Victorian Craft Beer Cafe
Victorian Craft Beer Cafe
Victorian Craft Beer Cafe
4.5
11:00 AM - 11:45 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 11:45 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 11:45 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
A mecca for beer lovers. Every day, from 11am.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
364 within 3 miles
Attractions
87 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Steve_of_N21London, United Kingdom3,613 contributionsVery impressed with this one.The main bar you enter into from Powell Street is ok but then the seating spaces, especially to the left of the main bar room, are really interesting and they make full use of the triangular corner spot. Over several different levels, when you think you have found them all, another turn reveals yet another seating area. Slightly different decor in each, but a couple very much have a library feel to them due to the number of books and bookshelves being used. The beer choice in here is a bit overwhelming and the large chalk board at the side of the main bar is indeed a bit bewildering, detailing 18 keg options and 10 real ale and cider options. Fortunately for those after a real ale it’s easier to inspect the line of hand pumps on the bar top. A good range of different styles with Vocation, Lune Brew and Play Brew were well represented with at least two of their beers prominent, but I went for the Brass Castle Bad Kitty Chocolate and Vanilla Porter and absolutely gorgeous it was too. Pork pies were advertised at £2 a pop and the black pudding one I went for was equally as good. I can fully understand why this one has won multiple awardsVisited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 June 2024
- sheepygold5,524 contributionsA very nice bar with a huge range of beersThis place used to be an Italian cafe so we were interested to see it having been transformed and enlarged to a bar with a huge range of unusual real ales. It is a very comfortable place to sit. In fact I was the only one who had an alcoholic drink - a mango cider which was interesting if rather sweet. A half of that and three soft drinks came to £9 so very decent value. The staff were very friendly.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 July 2024
- Alu D1 contributionThe Victorian craft beer cafeA return visit after too long away . Popped in for a beer and a coffee. So pleased to find that they serve decaf coffee as so many real ale places do not really cater for the coffee drinker esp one who has to limit their caffeine intake . Jake behind the bar was pleasant and friendly plus the addition of the custard cream with my coffee really took the biscuit ! My husband was pleased with the beer and the ambience of the place is cosy and welcoming . Would recommend a visit the next time you are in HalifaxVisited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
130 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
26
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
2
ChrisCummings
Manchester, UK77 contributions
Jan 2023
Having been born in Halifax and visited the town thousands of times over my life, I hadn't visited this place until January of 2023. Glad I finally did. Had a great visit with my wife and a bunch of family members, and we soaked in the vibrant and cheerful atmosphere while enjoying drinks from the well-stocked bar. I like a good craft ale, so this was a fantastic spot for that, having plenty on offer for whatever your tastes might be. Will return for sure. A nice spot in town.
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandra s
Yorkshire, UK39 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Cosy, relaxed,chilled out bar.. absolutely love it.. my number 1 go to bar in Halifax town centre...no other bar like it.. Please open one in Sheffield..plus try the plum porter...
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBigDaddyD
Wakefield, UK148 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
Great atmosphere, love the decor! Brilliant selection of craft beers on draft and keg. Nice friendly staff too. Will have to come back to sample some of their pork pies judging by some of the other reviews on here!
