This mill town blends its industrial heritage with contemporary style, and that ethos is at the heart of the Dean Clough complex.
Once home to Crosley Carpets, the world's largest carpet manufacturing company, Dean Clough is a vibrant mix of businesses spread over 16 Victorian factory buildings over half a mile. Located on the northern edge of town, it's the place to eat, drink, shop, rejuvenate with spa and beauty treatments, stroll through the galleries, and enjoy an evening at the Viaduct Theatre.
The mill operated from 1840 until its closure in 1983. The Grade II listed site was developed as a commercial and cultural complex by a consortium led by Sir Ernest Hall and became a prime example of urban regeneration. Dean Clough Limited is now a vibrant family run site of 150 businesses.
My sister and I recently visited this location to try out the ice baths from Revive Wellness Club, which opened its first northern branch in Dean Clough this year.
First we stopped at The Hub, a chic coffee bar in Dean Clough's courtyard. Featuring stone floors and steel columns, it combines original features with sleek white walls and tables. In addition to familiar coffee favorites like cappuccino, latte, and mocha, there are many coffee options including cortado, bueno, dirty chai, and double espresso, Hub's signature Brazilian blend, “with notes of chocolate, tangerine, and hazelnut.” . It's a relaxed place for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with a menu that includes sandwiches, burgers, and fries.
Ned Zairi, co-owner of the hub with business partner Hans, said: It has a reputation for delicious coffee and pastries.
“Hans has a background in IT and finance, and my background is in that field. That was our vision.”
Hubb is now launching its own cold coffee brand and selling it in cans. “It has a coffee and lunch vibe,” Ned said. “The architecture here is a great element. It's a mix of industrial, modern, and ultra-minimal with a bit of an edge.”
Email sales@hubb.coffee
After coffee, we headed to the Revive Wellness Club, which has four ice baths and a Finnish sauna, and soaked in hot and cold therapy. As we switched between ice baths and saunas, Tanya Holt, who owns Revive with her husband Terry, guided us through the process.
I lowered the temperature from 8 degrees to 2 degrees and tried each of the four baths. I found that slow, controlled breathing eased the initial shock, and getting into the water felt exhilarating. The contrast between cold and hot gave me vitality. After that, my skin felt much better.
Contrast therapy is said to improve circulation and the immune system, boost metabolism, and reduce stress. A sauna promotes relaxation and relieves tension, while an ice bath stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins. “Another benefit is mental resilience,” says Tanya. “Sitting in an ice bath is an amazing achievement and it affects other areas of your life as well.” Visit revivewellnessclub.co.uk
My skin was sore from the ice bath, so I headed to True North for lunch. The neighborhood-style restaurant has a friendly staff and a cool, contemporary atmosphere, serving a leisurely brunch, casual lunch, and dinner menu.
I had the codfish cake with watercress and apple salad. The presentation was beautiful and it was very delicious. Sophie enjoyed the chewy crispy beef and rice noodles. In winter, you can choose from dishes such as spicy roasted vegetable soup. True North Turkey Sandwich with our own recipe apricot stuffing. Meat and potato pie. Smoked cod kejari. and sprout and cauliflower bhaji.
For dessert, Sophie couldn't resist the sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream and I chose the divine raspberry sorbet. With steel columns and a relaxed open plan layout, the restaurant has a relaxed urban kitchen feel and the food is excellent. Visit truenorthrestaurant.co.uk
The Dean Clough complex includes health, fitness and beauty facilities. After lunch, we pampered ourselves at Storeys by Dawn Walsh, a chic hair salon next door to Revive.
Dawn has been in business for over 30 years and opened Dean Clough Salon in 2023. Featuring a curved brick ceiling and chandelier, this salon is cozy and stylish, with a warm welcome from Dawn and her team.
Stories specializes in Kerastase hair care, providing treatments tailored to your hair needs. “We are the only salon in Halifax that offers the Kerastase Fugiodose treatment, which restores health to all hair types,” says Dawn. “This is a personal treatment where I offer my clients a bespoke combination.” I use Genesis' strengthening and nourishing mix to add volume to fine hair and complete a heavenly head massage. did. Once cut and blow-dried, my hair felt amazing and stayed that way for days.
Dawn and her stylists Jade Florence and Annabelle Greyston work for red carpet events and their clientele includes stars from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks. We loved our Stories experience so much that we booked another hair appointment. Instagram: @storeysbydawnwalsh
Dean Clough has a mix of six art galleries and independent shops, including Refinery by Kelly Jones (Facebook: Refinery by Kelly Jones), a great home accessories and furniture store close to the front entrance and parking. perfect for immersing yourself in culture. Just a short walk from the center of town, this location is not only part of Halifax's vibrant scene, but also a vibrant enclave and the perfect place to spend a great day. Visit deanclough.com
