 'Top Town Fabrics' was Malt Shovel Yard. Here once stood the 'Malt Shovel' many years ago(see below)

The demolition of Roebuck Yard(off Northgate) in 1967. This yard used to be home to Hunters The Teamen Ltd, Storey and Nephew, watchmakers, and the Roebuck Hotel.

Demolition of the Roebuck Inn Yard

Feature page on Wade Street and Ann Street

Northgate End Chapel >>>>>>>>>>

Broad Street is next on our left then the Unitarian Chapel opposite on the right at the top of Victoria Street.

'Far East' (pictured above) was the first Chinese restaurant in town. On the right of it was 'Motor Mecca' (seen below)

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Opposite the top of Victoria Street East was Northgate Hotel on our left. This was an extensive Hotel with Northgate Hall next door, the saloon and a casino in the basement. Built around 1837 and demolished in 1961 for area redevelopments.

There was also Northgate Tap pub which was in Northgate Yard. This closed in 1911.

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The picture above is a very early Winding Road in 1810.

Now we reach the junction of Portland Street left and Winding Road right. Portland Street is now home to Broad Street Plaza.

In between Weymouth Street and North Parade was the huge central stores of Halifax Industrial Society(Co-op Stores).

Halifax Industrial Society again

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Part of Northgate running from left to right towards North Bridge.

The road running from centre of picture towards the top of picture was North Parade

The road to the bottom left of the picture was Foundry Street. At the top of here once stood 'The Foundry' beerhouse. This was granted a music and dancing license in 1868. It closed in 1905.

The small road running straight up from the bottom-centre of the picture was Grove Street and at the top of here was the Bridge Tavern at 84 Northgate (opened in 1822 and closed in 1940).

The next road along (next to the waste land) was Park Street which curved back round to Foundry Street.

The Commercial at 93 Northgate opened in 1918 and closed in 1973. Butchers shop 1st left, was Gordon Walkers, radio dealer Reg Kilner, Commercial Hotel, which was a Whittakers house which closed in 1973 and became a DIY store.