Former abattoir to become 'vibrant' street food court with bar and 180 seats

A former abattoir is being converted into ‘independent food hall’ with seating for up to 180 people.

Luke and Elena O’Brien of O’Briens Bottle Shop and Beer Cafe in Holmfirth are overseeing a major redevelopment of the former Mettricks abattoir/pie factory behind their premises in Huddersfield Road. The building was formerly a tool hire centre.

Once finished, the new venture will be called Coopers Yard and will feature three ‘street food’ vendors, a cafe and a bar, along with seating, inside and in an outdoor yard, for around 180 people. The new venture is due to open in March. The aim is to create ‘Holmfirth’s most vibrant market’ with food, drink, arts and culture.

Elena said: “The space will be home to a range of independent food and drink vendors which will open Thursday to Sunday each week.

“It will be a space for the community and will host a range of community-led events from art classes, exhibitions, cinema nights, weddings and private events, exercise classes, a small play area for children and more.” Luke said: “We are really excited. We want it to be a focal point of Holmfirth and host local events.”

The Yorkshire-based independent vendors will be Binas (Karachi street food), Koben (American-style BBQ), Cucina Romana, and Step Out Coffee. Luke said there would also be some ‘affordable beer’ including lager, pale ales, Guinness, cider, wines and so on.

O’Briens, Holmfirth
(Image: O’Briens, Holmfirth)

The plans were granted permission by Kirklees Council in November, with work starting almost straight away. A ‘soft launch’ is due towards the end of February, with an official opening date of March 1. Access to Coopers Yard will be through O’Briens and from an entrance in Cooper Lane.

The plans were backed by a number of supportive comments submitted to the planning department. One person wrote: “O’Brien’s has been a real gem for Holmfirth, so it’s clear that their expansion could only make things better.

“I’m totally on board with this plan – it’s a fantastic example of turning unused industrial spots into something that benefits the community. A food court? That’d be an awesome addition, especially considering the increasing number of bars. Seeing local businesses like O’Briens aiming to grow and add value to Holmfirth’s vibrant culture is just brilliant.”

Another said the building had been a ‘blight’ on the centre of Holmfirth for years. One local said: “This can only bring more tourism and add to the vibrant nature of Holmfirth.”