The Turnpike Inn

            ....has had a most colourful history....

Originally opened in 1822 as The Derby Inn, the building has seen many facelifts. In previous lives it was also known as The Derby Bar, The Darby Hotel (yes, spelt differently on each occasion) and “Exit 22” – of course named after the proximity to the M62. It was a popular nightspot for both Yorkshire and Lancashire folk and has been used as a halfway house for the two counties ever since. It has been a cocktail bar, a hotel, a member’s discotheque and if rumour has it, a house of ill repute. Some locals remember the time each table had a telephone allowing eligible men and women to “call” one another…. an idea based on the German cabaret bars of the 1930’s and made famous in the late 80’s by Caspers Telephone Exchange in London.

In the past few years the building became neglected and stood empty for 12 months, inviting vandalism and theft – even having the stone slates pinched from the roof. The Pennine weather threw all it could at the building and the pub came dangerously close to being lost altogether.

....but is now restored to beyond its former glory.

So with the foresight of the current owners, it has been restored not only to its former glory but way, way beyond. The design reflects a contemporary theme but with every original feature restored and emphasised. Original wooden and flagstone flooring, beams, brickwork and stone walls have all been exposed. A new bar was constructed out of surplus Yorkshire stone, which the owner provided from the former Lloyds TSB branch building in nearby Ripponden – indeed recycled materials have always been used where possible.

We are truly delighted to become the most recent custodians of this quite iconic location. We feel we have honoured its history and originality and hope we will be part of its future for a long time to come.

On behalf of all the staff here at the Turnpike, we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Kelly

Kelly Martin, Manager