Written 18 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liam
Halifax, UK4 contributions
Aug 2021
It's got an excellent beer selection, with an ever-changing choice and plenty of options. Great atmosphere and a nice, warm decor. Whether you're looking for somewhere for a quiet drink by yourself, with a group of people or the hunt for the best cask and modern keg beers, then this is for you.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmawemma00
Halifax, UK8 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
We visited this bar after noticing it looked to be a new bar in the area. We went with another couple. We are a married couple that have been married for 13 years. We walked in to an extremely frosty reception and before saying hello were asked for ID. The other couple with us were both 24 and without hesitation they produced their ID. As they did a bystander at the bar said one of the IDs were fake. Our friends were from Northern Ireland and one of them produced a valid driving license. This bystander, who was just drinking in the bar proceeded to say it was fake and shockingly the bar tender decided to listen to him and said he was refusing to serve us drinks. I will say at this point the frosty reception had left us feeling on edge, especially as the bar was quite quiet, we were sober and looking for a nice place to drink so were taken aback a bit. My husband did get agitated and wasnt nice to the bar man which I did apologise for. I just found the staff to be very unwelcoming and not becoming of somewhere that might want some new punters from the local area. We left and went elsewhere that night but I decided to go back the next day and speak to the bar man as I found the behaviour so unacceptable. I read up on the ID laws and acceptable forms of ID and the bar man did say he felt that he over reacted and shouldnt have acted that way. A shame really as it seemed like a nice bar but whatever happened to being welcoming and good customer service? I only got an apology as I decided to go out of my way to pop in and discuss the previous nights events. I will not be back. Id rather go somewhere that would appreciate your custom and welcome newcomers.
Written 22 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Emma! I'm sorry you had a bad experience in my bar. We operate a 'Challenge 25' policy to ensure no underage drinking. Anyone looking 25 or under will be asked for ID on their first visit. It's a shame we had trouble with the Northern Ireland ID - we were looking for a hologram but didn't find one. The person giving advice was from another bar in town. We hope we didn't spoil your night!
Written 31 October 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ConorJames
4 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Great decor, cosy atmosphere and brilliant beer selection.
Such a shame every visit has been ruined by a particularly arrogant and rude member of staff.
Such a shame every visit has been ruined by a particularly arrogant and rude member of staff.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hutch H
Hebden Bridge, UK1 contribution
Oct 2019
Lovely little space inside, splendid selection of very nice beers from all over the UK, but...
Today was maybe my sixth visit over three years, and the third one to be marred by having to interact with the staff. VCBC can be a splendid evening out, but it can also suffer from some of the worst excesses of snobbish hipsterism known to man.
My wife orders a beer that runs out after very nearly pouring the half she’d asked for. The barman barks ‘you’ll have to choose something else’ over our conversation at the empty bar. She starts to say ‘oh, can I not just have that one?’ (it was near as dammit a half pint). Before she can finish, the barman snaps a terse ‘no’. No discussion, no debate about making it a third. Okay. She orders a different beer and when it arrives it’s nearly a centimetre short of the half-pint line. I point this out and compare it with the almost-identical half he said was too short to serve and get ‘oh, you must be from Yorkshire! no, when the head settles it’ll be up to the line’. So... rude communication, a short measure, and something not unlike racism from a Scouser in Halifax.
I think I’m done with VCBC.
Today was maybe my sixth visit over three years, and the third one to be marred by having to interact with the staff. VCBC can be a splendid evening out, but it can also suffer from some of the worst excesses of snobbish hipsterism known to man.
My wife orders a beer that runs out after very nearly pouring the half she’d asked for. The barman barks ‘you’ll have to choose something else’ over our conversation at the empty bar. She starts to say ‘oh, can I not just have that one?’ (it was near as dammit a half pint). Before she can finish, the barman snaps a terse ‘no’. No discussion, no debate about making it a third. Okay. She orders a different beer and when it arrives it’s nearly a centimetre short of the half-pint line. I point this out and compare it with the almost-identical half he said was too short to serve and get ‘oh, you must be from Yorkshire! no, when the head settles it’ll be up to the line’. So... rude communication, a short measure, and something not unlike racism from a Scouser in Halifax.
I think I’m done with VCBC.
Written 6 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paddy459
Hebden Bridge, UK448 contributions
Dec 2018 • Friends
I was recommended this place by a friend and visited a few weeks ago....it is awesome if your into real ales and craft beers, but I reckon it's pretty awesome even if you're not as it had a great atmosphere, lovely setting and just a good feeling.
Staff were friendly and the beer selection is huge!!
Staff were friendly and the beer selection is huge!!
