Warm hospitality is on tap at The Salt Cellar

Donna Hamilton has been at the helm of The Salt Cellar - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - for the past five years and loves it.

“We provide the community with a nice traditional pub, with a lot of original fittings like the stained glass windows,” she says. “We have stone fireplaces, not to mention a new log burner to keep our customers warm and cosy as winter approaches.”

Donna Hamilton runs the welcoming pub

The bar

Formerly the Victoria, the traditional hostelry dates back to 1875. It was built on the edge of Saltaire village because mill owner Sir Titus Salt banned licenced premises. Now many of its visitors have come to see the World Heritage Site that Saltaire has become.

The pub opened as the Salt Cellar gin and ale bar in 2017 with Donna as manager. Four years later, Trust Inns bought it, asking Donna to stay on.

The Salt Cellar on Saltaire Road

“It’s a great job - no two days are the same. I am constantly meeting new people, most of whom have come to visit Saltaire. My regulars, however, are my comfort even on the dullest of days.”

She adds: “I think it’s important to give the customers plenty of variety. We have a collection of board games and also have a games night every two weeks in the gin bar.

The pub's traditional interior

“We hold an open mic session on Tuesdays where we welcome musicians and singers. It has been running for more than four years and is really popular.

“Free juke box Friday is also a hit, and Fizz Friday. At weekends we have live entertainment, providing the customers with local bands and singers every Saturday and the occasional Sunday.”

Guests can enjoy the regular events while enjoying a pint of their favourite ale. “We have six to choose from - most are sourced locally, ranging from pale and blondes to bitters and porters, there’s something for everyone,” says Donna. “I use more than 30 different breweries.”

Outside is a sheltered beer garden

Another view inside the pub

Donna praises her staff, who have helped The Salt Cellar win many awards including Bradford Camra’s Pub Of The Year Overall Winner this year. “We also came runner up in Camra’s Yorkshire Pub of the Year - a great accolade for us, of which we are very proud.

“A good pub only runs with great staff and my staff are my backbone," she says.

Trust Inns provided the pub with with a new underheated garden, which is well used by customers.

Donna appreciates the pub’s setting. “People also come to see the famous Dragon Boat Festival, Saltaire Festival and Bradford CAMRA’s Beer Festival in Victoria Hall.

“All of this gives us a chance to showcase our ales and awards."

She adds: “Not forgetting our gin bar housing 40 gins ranging from Gordon’s, Bombay Sapphire and The Botanist to Whitley’s Rhubarb & Ginger, blackberry, and strawberry, and many more.”

The gin bar is regularly used for functions , meetings, parties and other gatherings.

*The Salt Cellar, 192 Saltaire Road, Bradford BD18 3JF