Bradford is by far NOT a tourist city. The economy is not fueled by people coming and purchasing foods, and goods, or viewing meaningful sights. I do think that people can stop in Bradford for a day or maybe a short weekend on the way to York, Liverpool, London, or Edinburgh. Or they sometimes come and view Bradford on a day trip from Leeds. But the majority of people I have run into are from the area, moved to the area or they come to university. So this post really isn't for the tourist or a weekend guide. This post is for people who are doing day trips or who are thinking about moving to the area.
I've been here for a month and I've been finding my place in this city. And I know that I will continue to update this post of information when I get the chance to or find worthy updates.
BARS/PUBS!
There are many places to drink in the city. Honestly, it's one of the cheapest places that I've ever seen, with a typical pint being about 2.40 pounds. So there are many places that you can go to grab a drink. But before we talk about some of my favorites, do you know the difference between a pub and a bar? A bar focuses mostly on alcohol and most of the time doesn't really serve food. If food is served in bars, it's mostly snacks and small apps. A pub serves food and a large variety of beer but doesn't offer cocktails.
Weatherspoon - This pub is BUSY! It's in the middle of the city center and it's huge. There are many different drink options at a fairly good price. There is so much seating available, inside or outside. I think it's attached to a hotel so you can even stay there if needed. There is no table service so you have to go up to the bar to order anything. And because it's in the middle of town, there are always people there. I know that they serve food but I've never actually had the food. I feel bad for ordering food when there is such a long line at the bar. But if it's a warm sunny day, it's a perfect spot to get some late lunch, and a beer and watch the townspeople play on the splash pad.
Lord Clyde - Lord Clyde is a regular bar. It's really close to the campuses and pretty close to the city center. I walked in once expecting to just relax and read. But, because it's a regular bar, I got pulled into conversation with some other regulars and the bartender. I ended up having a blast… along with a lot of beer. They updated their bar during quarantine so it's newly renovated and beautiful. Every time that I've been here since I've been remembered and invited to the conversation. This is a great bar with great people. But if you're hoping to just relax and not be talked to, then maybe this isn't the place for you.
Sunbridgewells - This is by far the coolest place I think. I will talk more about this place a little later in this post so keep your eyes peeled. But I will say this to keep your attention: Tunnel Bar. Did that do it? Did I capture your attention?
SWEETS/DESSERTS:
I’ll is honest, when I moved to England, I thought bread and bakeries would be all around me, basically on every corner. However, I severely misjudged. I figured it would be something like France or The Netherlands or Germany with sweets all around me. But it's been a little more difficult to find top-quality bread and sweets around where I am. But I still have a few great places to lead you to.
Starbake Patisseries - This place is absolutely adorable! The website doesn't do justice to this location. It's small but eloquently decorated. The online ordering suggested that everything was made by order and could be picked up the following day. So I was nervous to go inside, thinking that it was some sort of warehouse or something. But in fact, it was a little cafe. They had a display case where you can choose from the already-made treats. I got mine to go and practically ran back home to eat it. It was spectacular.
Sweetland - Sweetland is another bakery in the area near campus. It specializes in baklava and other Mediterranean desserts but it also had little cakes that you could purchase. There is also a huge display case to choose your treats. They offer little treat boxes to take away with you or gifts for others. The ambiance is wonderful as well and it's a perfect place to just sit, drink coffee and eat sweets on a rainy day.
CAFE:
I've been to so many cafes while here. And I love cafes and coffee. I love hopping around and drinking coffee. I feel like that's the best kind of day. Reading a book in a coffee shop while drinking a cappuccino. Luckily, Bradford has so many different options.
Shmorgasbord Coffee Bar - Bar is by far the best cup of coffee I have had so far. Their building was a little small but they had some outside seating that was absolutely perfect. It was next to one of the malls in town so it was the perfect place to sit and relax after a long day of shopping. The staff was very friendly and incredibly nice. It's not far from where I am but honestly, anytime I'm in that area, I have to stop by. I can't help it. The BEST CUP OF COFFEE!
Tiffin Coffee - This is one of the best places in Bradford to go to for afternoon tea. The interior is quaint with wood walls or wallpaper. It reminds me of houses you sometimes see in the 80s. But it was beautifully decorated. The ambiance smelt of business and professionalism so I felt a little out of place with my leggings and T-shirt. But the coffee was delicious. I honestly didn't feel as relaxed as in the other coffee shops I have been in but it was a good cup of coffee.
Lefteris Coffee and Tearoom - This is another really good place to go for afternoon tea. But I feel like it's a little love child of Tiffin Coffee and Costa Coffee. The environment was mature and kind, business casual but I felt like I could fit in with whatever I was wearing. The coffee was flexible in flavor and had many options. Plus they had a great selection of sweets and desserts.
ACTIVITIES:
There are plenty of things that one can do in Bradford. Mostly work and drinking, since it's not really a tourist town but there are some pretty awesome places to go to kill time in Bradford.
Sunbridge: Sunbridge is a historic tunnel that is now converted into a 3 story weekend activity. It is filled with coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You could easily kill an entire day in this place. They typically open at 11 o'clock 7 days a week. You can go in and get a cup of coffee and relax, stop in and get some pizza or some Mediterranean food, and drink at the pub before going upstairs to their nightclub. It's honestly an event for the masses. Plus it's a little bit of a museum where there is a tour guide most days who offer 5-10 minute tours about the significance of the tunnel and its history. Or you can self-guide yourself. It's truly a great place to be.
Lazer Zone: This is an arcadia that is near campus. The entrance looks like it's in the front, but really it's in the side. This offers many different activities, such as video games, laser tag, and a cafe. It's a great place to hang out with friends and do something a little different than your usual cafe and movie date. It looks a little rough on the outside but it's really cool on the inside.
There are also so many museums here. The city is known for being culturally diverse and being a leading city of media. They have a science and media museum, a historic theatre, and many art galleries. Additionally, the city is surrounded by wonderful other cities, such as Leeds, York, Cambridge, Oxford, and Manchester. There are many options for day trips around the area that are just a short train ride or bus ride away.
I have really been enjoying my time here in Bradford and I'm sure that will continue to discover more bits, pieces, and the history of this city.
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