Where To Find A Hidden Bar Serving Lancashire Ales In Todmorden's Victorian Market?

Imagine wandering through a classic Victorian market, past stalls piled high with fresh produce and artisan cheeses, when you stumble upon something totally unexpected: a proper pub. That's exactly what people are discovering in Todmorden.

Tucked away inside the town's historic indoor market is the Market Tavern, a place that looks every bit the traditional Yorkshire local. But there's a brilliant twist. Despite being firmly in West Yorkshire, this hidden bar proudly serves a real ale selection that comes almost exclusively from across the border in Lancashire.

A proper pub with a unique market setting

The Market Tavern, run by Mark Arrowsmith and Sue Landale, offers a cosy escape within the bustling market. It's designed to feel just like a traditional pub, complete with welcoming bar seating and a fantastic community feel. This isn't just a stall that sells beer; it's a fully-fledged pub experience. The atmosphere is a big part of its charm.

The sounds of friendly chatter and clinking glasses mix with the lively hubbub of the market stalls just outside its door. What started as a modest idea has grown into something much bigger. The "Tod Tavern," as it's affectionately known, has expanded into a neighbouring unit to make space for the growing number of visitors. This hidden bar creates a brilliant market setting for a pint.

Lancashire ales on Yorkshire soil

Here's the thing that makes the Market Tavern stand out. In a county famous for its own brilliant breweries, this pub has made a bold choice. Its taps are dedicated to showcasing fantastic Lancashire ales, making it a bit of a rebel. The main selection comes from the Reedley Hallows Brewery in Burnley, another town in Lancashire.

The real ale selection is always changing, keeping things interesting for regulars. What is real ale? Well, it's basically beer that's brewed in a traditional way and is still 'alive' in the cask when it's served, which gives it a fresher, more complex flavour. Regular favourites at the tavern include Pendleside and Nook of Pendle, alongside a "monthly special." And the price is pretty good too, at just £3.30 a pint. This commitment to Lancashire breweries in a Yorkshire town close to the border is what makes the place so unique and talked about.

A destination attracting people from all over

This isn't just a spot for locals doing their shopping. The Market Tavern has become a real destination. On any given weekend, you can find crowds of up to 100 people enjoying the atmosphere. And these people travel. Drinkers make their way to Todmorden from places like Huddersfield, Rochdale, Burnley, Bradford, and even as far as Blackpool.

Many visitors use public transport, making the tavern a key stop on tours of local pubs in the area. It has even become a popular spot for stag parties. Mark Arrowsmith describes the vibe as "cosmopolitan" but with a definite northern twist, meaning it attracts all sorts of different people while keeping a friendly, down-to-earth feel. It's a true meeting point for people from both sides of the Pennines.

More than just a pint with bingo nights and food deals

There's always something going on at the Market Tavern. It's not just a place to sit quietly with a drink. They host regular bingo nights on Saturdays starting from 5pm, which often draw a full house and create a lively, fun atmosphere. It's a perfect example of the pub's strong community feel. And because of its brilliant location, it works closely with the other market traders. The tavern offers fantastic food-and-drink deals in partnership with nearby food vendors.

So, you can grab a perfect pint of a Lancashire ale and pair it with some delicious food from one of the neighbouring market stalls. This collaboration between businesses is what makes the whole market experience so special.

That traditional market buzz

A big part of the pub's appeal is the nostalgia of its surroundings. Being inside the market hall gives it a unique charm that you just don't get in a standard pub on the high street. Customers are surrounded by all the traditional sights and sounds of a market, with market stalls like butchers, a cheese stall, and even an ironmongers just a few steps away.

Mark says customers really love this aspect. He added: "I hear people saying that the market reminds them of being a kid, and has a very traditional feel." It's this blend of a classic pub and a timeless market setting that makes the Market Tavern in Todmorden a truly special place to visit.

The Market Tavern is open Monday, and Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am until just before 7pm. The market doors shut around 5:30pm, so keep that in mind. It is closed on Tuesdays.