We found another local! Owner David is born and bred Hebden, and he’s on a mission to save the town’s oldest and finest buildings, including this one.
Innovation, or Hebden Bridge Mill, is an institution in the best sense of the word: there’s been a café here since 1976 and a gift shop since 1969. As for the property itself, we’re talking 700 years old, so it really is part of our history. Don’t be fooled by its venerable looks though: this is one of the greenest and most up-to-date places in town thanks to the eco-friendly technology that heats and lights the premises. You can even watch the waterwheel and Archimedes screw doing the hard work, powered by the river next door.
Enough about that stuff; what about the gifts and the grub on sale here? Well, the cosy licensed café is full of character and sells everything from coffee and cake through to snacks and light meals, with freshly prepared dishes like frittata and chicken casserole on a menu that changes regularly. There’s outdoor seating in a pretty riverside garden too, and even a book-swap for customers to enjoy.
Meanwhile, the busy shop is a haven for card hunters, with hundreds on sale for every kind of occasion. You’ll find a gorgeous selection of gifts as well, from scarves to skin care products along with favourites likes jewellery, bags and candles. ‘Affordable style’ they call it here, and just like the café, it’s available 362 days of the year.