Written 17 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arfateacake
Halifax, UK15 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
Go here quite often and they have a good selection of ales, nice surroundings and I usually get into conversation with other customers. However the staff don't exactly make you feel welcome I'm sorry to say ! Go in at various times but I struggle to remember a time where the bar staff have raised a smile . If they'd just crack a smile this place would be spot on
Written 20 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne G
Leeds, UK143 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This is the 4th visit and I wonder why we tried this pokey smelly hovel after the first visit which was bad enough on its own. But low and behold this visit capped all others.
Having purchased this very expensive beer I took it to the table to see a crystal clear pint thinking this looked good.
One mouthful told a different story a really awful metallic taste that clearly indicated that this beer was not good.
I took it to the bar and expressed my concern in a polite respectful manner. The owner poured himself a taster from the pump and declared
" yes it tastes horrible but that is the way it's meant to be, adding I have not tried this beer before but it's meant to taste like that"
Well I find that statement a little incongruous to say the least. Never tried it before but it's meant to taste like that!!!
Well I left the near full glasses on the bar as the owner said " it's your problem and I won't change it"
I explained he had made his views quite clear already
Now I accept beer is a taste thing but after 30 years of drinking beer from all over the uk I know when it's not right. I also know when an owner is more bothered about profit than reputation or customer service
Extremely arrogance and sheer lack of what is right leads me to conclude that a 5th visit will not happen.
I would implore all readers to visit this nasty little pub a very wide berth.
Having purchased this very expensive beer I took it to the table to see a crystal clear pint thinking this looked good.
One mouthful told a different story a really awful metallic taste that clearly indicated that this beer was not good.
I took it to the bar and expressed my concern in a polite respectful manner. The owner poured himself a taster from the pump and declared
" yes it tastes horrible but that is the way it's meant to be, adding I have not tried this beer before but it's meant to taste like that"
Well I find that statement a little incongruous to say the least. Never tried it before but it's meant to taste like that!!!
Well I left the near full glasses on the bar as the owner said " it's your problem and I won't change it"
I explained he had made his views quite clear already
Now I accept beer is a taste thing but after 30 years of drinking beer from all over the uk I know when it's not right. I also know when an owner is more bothered about profit than reputation or customer service
Extremely arrogance and sheer lack of what is right leads me to conclude that a 5th visit will not happen.
I would implore all readers to visit this nasty little pub a very wide berth.
Written 6 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Wayne,
We are a little surprised you find £3.10 for a pint of ale in our town centre pub 'very expensive'! Alas, as a completely independent business, we are unable to employ the clever tax-dodging accountants enjoyed by our chain pub/coffee house mega-corp neighbours, and so must reluctantly wheelbarrow our cash down to Downing Street for the government's next errant school bombing/moat building campaign.
We are also a little perturbed that your taste buds (who tasted the beer) were upset with your mouth (who ordered the beer) when a simple taster could have been requested. This is very a popular move in our establishment! Sending your 'chimichanga' back because you meant to order 'enchiladas' is always going to be a tricky one to deal with, so I hope we didn't offend you too much. Please be assured that the Hop Studio Pale was indeed crystal clear and fresh and was enjoyed by many other customers after you left, but not, as you correctly pointed out, by the boss. Perhaps you could write to the brewery or at the very least review the beer somewhere?
It is a shame we have parted company with you in this manner, but rest assured there are many other pubs nearby peddling cheaper and more tried-and-tested ware that I feel sure you will enjoy.
Written 24 May 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Does this place do soft drinks? Also i know they sell coffee but do they have hot chocolate available?
Written 4 October 2020
Strange question !
Where do you buy the pork pies you sell in the bar ? They are a bit of an addiction with me , have to have one every time I come in ... Not good for the hips but bloody good pies 😜
Written 27 August 2015
Victorian C
Halifax, United Kingdom
Open from 11am every day except Sunday which is noon
Written 6 August 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing