THE Salt Cellar is as popular with regulars as it is with walkers and tourists from across the region.

The historic Saltaire pub, serving real ales, craft beers and specialist gins, has a friendly sense of community and when it re-opened on July 4 it was quite a moment for some customers. "They hadn't seen their friends for so long; some were nearly crying when they met up again," said manager Donna Hamilton. "We're all about the company. We've been very busy since re-opening - people are glad to be out again."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

One way system through the lounge to gin bar

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Manager Donna Hamilton says the pub is "about company"

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Stained glass partition is one of the original features

The pub, formerly the Victoria, dates back to 1875 and opened as the Salt Cellar in 2017, a freehouse owned by Gerry Graves. It blends original features with a new look. "We've re-decorated in lockdown, we've got new carpets and a dance floor," said Donna. "There's a sense of the past with our pictures of old Saltaire and stained glass partition."

Changes in line with Covid-19 regulations include a one-way system, through the lounge and into the gin parlour, and a two-metre social distance rule. "When people walk in they leave their name and address at the desk," said Donna. "We have hand sanitisers going out to the garden, and in again. Staff wear PPE and it's table service. That's going down really well - you ring the bar from your table outside and order drinks. People say it's like being on holiday in Spain!"

Adds Donna: "We have no more than 30 people in the bar and 18 in the gin room. We advise booking for more than four people. We had four tables of four teachers in for an end-of-term celebration. One thing we haven't introduced is a time limit - we have regulars who mean a lot to us and it's not fair to expect them to move."

The Salt Cellar is part of Saltaire's bar scene and popular with musicians. "Sadly, there's no live music right now but we're looking forward to having open mic and music nights again. We have musicians in their 40s, 50s and 60s who've played in bands. Our quiz is online on Thursdays," said Donna."We'll really miss Saltaire Festival and the dragon boat race this year, they bring in people from across the North. But we're delighted to be open again. We get walkers coming in, from canal walks, and people visiting Saltaire."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The Salt Cellar is a popular part of Saltaire's bar scene

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Award-winning pub is popular with regulars and walkers

Earlier this year the Salt Cellar was named CAMRA's Outer Bradford Pub of the Year. Peter Down, deputy chairman of Bradford CAMRA, said it won for "consistent good quality of real ales, friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.

"Unfortunately, it hasn't been possible to present the award due to lockdown. We're awaiting an appropriate time. In the meantime it's great to see it as the T&A's Pub of the Week."

* The Salt Cellar, Saltaire Road, Saltaire. Tel. (01274) 955051.

* Has your pub got what it takes to be our Pub of the Week? Each week, the Telegraph & Argus will feature a different pub from across the Bradford district; showcasing what’s great about our cherished locals.

We would love to hear from you about your favourite pubs. Maybe you’ve been a regular in the same local for years, or you’ve discovered one of the many new bars in the district. Or, if you’re a pub landlord or bar owner, tell us why your business should be featured on this page. Does your pub have any special features or a story behind it?

Have you made any changes, or have any planned? And why is it important to communities to get pubs open again?

* Click here to nominate your pub or email emma.clayton@nqyne.co.uk