Popular pub gets revamp -- Jan. 08
A POPULAR Brighouse pub has changed hands – but bosses insist it’s business as usual. The Barge, at Mill Lane, has been bought by the trendy Suburban Style Bar Company chain. The company is planning to give the pub a £20,000 revamp and put up a smoking shelter. Julian and Michelle Hadala, who have managed the pub for six years, will continue to run it.
Mrs Hadala said: “When a pub changes hands it can be a worrying time for the managers, but it’s business as usual at The Barge. The only real difference that people will see is that over the next few weeks the pub will be decorated and a smoking shelter will be built.”
The pub has been a popular spot for live music and real ale.
Suburban Style Bar owner Andy Longman said: “Securing the lease on The Barge has allowed us to expand the company and take it in a slightly different direction, although our current bars do stock real ales and put on live music from time to time. It’s an exciting time for both us and The Barge.”
Suits you Sirs! --- Nov.07
THEY don't scrub up too badly the regulars at The Barge in Brighouse (above), who went on a pub trip to see former champion boxer, now TV pundit, Daily Mirror columnist and after dinner speaker Barry McGuigan at the Hilton in Bradford.
Pub scoops award for customer care -- Nov.07
The couple, who have run The Barge in Mill Lane for five-and-a-half years, were delighted to receive the accreditation at the Best Bar None awards ceremony held at the Liquid nightclub in Halifax.
The pub was among eight pubs and clubs throughout Calderdale to receive recognition.
“It was the first time we have entered,” said Michelle, “We were really pleased to come away with the award.”
The awards were launched by West Yorkshire Police last year in partnership with the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Yorkshire Trading Standards and the British Pub Association.
The aim is to promote responsible licensed trade management, socially responsible drinking, commitment to caring for and protecting customers and commitment to reducing disorder in town centres and public places.
Assessment involves various issues including door and security policies, first aid, health and safety provision, and how places deal with customers and handle incidents of alcohol abuse and drugs- related incidents.
“We were really pleased that the work we are doing at The Barge has been recognised,” said Michelle.
A plaque was presented to them which will be placed within the pub.
Tributes to leading musician Steve May -- Sept. 07
Brighouse guitar legend Steve May
TRIBUTES have been paid to talented musician and teacher Steven Mason who died on Monday, aged 53.
Guitarist Mr Mason, who was well known in pubs and clubs in the Brighouse area as Steve May, also taught hundreds of music students.
A keen musician since his childhood, Mr Mason won talent competitions when he was a nine-year-old pupil at St Andrew's Junior School, Brighouse. His interest in music continued throughout his life and during his career he has taught many students who have gone on to set up their own groups.
Landlord at the Barge in Mill Lane, Brighouse, Mr Julian Hadala, said Mr Mason was a regular at the pub at the Thursday night jam sessions.
"He was a top musician and a really nice person," said Mr Hadala.
He said he played a full range of music, more recently he played solo and had previously played with his group 'All Fired Up'.
Mrs Michelle Hadala said both Mr Mason and his wife Julie were well known to everyone at the Barge.
"We knew them both as good friends and everyone will miss Steve," she said. "We will organise a tribute jam night to him in the future."
A few years ago Mr Mason gave guitar lessons to Julian and Michelle's daughter Zoe.
"She has happy memories of going there," said Mr Hadala.
Meet our youngest 'licensee' -- Feb. 07
Pulling pints: 14-year-old Zoe is training to be a licensee at her parents’ pub, The Barge, Brighouse
ZOE Hadala is too young to drink but at 14 she is already pulling pints in The Barge at Brighouse.
And she has the blessing of Calderdale Licensing Committee and her parents.
Zoe recently attended a one-day course in licensee law at the Allan Fold, Warley Road, where landlady Jane Griffiths has started training up pub managers.
She was determined to get on the course and pass the exams after hearing a 12-year-old boy had done a similar course and been successful.
"I was determined not to get left behind," she said.
"I have been brought up in pubs and from being young I wanted to learn more about the trade," said Zoe.
"The course focuses on the legal aspects of the licensing trade and although they can change, it gives you the comprehensive start you need," she said.
After a day's study, Zoe, and her fellow students sat two exams.
"I know I have passed one and we are still waiting for the results of the second," she said.
And fellow students, most of them much older than the Brighouse High School pupil, were thrilled with their younger colleague. "They were very encouraging and helpful," she said.
Mum Michelle said: "Zoe has always helped out collecting glasses and has been enthusiastic about becoming a licensee.
"The regulars love her being about the place.
"After she had been on the course, I checked with Calderdale licensing who said she could work in the pub as long as she was chaperoned.
"It's too early to tell if she will make a career out of it but she is showing an interest in the industry."
But Zoe is reserving judgment as to whether she will make it her career.
"I want to go to college and get more qualifications and make a decision," she said.
Fillies in fine form for ladies' day -- June 05
DRESSED in their finery staff and friends from The Barge pub in Brighouse were under orders for ladies' day at York's Royal Ascot meeting.
Licensee Michelle Hadala, three members of staff and four friends, enjoyed a Bucks Fiz breakfast at the pub before setting off for York in a stretch limousine.
Michelle said as they set off in style: "We are a little bit worried about the weather and realise umbrellas and wellington boots might be more appropriate than fancy hats," said Michelle. "But we are all looking forward to the day and hope to come back with a few more pounds than we set off with."
The group were having a meal out in the evening before returning to Brighouse in the limo.
Studying form are, from left, Lynn Thornton, Ceri Bakes, Lorraine Walker, Michelle Hadala and Laura Hamilton.
