What's On In Halifax

One of Calderdale’s most iconic Georgian mansions will throw open its doors to customers later this month with the opening of Alibi Bar and Restaurant in Halifax.

Following an extensive £450,000 refurbishment, the upscale drinks and dining establishment will open in Somerset House, a Grade 2 listed Georgian mansion in Rawson Street.

The new day-to-night venue will feature a main bar with private booth seating, separate intimate cocktail bar and sunny courtyard on the ground floor. On the first floor, a third bar area leads to the opulent Grand Salon which features newly restored intricate plasterwork by renowned Master stuccoist, Italian Giuseppe Cortese.

The transformation follows months of careful restoration and redevelopment of an iconic building which has had many previous incarnations, including a bank and a wedding venue. Until 2018, it housed Le Metro restaurant.

The new bar and restaurant will serve an extensive selection of cocktails, premium beers, wines, champagnes and spirits from across the globe.

Alongside classics such as Cosmopolitans and Martinis, the cocktail menu includes a lavender-inspired, ‘Alibi’ concoction and the bar’s signature cocktail, Gentlemen Jack.

Lead by Head Chef Damian Collinson, the restaurant will serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening meals. Cocktail masterclasses, live music and private hire spaces are expected to prove popular, further broadening the appeal of the establishment.

General Manager Andy Pritchard said Alibi would attract a discerning clientele, offering innovative cocktails, premium drinks and informal dining in an elegant environment.

“Our vision is to offer a premium day-to-night drinks and dining experience in stylish surroundings which will support the town’s growing popularity and be part of the wider regeneration of Calderdale.” Andy commented.

“With over sixty gins, forty rums and two dozen whiskeys, we’re confident that even the most discerning customers will find their favourite tipple at Alibi”, he added.

The town centre venue is set to open later this month and will operate Sunday to Thursday, 10am-11pm, Friday and Saturday, 10am-1.30am. Food will be served daily from 10am to 9pm. For more information visit www.alibihalifax.co.uk.

Alibi Halifax is an independent, premium drinks bar and restaurant located in Somerset House, a Georgian listed mansion in Rawson Street, Halifax. Designed by John Carr of York, Somerset House was originally built in 1766 for local woollen merchant John Royds.

The venue will offer cocktails, premium wines, champagnes, spirits and craft beers alongside a contemporary dining menu which will showcase leading local suppliers. The venue will also offer cocktail masterclasses, afternoon teas and spaces for private and corporate hire.

General Manager:            Andrew Pritchard

Assistant Manager:          Jamie Hawkes

Head Chef:                          Damian Collinson