Is Bingley the happiest place in the Bradford district?

After a survey said as much and placed the market town 16th nationally for putting a smile on people's faces, we decided to go check it out for ourselves.

The Telegraph & Argus spoke to local businesses and residents to see what they thought.

Read: The 'quaint' and 'tranquil' Bradford district area named happiest place to live

Luscombe's has been at the heart of Bingley for over 150 years (Image: Newsquest) 'Bingley is a happy place'

A shop owner of more than 30 years feels Bingley deserves to have the light shone on it.

Luscombe's has graced the town's Main Street since 1866.

"Bingley is a happy place," the gift shop's owner Janine Whiteoak said.

"Most people here are happy. We have some lovely loyal customers.

"It’s those little touches that make the customers feel special.

"Everyone is friendly in Bingley."

Some shops in the town are closed on Monday and Tuesday as they wait for trade later in the week.

Janine added: "It would be better if everything was open instead of people not coming out until Wednesday.

"I wish there were more independent shops. A bit more variety would be nice."

Nick Stone has enjoyed living in Bingley after moving up from London (Image: Newsquest)

From London to Bingley

Nick Stone lived in London for three decades before making the move up north to Bingley two years ago.

He has not looked back since and really enjoys what is on offer in terms of scenery and convenience.

"I live over at Crossflatts and find Bingley really lovely," Nick said.

"You have got great things like the canal for a walk or the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway where I volunteer. There is a real mixture of independent shops too.

"I also enjoy going to the restaurants and wine bars."

He added: "There are good transport links.

"Living in London, I never felt the need to have a driving licence. I thought that would change following my move but that has not been the case

"There are lots of good reasons to live in Bingley."

Maria Bija, of Hedgehog Organics, loves her customers (Image: Newsquest)

'The people of Bingley really do support their own'

Hedgehog Organics opened in April 2022 and has a shop on Main Street as well as a delivery service.

Founded by Ben Oubridge and Maria Bija, it sells a range of goods including organic fruit and vegetables, sourdough bread, toiletries, dairy and gluten-free products. 

"The people of Bingley really do support their own," said Maria.

"We like to have time for our customers and chat to them. It makes it much more of a personal experience. 

"I feel our shop makes our customers happy. They seem to really care about everything we do. Local matters to them.

"Our food is grown with care and love and I think they value that.

"It is important to support local businesses. It is always much appreciated."

Maria Truelove is a new business owner in the town (Image: Newsquest)

'I really like it here'

Maria Truelove only took on florist, Rustic Garden, in March.

After working in early years for over half a decade, she fancied switching it up and found Bingley, the place where she lives, as the perfect location to do so.

She said: "I had been working in early years and wanted to do something different, so I thought why not give this a go.

"It has been one hell of a job and a massive leap but I have had great fun. I really like it here."

However, Maria is frustrated that there are not more attractions in the town especially with the future of Bingley Pool still unknown.

"Bingley is a nice place but I feel it needs something to attract more people," she said.

"It is a shame the pool is still shut. It could really do with that being back open."

Sadie Graves feels Bingley is the happiest place in the district (Image: Newsquest)

'A strong sense of community'

Sadie Graves has been running The Loft Cafe Bar for the last 14 years.

She was full of praise for the town, which she says comes together through hard times.

"I agree (when asked if Bingley is the happiest place in the Bradford district)," Sadie said.

"This cafe makes people happy," she laughed. 

"Then you have got the people and their friendly spirit.

"There is a strong sense of community here. Everyone comes together especially when it flooded and when Covid happened."

However, she added: "It would be nice if some more of the empty units were filled by independent businesses."

Kenyon Opticians recently celebrated its 50th anniversary (Image: Newsquest)

'We do get happy customers'

Liz Richmond, of Kenyon Opticians, enjoys seeing the smiles on customers' faces after serving them.

"We do get happy customers," Liz said.

She spoke of how the independent business, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, offers a personal service. 

'Bingley has everything you need'

Sue Webb, of Wilsden, prefers going to Bingley rather than Bradford city centre.

"Bingley has everything you need," she said.

"Parking is easy and it is accessible on the bus. There is nice food and lovely pubs.

"It has got everything from the park to the independent shops."