WHEN musician Andy Parkinson decided to open a bar, he wanted a name to reflect his passion for records and gigs.

"Groove Pad stems from the grooves in a vinyl record and a pad as a place to chill out in," says Andy. "Being a musician, I have a passion for music and want to help people experience it in every format."

His bar, Groove Pad, in Shipley - Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - has three rehearsal rooms, and offers drum, guitar and vocal coaching at all levels. There is regular live music in the main bar.

"There's the option of picking your own songs. We have a vast array of songs to choose from," says Andy, a music teacher and member of folk-rock band Summercross. "In addition, people can bring their own vinyl records and we'll play them on our in-house music system both in the bar and coffee shop, when there isn't any live music on."

Groove Pad, comprising a bar and coffee shop over two floors, opened in Shipley in August. It's the second of Andy's Groove Pads, the first opening in Otley three years ago - named by CAMRA as one of the UK's top 20 new bars.

The Shipley bar has a 150-person capacity, disabled access and serves real ale, craft beers, including its own branded drinks such as Groovy Blonde, and premium drinks, as well as coffee and cakes.

Groove Pad is more than just a bar, says Andy: "We've already gained fantastic regular customers and have had some awesome live gigs. We feel this is a great meeting place for people to meet new friends and come together to enjoy music of all genres. We have a Facebook page showing upcoming events, and we hold a quiz night on Thursdays in the main bar upstairs.

"The interior has a retro trendy vibe with tables made from scaffolding boards and fixtures. Upstairs we have an outdoor non-smoking balcony overlooking beautiful views of Shipley and Baildon. In our coffee shop we serve cakes, muffins, flapjacks, along with freshly made milkshakes. We have a craft beer fridge. Alcohol can be served downstairs in the coffee shop during licensing hours.

"We like to support small businesses and try to buy stock from local breweries and suppliers. We have a fantastic team of staff who ensure that you always have a great experience here."

The bar is now home to Bradford's Topic Folk Club - the world's longest running surviving folk club - which meets in the

downstairs coffee bar on Thursday nights. "The Topic is going through the process of re-booking acts that had to be cancelled in the pandemic, and new ones," says club spokesman Tony Charnock. "Club nights will start at 7.30pm. It will be a pleasure to be back hosting live events." Adds Andy: "We're very pleased to be associated with Topic Folk Club."

* Groove Pad, Saltaire Road, Shipley. Tel. 07824 558229. Facebook: @groovepadshipley

Visit topic-folk-club.org.uk