The Hidden Secrets of Bradford's SunbridgeWells

[@danielgardecki1046]

0:15 Straight forward is where *Billy Liar* (Tom Courtenay) worked in *Billy Liar* (1963). 0:28 Owned by *Shirley Crabtree* aka the wrestler *Big Daddy.* 0:48 Directly behind the camera, in the gap leading to *City Park,* is where *Hannah* (Joanne Froggatt) was shot and killed in *Spooks: Code 9* (2008). 3:26 *Pauline Matthews* aka *Kiki Dee* lived in a house which contained a hairdressers on either *Thornton Lane* or *Broadway Avenue* both of which are in *Little Horton.* It's most likely the shop next door to the *Marshfield School - School House* on *Thornton Lane* according to most people as that was definitely a hairdressers. However I remember a hairdressers on the corner of *Broadway Avenue* and *Hastings Street,* which no-one other than me remembers, so I think she lived there. If it wasn't a hairdressers, they were definitely selling old school salon hairdryers with hoods on stands when I was a kid, as why else would they have had 3, 4 or 5 of them next to the window, in a room I remember being a hairdressers. *Victoria* (2016-2019) also apparently filmed series 3 in *Sunbridge Wells,* yet I've seen the show, yet I can't see *Sunbridge Wells* in the show at all. All I can see is *Bradford City Hall* doubling for the *House of Commons* as usual.

[@davegb99]

Are you sure that Billy Liar was by there? I thought that it was at similar steps that are behind the old Sunwin House. I will have to have another look when I watch it again.

[@Chris-qn6pr]

Amazing. I wish this had been developed when I was still living in Bradford. Like the Dark Arches in Leeds, Affleck’s Palace in Manchester or Camden Market - a lot more character than a brightly lit shopping centre.

[@josh_wave]

Best era of this place was 2018, a year after it opened. All the bars/pubs were open. Great night out. Covid pretty much decimiated it but I think it was in decline even in 2019. Hope it bounces back. It really is a cool spot for Bradford and something people will travel for.

[@BNCowell]

I would never, ever had known this place existed. Next time I'm in Bradford, I'll take a look! 💪🏻

[@jillrodgers9751]

Love looking around Bradford, not been in ages.

[@letsmooch4857]

Well come back and have a nosey!!

[@jillrodgers9751]

@@letsmooch4857 I will do when I can

[@ProTroll_UK]

Don’t bother, it’s gash!

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Amazing place and a very innovative piece of repurposing. I can see that it will be very popular for a night out at weekends, but I feel it possibly needs something extra to draw in a wider cross section of Bradford's population, especially during weekdays. Let's hope it succeeds in doing so. It deserves to.

[@gavlosmedia6323]

Unfortunately as you say, it’s way too different for Bradford. I don’t think there will be a resurgence. Such a changing demographic affecting Bradford. There simply isn’t enough footfall and never will be.

[@FeoragForsyth]

I remember a pretty decent pub where you stuck your head out onto Ivegate. I was a student in Bradford in the early 90s - happy days.

[@ChrisandHeathervanlife]

We went when it first opened, we don't get into Bradford often so sad to see so many empty shops. As for the car bodies, could it be a nod to Bradford car maker Jowett whose cars were built upside down?

[@Michellelovestrains]

Wow, fascinating Darren. Thank you for that excellent video.

[@christelbraune4530]

Mensch Darren Das ist ja großartig dieses Video. So schnell kann ich gar nicht alles behalten. Und das viele Bier 🍻🍺 wirklich aus aller Welt. Oh man, es gibt schon tolle Clubs. Freue mich, daß ich wieder mitkommen durfte 💓. Sag mal, wie fühlst du dich denn mit 41??????? Thank you Darren

[@AdventureMe]

I feel old Christel haha

[@christelbraune4530]

Was soll ich sagen....ich bin 71🤣🤣​@@AdventureMe

[@shirleysmith1713]

What a brilliant find Darren. So interesting finding all the bars & shops. Thanks for showing 👍🏻😀. Really enjoyed this video 👍🏻😀

[@micheller7954]

Going back to the subject of the railways, We used to live in Bradford until end of last year but we've moved to North Yorkshire, near Stockton on Tees where the 1st ever railway started. Would you consider coming further north and doing a video about it?

