Georgian-listed mansion to be transformed into bar

Yorkshire bar operators Alibi are set to open an upscale drinks and dining venue in a Georgian-listed mansion in the heart of Calderdale.

Alibi has taken over the lease of Somerset House in Rawson Street, Halifax and is transforming the Grade 2 listed Georgian former mansion.

The £450,000 refurbishment includes the restoration of intricate carved plasterwork by Italian Giuseppe Cortese in the first floor Grand Salon, and the creation of a main bar with private booth seating, separate cocktail bar and courtyard on the ground floor. The venue is set to open later this month and will create around 30 new jobs.

Once complete, the 3,400 sq ft commercial site will accommodate up to 420 people inside and a further 200 in the courtyard. On the first floor, the Grand Salon has the capacity to accommodate up to 250 (110 seated) for corporate and private events.

General Manager Andy Pritchard said: Halifax is experiencing a huge resurgence in popularity as a destination for heritage, arts and tourism, with venues such as The Piece Hall, Square Chapel and Dean Clough leading the charge in the regeneration of the town’s appeal.

“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.”

Designed by John Carr of York, the former mansion was originally built in 1766 for local woollen merchant John Royds. Since then the building has had many previous incarnations, including a bank. Until last year, it housed Le Metro restaurant.

Alibi’s list of predominantly local suppliers includes Holdsworth’s meat suppliers of Halifax, Huddersfield-based fish wholesalers Sailbrand, Forge Coffee Roasters in Sheffield and Bradford fruit and vegetable suppliers Delifresh.

Once open, the venue will operate Sun to Thurs, 10am-11pm, Fri and Sat, 10am-1.30am.

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