The Sparrow on Bradford's North Parade closes suddenly

The Sparrow became one of the first real ale destinations in the city when it opened over a decade ago.

It paved the way for successful independent bars, real ale and beer at the top of town. 

In 2018, Kirkstall Brewery announced it would take over the much loved matchday haunt.

The Sparrow, pictured (Image: Newsquest)

Bradford’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch has been pushing the brewery for answers.

“At the time of going to print, an announcement was due from Kirkstall regarding the future of the Sparrow,” said a snippet in CAMRA’s latest magazine. 

The Telegraph & Argus did not receive a response from the brewery despite promises of an upcoming announcement.

Peter Down, pubs officer for the Bradford branch of CAMRA, said: “It’s sad to see its shut down. We’re hoping it’s going to be a temporary issue and they’ll reopen soon. 

“It’s the pub that started off the North Parade independent bar scene so to close that would be quite a blow.

“It’s part of the history of North Parade.

“It’s the regeneration of the top of town. It sparked off the real ale beer scene up there. 

“It’s very popular when Bradford City play at home because it’s on the route.

“All we can do is make enquiries and find out what’s happening.”

The Sparrow, pictured (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

The Sparrow was opened by Marko Husak and Les Hall in 2011 - marking the street's resurgence as a 'go to' destination in the city.

In 2018, the duo said: "Seven years years ago we realised our dream to open a small beer focused venue in Bradford. We found an empty shop unit on North Parade and thought that it would be perfect for a European inspired bar, the kind you find in Belgium or Holland.

"A lot of people thought we were crazy and didn’t give us a chance but we proved them wrong. There are now nine bars on the street.

"We were the first and we feel that we have contributed greatly to Bradford’s night time economy."

Kirkstall Brewery, which took The Sparrow under its wing seven years later. 

At the time, John Kelly, from Kirkstall Brewery, said: "This is not just a random acquisition, The Sparrow has a very special place in our hearts. We’ve been working with Marko and Les since day one almost seven years ago and have joyfully seen Sparrow turn a previously beer-barren Bradford into a great beer destination.”