[@AdventureMe]

I sure will do one day

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

Love all these nooks and crannies, great find Darren, shame its completely empty.

[@pleasureattic9186]

Another great video of my home town. Cannot believe people from Bradford saying they never knew it existed!! Come on now! It is lovely inside, not been down for a couple of years but I need to go visit again. It’s a shame it’s quiet though. I’m was hoping the music venue that was due to open would bring in people from outside of Bradford but that doesn’t look like opening anytime soon. All I can say is if you liked the video and don’t live a million miles away from Bradford then go pay the place a visit.

[@JJ-of1ir]

I have just watched your video on Mark From the States channel and thought I would pop over here to say thank you for showing us Sunbridgewells. It's such an amazing place. Liked the history of it all too. It catches the imagination and I hope it does well.

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks. And thanks for stopping by. I love Marks videos.

[@shytot4x4]

The cars look like stripped down Austin J40 pedal cars. They were often used on fairground roundabout rides.

[@dliles773]

I agree

[@cedarcam]

I thought that at first too. Used to have one.

[@jamesbarker5535]

As I understand it, they are from Shipley Glen Fairground. The ledge - near where the cars are hanging - also had the little steam train from Shipley Glen which took kids on a ride. There is a photo of it hanging above the ledge and can be seen in the video. Not sure where the train has gone as it was there last time I visited - which was a while ago to be honest.

[@Stevenh641]

Darren with a old jail in this place there could have eerie atmosphere possible haunted and set in a quarry could be some fatalities you just don’t know

[@jetsons101]

Darren, that would be a perfect place of show off your great "Photo Fades" talent.

[@ProTroll_UK]

The only faded needed there are some ‘Turkish barbers’, init 💈

[@louisereuben5740]

The door to the old Bradford gaol is in Bolling Hall museum, there’s old cells beneath the old Flares at the top of ivegate

[@ledzep331]

I used to drink in the Empress in the 80s/90s, which was part of the wells back in the day. It was owned by a dubious biker gang (The Blue Angels) at one time, but had some great rock bands on.

[@Mistersafehouse]

Definitely having a wander there in 3 weeks when I'm in Bradford. It's a gem and maybe in a way we don't want it becoming too well known after all be terrible to think of Wetherspoons getting in there. Didn't notice any cafes but I see there is a Pizza place. Be great when the Tapas bar is open. Incidentally if anyone on here hasn't been to the gorgeous Lefteris cafe before in the city centre of Bradford on Tyrell St near City Square, it's just the best bread range, sandwiches and coffee in a vintage building. Second thoughts, maybe we should hope SunbridgeWells gets busy to help the businesses inside. More promotion from all of us then.

[@daveh1081]

I wish this project every success, I really do.......but as much as I'd love to see the place, that would mean coming back to Bradford. This son of Bradford watched its decline over many years but it really accelerated in the late eighties......and then the Bradford riots finished it completely. The police, the politicians and Bradford council all plunged the knives in by looking the other way while bad things happened. I try to remember the Bradford of the sixties, seventies and eighties......and then I remember why I got out. A once proud and affluent industrial powerhouse of a city destroyed by some very questionable decisions.........and some very questionable people in positions of influence. Good luck Bradford and thanks for the (mostly) good memories.

[@cedarcam]

I never knew of this place until recently. Fascinating. It needs publicising more, as comments suggest many from the area had no idea it was there till seeing this

[@ste.h9825]

Great video & what a unique place.Thanks.

[@danthevan1451]

I live in Huddersfield and never knew this place existed. Perhaps better promotion needed??? Hopefully when Bradford Live opens it will get busier.

[@dancoultas4848]

Or more like If 😩🫣

[@jamesbarker5535]

@@dancoultas4848 Oh, it will open. You don't spend the millions that has been spent on Bradford Live then leave it dormant. I understand NEC Group are renegotiating some terms of the original contract, but once finalised they will take operational control.

[@MC-nr4mn]

Exelent videos m8, very informative....particularly the Bradford and shipley glen ones. You've lured me in now, I'm going to plough through all your other vids 😊 Keep up the good work sir 🫡

[@AdventureMe]

Excellent. Plenty to see on here lol

[@SimonLee-y1j]

Bradford should share this gem. I've just seen this in London and I hope it doesn't close before I get a chance to visit.

[@nigelbarker4135]

Should have a plaque for “Adventure Me!”

