A West Yorkshire area has been recommended among England’s best pub towns by a travel expert.

Halifax, which is Calderdale’s largest town, with “stunning” Victorian architecture and a “strong” industrial heritage, was praised in a new list by Will Hawkes at The Telegraph, alongside the likes of Hastings in East Sussex and Ludlow in Shropshire.

Although Halifax is home to Piece Hall, Eureka!, plenty of markets, independent and high street shops, as well as theatres and foodie spots, the town has specifically been highlighted for its variety of pubs recently.

From a “delightful” local with a “magnificent traditional layout” to one of the country’s “finest Art Deco pubs” – there is something for everyone’s taste here.

Will shared about his latest pub towns guide: “I’ve selected 10 of my favourite pub towns, spread all across England.

“These places have a few things in common beyond their excellent pubs.

“Affordable pints, for one.

“Many of them have a strong traditional culture.

“And most, I would say, are not over-engaged with the excesses of modernity, whether through choice or the misfortunes of economic history.”

Why is Halifax among England’s best pub towns to visit?

Will at The Telegraph explained: “This former mill town is built on a grand scale.

“Few can resist the charms of the Piece Hall – when I last saw it, it was enveloped in scaffolding in preparation for a series of summer concerts, but still a magnificent sight – and the pubs can be equally impressive.

“The Cross Keys is a delightful local, and then there’s the Big Six Inn and the Three Pigeons.

“The former has a magnificent traditional layout, and the latter is one of England’s finest Art Deco pubs.”

The Cross Keys (which is dog-friendly, of course) describes itself as a “17th century pub with eight hand pulled real ales, quality German lagers, ciders, an increasing gin collection and a log fire” on its Facebook page.

Not to mention it has “good grog and good atmosphere”.

The pub on Whitegate also hosts regular bands on a Sunday.

On Google, it has a near-perfect 4.8/5 rating based on more than 300 reviews.

One recent customer commented: “Amazing pub and staff.

“Beautiful building with a real fire and great beer.”

Another said: “Love it here every time we go, great drinks selection, yummy pork pies, lovely outdoor area, brilliant live music/gigs especially RAID.

“Plenty of street parking and seating, super dog friendly too :).”

Someone else who was also impressed after visiting put: “This is a proper pub.

“Friendly atmosphere.

“Decent beer.

“Good conversation and live music in the beer garden from the outdoor stage!

“Highly recommended!”

Meanwhile, The Three Pigeons’ profile on the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) website reveals: “A striking octagonal drinking lobby forms the hub from which five distinctive rooms radiate in this Art Deco pub, built in 1932 by Webster’s Brewery.

“Sensitively refurbished and maintained by Ossett Brewery, this venue attracts a variety of local groups and societies, along with football and rugby league enthusiasts.

‘This is a proper pub’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Up to three guest beers come from local and regional microbreweries, as well as Ossett’s own stable of pub based microbreweries.

“There is a large selection of pork pies available plus pasties and sausage rolls, all from the fridge.”

The pub found on Sun Fold won Highly Commended in the Pub of the Year competition last year and in 2020.

It also claimed the title of Pub of the Year in 2015.

The Three Pigeons currently has a “very good” 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating based on 81 reviews – 63 of which are rated as “excellent”.

This guest, who said they “wish this [pub] was my local”, wrote: “First impressions were reinforced when the beer arrived.

“Superb pub – I wish all pubs were like this one.

“Friendly staff (and locals); amazing art deco style and individual rooms.

“Ossett Brewery’s White Rat was perfect.

“Great local food in the form of pies etc.

“Wish I lived nearer than 4 hours away.”

A second agreed: “An absolute gem of a pub!

“Proper old school, no music, the only soundtrack people having conversations.

“Fantastic decor, really lovely people behind the bar and a great selection of beers.

“Wish it was my local!!”

One person who is also a fan of The Three Pigeons commented: “Love, love, love this place.

“An unapologetically old fashioned pub serving a selection of traditional beers at a reasonable price.”

Have you been to The Cross Keys, the Big Six Inn or The Three Pigeons in Halifax? Let us know if any are your local in the comments below.