PEOPLE can now enjoy tea and cakes outside St George’s Hall in Bradford city centre.
The building is one of the UK’s oldest concert halls, and has been a key part of Bradford’s cultural offer since it opened in 1853.
The venue recently added outdoor seating to its cafe, where people can enjoy hot and cold drinks and light bites.
With space for around 40 people, the seats are right below the stunning architecture of the historic music venue.
The surrounding area has undergone a huge transformation in the past year.
Hall Ings and Bridge Street – once two of the city’s busiest roads – are now the centre of a pedestrianised area that stretches from Broadway to Prince’s Way.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said the city centre changes has already led to increased footfall.
Cllr Ferriby said: “We have already seen increased footfall around St George’s Hall since the new pedestrian areas have been completed, and so now is the perfect time for us to open our cafe bar and incorporate this much-improved area.
“Having this outdoor space allows us to encourage people to extend the time they spend in the city centre when coming to see one of our shows. Plus, it also increases the visibility of our existing cafe bar from the street.”
The St George’s Hall Cafe is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm when there’s no show and from 10am to close when there is a show.
Food will be available from 11am to 2pm, Bradford Theatres said.
The cafe’s menu includes freshly made sandwiches, homemade soup, cakes, sweet treats, and speciality teas and coffees. The cafe also sells soft and alcoholic drinks.
Si Cunningham from Bradford Civic Society told the T&A: “I’m so impressed by how the new public spaces around St George’s Hall, City Hall, and Market Street have been adopted. Bradfordians seem to love their new look city.
“The new seating at St George’s shows how good design transforms the way we use our civic spaces. I hope this becomes the standard for other parts of the city.”
Speaking about the seating, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said: “With work on the Transforming Cities Fund Scheme now complete this is a great way to use this new pedestrianised space which is already attracting more people to the city centre.
“This cafe meets the vision to create traffic-free spaces for people, which are easy to get around and pleasant for people to spend time.
“I’m delighted that Bradford Theatres have been able to open this new space for St George’s Hall. I’m sure it will encourage people to visit a different area of the city centre and provide a space for people when coming to see one of our shows.”