[@gillianpaddock4217]

Fascinating place, I'd no idea it was there. I do hope it thrives, it certainly deserves to. Fantastic filmwork as always. Thanks Darren.

[@shirleylynch7529]

What a fabulous place. I do so hope more people will go to it. Be so sad if it closed. Well done Darren showing it to everyone.

[@martinnaylor]

Its probably 5 or 6 years ago we had a night out in Sunbridgewells for a works Christmas do with the lads and we had a fantastic time. I only live about 15 minutes from Bradford and to be fair we dont venture that way unless we really need to.

[@Mathewhickman]

I've had drinks in there it's an absolute amazing place Darren

[@nataliesmith303]

What a fab place for a drink 😊

[@jamesbarker5535]

Great video by the way and a fantastic way to promote the place. It really is a hidden gem. Since you visited a few of the bars and restaurants are now open so it's more vibrant now, but definitely needs the footfall to sustain it. Really hope Sunbridgewells gets well promoted as part of the City of Culture 2025 celebrations. That is a real opportunity for a spike in footfall, but the challenge will be to sustain it. Hopefully once Bradford Live is up and running people will come here for a drink and pre/post performance meal. Keep up the amazing work.

[@benbeck1]

Been in many times, just needs more custom through the week. Unique place, well placed to pull in more customers when Bradford Live opens. Lovely video.

[@ChrisWest-j2u]

What an amazing place. Great video darren👌🏻👌🏻

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for this day’s walking tour. A definitive walk into the past. See you on the next, Darren. 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@nowt2957]

I remember going here about 10 - or so years ago (I think it had just opened) with a friend who lived in Bradford and found it fascinating but, as you mention, maybe not busy enough all the time. Hopefully it will start getting more visitors when these new places open. Might have to pop over to Bradford in the next couple of days to take another look.

[@grantbassett2048]

Great video D,😊 you can see Bradford could be a lot more than it is! Ive never been in there, but we will next time wer in the centre. Didn't realise what was in there. Lot of cost and effort. Im sure your film will get people popping in👍

[@AdventureMe]

Definitely!!

[@SimonM-63]

What a lovely place. Nice one Darren 👍

[@bobrobinson1576]

70 years in Bradford and I never knew this existed!

[@gavlosmedia6323]

Darren I went in there when it was 1st being dug out. The spiral stairs were there and the shape of the units etc Was told about it being a cell by the guy who showed me round Must have been about 2015 If only I’d have had your vision and the kit to vlog it back then eh?

[@CarolineFord1]

I grw up in Bradford and I no idea there had been anything under Sunbridge Wells!

[@jamesbarker5535]

As I understand it, the cars are from Shipley Glen Fairground. The ledge - near where the cars are hanging - also had the little steam train from Shipley Glen which took kids on a ride. There is a photo of it hanging above the ledge and can be seen in the video. Not sure where the train has gone as it was there last time I visited - which was a while ago to be honest.

[@jeffdayman8183]

In the old days service in those cells must have been a bit slow, for those bony guys to get to that state! Great video Darren, I enjoyed seeing the Wells. Cheers!

[@danielgardecki1046]

Do you have any idea what year, or decade it closed? It was definitely open in the 60s, but did it close in the 60s? I'm sure I remember reading its closing date years ago, but I can't remember where. I also noticed recently some mentions of "1970s signs" in the building when it was renovated, so that suggests it was still open in the 70s. Plus I'm sure around 10 years ago, I read some comments from people who went there in the 80s.

[@benbeck1]

i read somewhere the original fat black Pussy cat club got closed by the police in the 60's.

[@danielgardecki1046]

@@benbeck1 As the sign at 0:28 says, the *Little Fat Black Pussy Cat Club* closed in 1965, however the *Little Fat Black Pussy Cat Club* is just one small area of *Sunbridge Wells,* and doesn't answer my question. As I said, I'm pretty sure I've read comments from people before saying that they used to go to *Sunbridge Wells* in the 80s, but are those comments true, or have their memories got a bit twisted? When exactly did *Sunbridge Wells* close?

[@kellettor]

Great video mate, keep up the good work 👏

[@breid3492]

Well that's a good bit of sponsorship! My beers and book are en route🍻 cheers, Darren.

[@AdventureMe]

Enjoy. They are pretty good.

