SUSTAINABLE TOWNS
HEBDEN BRIDGE, UK
North England's sustainable revolution
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK
Down in a valley in the north of England lies a hub of sustainable activity. From countless sustainable food options to incredible independents, there's one town that has set the precedent for sustainable modern-day living. Welcome to Hebden Bridge.
Sustainability manifests itself in more ways than one: it's about making sure the community is sustainable as well as the environment. Hebden Bridge has it spot on and we're going to share its delights; just in case you're ever in the area or are a town wanting to step-up your sustainability game.
Sustainability manifests itself in more ways than one: it's about making sure the community is sustainable as well as the environment. Hebden Bridge has it spot on and we're going to share its delights; just in case you're ever in the area or are a town wanting to step-up your sustainability game.
Zero-waste Shopping
As we've become more conscious of our plastic consumption and its detrimental effects on ecosystems, a plastic-free revolution has begun. Here in the UK, the early days of plastic bag charges have led to whole shops dedicated to plastic-free shopping. If you're like us and find it frustrating when you have no real choice about buying items wrapped in plastic, and experience disappointment when you see those 3 tiny words 'not currently recycled', then, don't worry, plastic-free shops are popping up a plenty.
As we've become more conscious of our plastic consumption and its detrimental effects on ecosystems, a plastic-free revolution has begun. Here in the UK, the early days of plastic bag charges have led to whole shops dedicated to plastic-free shopping. If you're like us and find it frustrating when you have no real choice about buying items wrapped in plastic, and experience disappointment when you see those 3 tiny words 'not currently recycled', then, don't worry, plastic-free shops are popping up a plenty.
Weighsted
The concept is simple, yet effective. Take your container to Weighsted, fill it up, weigh it, and pay by weight. You won't need to worry about them not having what you're looking for because there is an enormous selection, from red lentils to fennel seeds and turmeric to washing-up liquid. Plus, getting to choose your own quantities means that you have the luxury of purchasing what you actually need which means there's no plastic or food waste.
The concept is simple, yet effective. Take your container to Weighsted, fill it up, weigh it, and pay by weight. You won't need to worry about them not having what you're looking for because there is an enormous selection, from red lentils to fennel seeds and turmeric to washing-up liquid. Plus, getting to choose your own quantities means that you have the luxury of purchasing what you actually need which means there's no plastic or food waste.
Weighsted
Valley Organics
Valley Organics
Valley Organics is where you can find local fresh fruit, veg and bread. Plus, you guessed it, none of it comes in plastic. Just pick what you need and walk away knowing that you've supported the local economy, reduced food miles, and helped local farmers. They're great for supplying zero-waste household products as well.
Valley Organics is where you can find local fresh fruit, veg and bread. Plus, you guessed it, none of it comes in plastic. Just pick what you need and walk away knowing that you've supported the local economy, reduced food miles, and helped local farmers. They're great for supplying zero-waste household products as well.
Farmer's Market
Offering locally sourced fresh fruit and veg on Thursdays and Sundays, with very little plastic in sight, is the Hebden Bridge Market. A special shoutout to their apples which are the best ones I've ever tasted (never thought I'd be so excited about apples but there you go). Oh, and if you're there at a weekend, you need to try Ant & Doh sourdough doughnuts because they are hands-down the best doughnuts you will ever eat. They offer vegan and non-vegan options as well.
Offering locally sourced fresh fruit and veg on Thursdays and Sundays, with very little plastic in sight, is the Hebden Bridge Market. A special shoutout to their apples which are the best ones I've ever tasted (never thought I'd be so excited about apples but there you go). Oh, and if you're there at a weekend, you need to try Ant & Doh sourdough doughnuts because they are hands-down the best doughnuts you will ever eat. They offer vegan and non-vegan options as well.
Farmer's Market - Image by Halifax Courier
Sustainable Food Choices
It has become increasingly apparent that reducing your meat consumption is the most sustainable option when it comes to your diet and, with a large vegetarian and vegan population, you will not struggle to eat out in Hebden Bridge if you don't eat meat. The days of vegan food being seen as bland are over, sometimes the vegan food is so good that meat eaters choose it instead.
It has become increasingly apparent that reducing your meat consumption is the most sustainable option when it comes to your diet and, with a large vegetarian and vegan population, you will not struggle to eat out in Hebden Bridge if you don't eat meat. The days of vegan food being seen as bland are over, sometimes the vegan food is so good that meat eaters choose it instead.
Sacred Space
Sacred Space
Offering an incredible tasty full vegan menu, you will never feel hungry after eating a takeaway from Sacred Space (speaking from multiple food coma experiences). With bags of flavour and a selection of hot drinks with a choice of plant-based milks, Sacred Space deserves a stop on any Hebden Bridge trip.
Saker Bakery
With every bread imaginable (from beetroot and walnut rye to turmeric loaves), incredible hot cross buns and the best gooey vegan brownies you will ever try, Saker Bakery is a staple in Hebden Bridge for all your baked-good needs.
Saker Bakery
People's Pizzeria
People's Pizzeria
The People's Pizzeria started as a pop-up food truck during 2020 but made such an impression that they now have a permanent residence. And rightly so. The meat and veggie menus are the same size, with the veggie menu definitely not compromising on taste. Every veggie pizza can also be made vegan so there is nobody left hungry here. You can feel confident walking into the People's Pizzeria knowing that you will come out with a Neapolitan pizza that Naples would approve of.
