by Rebecca Ramshaw
Whether you’re popping in for brunch and coffee or visiting one of the eclectic craft fairs, Byram Arcade truly is one of Huddersfield’s hidden gems. We’ve been digging into the history of this unique shopping centre, and discovering a little more about some of the talented independent makers who have set up shop there.
Huddersfield’s oldest shopping arcade
It’s hard not to be wowed when you visit Byram Arcade. Stepping off the hustle and bustle of Westgate in the heart of Huddersfield town centre, you’re suddenly transported into a laid-back hub of Victorian history, architecture and craft.
Completed in 1881, the arcade is Huddersfield’s oldest shopping centre. It’s spread over three impressive floors and still has plenty of original design features, like the beautiful ironwork that adorns the staircases and balconies, and the colourful period tiles on the ground floor. And with a breath-taking glass roof sheltering the arcade from the glorious West Yorkshire weather, it’s well worth taking a moment to look up when you visit.
Meet the makers
There’s a reason that Byram Arcade is also known as the Makers’ Arcade. With three floors packed with crafters and makers, it’s the place to be if you’re shopping for artisan food, drink, arts and crafts, and even bespoke jewellery and fashion. We’ve picked out a few of our favourite makers.
Byram Art and Design Studio
Set up in 2019, Nicola and Helen set up the Byram Art and Design Studio, a unique gift shop stocking a hand-picked selection of art and crafts by UK-based artists, designers and makers. From prints and cards to craft kits, textiles and porcelains, this colourful shop will have you browsing all afternoon.
Crafty Praxis
This unique gift shop stocks a hand-picked selection of art and crafts by UK-based artists, designers and makers. From prints and cards to craft kits, textiles and porcelains, this colourful shop will have you browsing all afternoon.
Arcade Coffee and Food
As well as brunches piled high with local ingredients, Arcade offer up some seriously good coffee, homemade cake and even the odd evening of live music. Once you’re done brunching, we recommend popping into their sister shop, Arcade Beers, where you can grab a tipple or two to take home.
The Guild Jewellers
Talented artisan jewellers Jacqueline and Benjamin specialise in handcrafting totally unique pieces of jewellery. Perfect if you’ve got a special gift in mind, they’ll work with you to create your dream design using traditional techniques like hand-piercing, forging, and filing.
Med-One
If all that shopping leaves your tummy rumbling, we recommend heading to Med-One, where Chef Kali prides himself on rustling up the freshest Lebanese and Mediterranean food around. Serving everything from pizza to traditional shawarma and moussaka, there’s something for the whole family to tuck in to.
What’s on at Byram Arcade?
Byram Arcade also plays host to a monthly craft fair, where you’ll find some of Huddersfield’s most talented artisans peddling their wares. If you’re looking for a unique gift or just treating yourself, it’s so easy to lose an hour or two browsing everything from food, drink, and fresh flowers to handcrafted jewellery and unique upcycled pieces.
And if you fancy trying your hand at creating something yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in some arts and crafts workshops at Byram Arcade. Whether you’ve always wanted to know how to lino print or fancy yourself as a bit of a watercolourist, you can keep up to date with all the workshops and events on the arcade’s Facebook page here.