[@ThemeParksAndAttractions]

Great presentation on this. I enjoyed it!

[@AdventureMe]

Thanks mate

[@dcallan812]

nice looking spot. 👍👍

[@hollimurray8856]

Brilliant video and free beer 😂

[@davidnm21]

Fascinating Darren reminds me of Mary Kings Close In Edinburgh.

[@MaureenRichardson-ct2ir]

Possibly old merry-go-round cars

[@aoilpe]

This looks like a great place to hang out with friends to me…

[@roberte5303]

I went to Bradford University, many years ago, and I never knew thisbplace existed or did it 25years ago

[@danielgardecki1046]

It didn't exist 25 years ago, or in the 90s, however I'm pretty certain I've seen stories from people who went there in the 80s. It closed sometime between 1965 and 1989, but when exactly I have no idea.

[@tjweston1]

Another fascinating video- also ordered me beers haha couldn’t resist 🎉

[@AdventureMe]

They're pretty good. I love the tube map too

[@xpyres2130]

Really fascinating to see this place 😊

[@stevemillward1665]

Great vid Darren 👍

[@gemlou763]

Reminds me of Marlins Wynd and The Caves in Edinburgh. They hire the caverns out for functions weddings, works partys etc. Maybe that's where the money is.

[@leecollett8522]

Sadly won’t be long before it’s shut Bradford council don’t care anymore, went yesterday the city centre is full of homeless and drunks they was fighting between them selfs no place for families any more which is really sad 😢

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Wow never knew about this, used to catch my bus home on Sundridge Road, 😂

[@JemTheWire]

It really looks a great hidden gem. But it looks like the Mary Celeste. They will sure need more patronage over the whole week if it is going to succeed, which I sincerely hope it does, not just on Friday and Saturday nights. Another great video Darren.

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Darren how are you and your family love your vidio its very interested best wishes take care stay safe ❤😅😅😊

[@monkimusic4813]

it's a unique and fantastic place, been done well which is credit to all those who had the vision and talent to do it...we went there a few years ago and nothing really inside apart from a few bars...years later its now virtually all bars... why??? to say Bradford is a collage/uni city it doesn't have the vibe that other cities have and that's why unfortunately this place will never make it. Bradford isn't the problem it's the decisions made by others that is....

[@ProTroll_UK]

This place needs a kebab shop, mobile phone shop and Turkish barbers. That’d bring a new type of customer in, init.

[@ProTroll_UK]

Sadly this place will fail. The turnover of businesses tells the true tale.

[@gavlosmedia6323]

100% It’s about 7 years since opening. Many have tried, many have failed

[@haveyoutakenyourmeds]

Sadly even on a weekend it's dead. We were out during the summer and Friday night everything was shut by 2300. Its such a shame.

[@christinehodge3608]

Good video enjoyed this

[@marshallluddite]

BEER ORDERED, LONDON BEER THO ! need a northern beer to celebrate this YT account !....Lloyds did think it was a SPAM and dogdy site, hope your not scamming us Darren

[@AdventureMe]

Not me selling it. Lol. Just a video sponsor

[@marshallluddite]

@@AdventureMe I can confirm the Beer just arrived safe and sound and is in the fridge chilling for the weekend. nice

[@havingalook2]

Do us a free cider - not beer please.

[@douglasthompson296]

Hi Darren, is that anywhere near the Sunbridge(?) House, the big ex Co-op store? Talking about pubs with shops in it in the 70's onwards there was a large pub at the junction of Barlow Moor Rd and Wilmslow Road in Didsbury, Mancs that had mock up Victorian shop fronts throughout it. A long time before theme pubs came into being. I'm showing my age 😄. Pound on Yorkshire man. Cheers DougT

[@AdventureMe]

Yeah just round the corner

[@douglasthompson296]

@@AdventureMe hi Darren, I thought so, that whole hill side seems to be built on tunnels and outcrops of stone. Stride and pound on Darren

[@peterrat100]

You were lucky to get in. I’ve tried twice and the whole place was locked up.