The People's Pizzeria started as a pop-up food truck during 2020 but made such an impression that they now have a permanent residence. And rightly so. The meat and veggie menus are the same size, with the veggie menu definitely not compromising on taste. Every veggie pizza can also be made vegan so there is nobody left hungry here. You can feel confident walking into the People's Pizzeria knowing that you will come out with a Neapolitan pizza that Naples would approve of.
Blue JSF
If you're a Japanese street food fan and want to try an out-of-this-world Katsu, Blue JSF is a must. Here, you can choose pumpkin or chicken battered in golden breadcrumbs topped with a mouth-watering katsu sauce. Or, if you fancy sushi, they have a large selection of that, too. Blue JSF is another place in which vegans do not feel inferior.
If you're a Japanese street food fan and want to try an out-of-this-world Katsu, Blue JSF is a must. Here, you can choose pumpkin or chicken battered in golden breadcrumbs topped with a mouth-watering katsu sauce. Or, if you fancy sushi, they have a large selection of that, too. Blue JSF is another place in which vegans do not feel inferior.
Pennine Provisions
Offering a large selection of vegan pastries and vegan fridge items, the vegan population of Hebden Bridge are certainly well catered for in Pennine Provisions.
Offering a large selection of vegan pastries and vegan fridge items, the vegan population of Hebden Bridge are certainly well catered for in Pennine Provisions.
Leila's Kitchen
Sitting in a magnificent building, Leila's Kitchen is a vegetarian café and restaurant with a menu inspired by Persian cuisine. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant knows how to reduce its food miles and serve gorgeous food even meat eaters will want to try.
Sitting in a magnificent building, Leila's Kitchen is a vegetarian café and restaurant with a menu inspired by Persian cuisine. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant knows how to reduce its food miles and serve gorgeous food even meat eaters will want to try.
Shop Local
If we want communities to thrive, we need to start putting money back into the highstreet, and Hebden Bridge has hit the nail on the head with this one. With very few chain shops to speak of, the large majority of Hebden Bridge's shops and cafes are independent.
If we want communities to thrive, we need to start putting money back into the highstreet, and Hebden Bridge has hit the nail on the head with this one. With very few chain shops to speak of, the large majority of Hebden Bridge's shops and cafes are independent.
Blazing Saddles
Forget Halfords, try locally run Blazing Saddles for your every bike need. Speaking from experience, the service is 10/10 with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Any bike concern you have, small or large, Blazing Saddles will have the answer.
Forget Halfords, try locally run Blazing Saddles for your every bike need. Speaking from experience, the service is 10/10 with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Any bike concern you have, small or large, Blazing Saddles will have the answer.
Spirals
Spirals
It's pretty much impossible to walk past Spirals and not go in. This independent shop is excellent for gifts because they stock beautiful home décor, luxurious soaps, jewellery, and sustainable brands like Thought and Seasalt.
Innovation
Set in a stunning ivy-faced building, if you're looking for a greeting card, look no further. All we can say is: if you walk out of Innovation empty handed, it's a miracle.
Set in a stunning ivy-faced building, if you're looking for a greeting card, look no further. All we can say is: if you walk out of Innovation empty handed, it's a miracle.
Willow Garden
With so many floral postal services popping up, it's lovely that the Willow Garden has remained strong within the community. They offer beautiful bouquets with seasonal colours and plants and herbs for every occasion.
With so many floral postal services popping up, it's lovely that the Willow Garden has remained strong within the community. They offer beautiful bouquets with seasonal colours and plants and herbs for every occasion.
Taste of the East
An independent Asian supermarket which stocks every spice and curry paste you could imagine. Make sure to try their homemade chai as well, *chef's kiss*.
An independent Asian supermarket which stocks every spice and curry paste you could imagine. Make sure to try their homemade chai as well, *chef's kiss*.
The Bookcase
In the days of big bookshop giants taking over the highstreet, it's so important to support your local independent bookshop. The Bookcase stocks books from big publishers and lots of indie publishers, too. It's definitely a place which should come with a warning sign, though. Warning: you will not walk out empty handed.
In the days of big bookshop giants taking over the highstreet, it's so important to support your local independent bookshop. The Bookcase stocks books from big publishers and lots of indie publishers, too. It's definitely a place which should come with a warning sign, though. Warning: you will not walk out empty handed.
Jules Pottery
Enter the pottery wonderland that is Jules Pottery and find a floor to ceiling selection of beautiful coloured crockery. As a purchaser of Jules Pottery, we can vouch that it's great quality at a really reasonable price, with lovely service to top it off, too!
Enter the pottery wonderland that is Jules Pottery and find a floor to ceiling selection of beautiful coloured crockery. As a purchaser of Jules Pottery, we can vouch that it's great quality at a really reasonable price, with lovely service to top it off, too!
So, there we have it. Our round-up of our top picks to visit in the sustainable capital of the north of England. Every town and city, take note: Hebden Bridge has sustainable living absolutely spot on.
Article by Catherine McAteer
