Hebden Bridge has always buzzed with female energy, from the feisty women behind pub bars to the punk-haired cafe owner and the redoubtable librarian. Now, the West Yorkshire town's spirit is on display again in Sally Wainwright's new BBC One drama 'Riot Women', which follows a group of women in their late 50s forming a rock band. Wainwright, like many locals, remembers when the town was more known for its flat-capped eccentricity than its edgy coolness.
Today, Hebden Bridge is a different place. The Albert pub, once a haunt for locals in the 1970s and 80s, has been transformed into the Duke of Wellington for the series. Meanwhile, Leila's Kitchen, an Iranian-run cafe, serves Persian breakfasts and has become a local favourite. The town's constant evolution is part of its charm, with new venues like Mother, known for its freshly baked croissants, drawing queues down Valley Road.
Some things remain unchanged: the Town Hall with its big green doors, the fast-flowing river under the packhorse bridge, and the Picture House cinema, which hosted the premiere of 'Riot Women' as a thank you to locals who tolerated weeks of filming. Innovation, the gift shop-cum-cafe that relaunched the town in 1972, is still a beloved institution. The Trades Club, a socialist members cooperative, continues to be a vibrant live music and comedy venue.
Hebden Bridge's ability to reinvent itself while retaining its core character makes it a unique and enduring place. As a local writer reflects, the town's female energy and constant change are what make it special.