[@dizzydevil547]

Darren i took advantage of the code from your sponsor today 06.05.24 and it didnt come up with the one you showed all i got was This month: Single Hop Series. 8 beers, Ferment magazine and 2 snacks. and Not the london ones shown... Im not a beer drinker BUT have a friend who is so ordered it for him as a bit of present ect ... considering its only 9 days after you posted the vid its a bit of a con(sort of) on thier part if it was the monthly sub then it left 3 days to get the london stuff from the date you posted the vid! as they have OBV changed the offer that you were showing! (code still worked!) ..its NOT your fault mate lol ...I have still ordered it at that price but felt a bit mislead by them ( not you as they should of told you it would change in May) ...ON another note yet again a great vid on your part ! will have to visit sunbridgewells if i ever get up north ....as you say its hidden gem of bradford that most folks unless local wont know about!

[@AdventureMe]

Yes. I didn't know about that. Thanks for the info. I will let them know about the short time frame.

[@millennialchicken]

Sunbridge Wells may be the only real reason to go to Bradford

[@lynnballington8467]

Hello Darren have you never been to York magic they are mushamn there and the jovic vicking centre its very interested take care stay safe xx ❤😅😅

[@AdventureMe]

Yes I've done a video there

[@YUNGHENNEY]

The problem with that place is that greedy Bradford council (or whoever owns it) charge astronomical rent for them places, thats why its dead.

[@speedbird7471]

This place is like a Victorian liminal space lol.

[@markmemphis7313]

The Beatles never performed at The Little Fat Black Pussy Cat Club. They only ever appeared at the Gaumont in Bradford.

[@AdventureMe]

There's pictures of them in there performing on the wall. They apparently did a set after the gaumont

[@markmemphis7313]

I knew Graham Hall and he let me visit Sunbridge Wells when it was being prepared long before it opened. I asked him in 2015 about this dubious Beatles myth he was peddling, and he said the source of the story was from one of the contractors, who had been told by his dad The Beatles had popped in for a jam session. He mentioned this to Graham, and a myth was born. Given that The Beatles' car had huge obstructions getting out of the Gaumont passageway in Oct 1964 due to fans and a huge police presence and was seen tearing off up Thornton Road, are we really expected to believe they nipped over to Aldermanbury for a jam session? In Graham's own words spoken to me at the time: "True or not, it's great publicity for the place." Graham was also claiming Jimi Hendrix had appeared there! Where is the Beatles photo? I've never seen it. Similarly, the Kiki Dee connection is pure fabrication. She had been a recording artist for Fontana for a year before the club opened and she was starting to progress her career, so why on earth would she have been working the cloak room? She paid several visits to various local clubs and ballrooms after 1963 to see old friends, but never as an employee at any of them... unless she had been booked to sing.

[@benbeck1]

Lots of people think the Beatles played the Gaumont only when they were famous but their first visit was as one of the support bands. This is when they supposedly jammed in the fat black pussy cat club. Certainly on their first visit there would have been little to stop them paying a visit to the Cavern like FBPC club over the road..

[@markmemphis7313]

@@benbeck1 the only problem with that theory is The Beatles' first appearance at the Gaumont was in February 1963 and The Little Fat Black Pussy Cat Club didn't open it's doors until August 1964.

[@raccabird8889]

Sweet

[@ProTroll_UK]

Resurgence of Bradford? Right….. 😂

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Assuming a fair bit here, but from your appeals to the locals to "Use it or lose it" and occasional mentions of facts from the manager, I would take it that they knew that you were coming. I know that you're not in the business of doing those infomercials or advertorials but the mgmt of the place should have opened up the few bars and other attractions that you (and therefore we) had to make do with peering in through the greasy glass. Not on the ball, not playing their best game were they?Especially if they want to inject more life into this fascinating place. Good luck to them all the same.

[@AdventureMe]

To be fair. They did know I was coming, but I messaged them whilst I was already in Bradford. I just asked if I could roam and film.

[@anthony2806]

If that place in Manchester you wouldn't have any issues and make soon much money

[@nineteen8486]

20 years too late...............

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Oh the irony of a tie-in with a brewery and TfL! Oh the rub our noses in it mash up of yet another trying too hard to be funny tube map with beer based name changes! Oh the... actually the first time that I've seen the standard pocket sized TfL tube map produced and printed on a different shape, a square, a beer mat square no less. Now does this subscription mean that I can hop on a tube train with one of these little cans, maybe the MALTroplitan line from ALEdgate to WATERloo, HOPpily necking it, with BARLEY a thought for the chances of being nabbed by the fuzz for drinking on the tube? Told you about the funny funny name changes, didn't I? They're even worse than these.