AN award-winning bar, renowned for its entertainment and real ales, has announced it has closed its doors 'with immediate effect'.

The Crafty Kernel, on Kirkgate, Shipley, won the CAMRA Pub of the Season award in 2023 - just nine months after it opened its doors. It also appears in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2024.

The post does not give any reason for the closure, but refers to “lots of new opportunities and dreams to pursue”.

It says the announcement “is a little sad but also a little happy too”.

The bar is run by Zoe and Reece Carlton and the Facebook post said: "Ok guys. So this is a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT - one which is a little sad but also a little happy too!!

"The Crafty Kernel has closed permanently with immediate effect!

“Mr Carlton and I would like to thank all of our lovely customers for your unwavering support - you truly are a blessing!

"We’d also like to thank all the amazing breweries, local and further afield for entrusting us with their incredible beers! Oh, and of course CAMRA for their incredible support.

“Yes, it’s been a rollercoaster of a ride - some challenges for sure but predominantly, happy happy times!! We’ve made some friends for life (you know who you are) and for that we feel extremely grateful!

"We have lots of new opportunities and dreams to pursue, so we’re going to focus on making them happen!! After all, life is for living!

"So, we’ll no doubt see you around people and once again Thank you!"

When Bradford CAMRA's Peter Down gave the hostelry the Pub of the Season award, he said: "They've hit the ground running.

"They do offer a varying range of quality real ales, including gluten-free varieties. Our members do weekly social events over the season, and they discovered the Crafty Kernel when they were out in the middle of Shipley.

"We had seen the building being refurbished before it opened in early 2022."

When the T&A contacted the bar, no-one was available to comment further at this time.