Caroline's

By far the ugliest building in Saltaire, a mess of prefabricated panels, pebbledash, upvc and flat roofs - and yet, despite appearances, Caroline's Social Club is one of the beating hearts of the community. It started life as a Working Men's Club and has evolved into a pub and entertainment hub, hosting many events: bingo, Slimming World, salsa nights, private parties, regular comedy nights and live music sessions, including the well regarded 'The Live Room' series ('the best all round roots music club in Bradford').  It looks at its best at dusk, when the lighted rooms beckon a cosy invitation, or on a sunny day when the yard and beer garden at the back are packed with people having a good time. (It was busier than it looks when I took this photo.) 

It has won CAMRA awards, for Club of the Year and gets five star reviews: "friendly; helpful staff; good prices; great beer." And its website features one of my photos! (I can't honestly remember if that is with permission or not. I can't say I mind.)

It'd be lovely if a millionaire came along and offered to demolish the pre-fabs and build a replacement, with a similar purpose, that would fit in better with the village's general attractiveness but I don't suppose that's likely to happen.  As it is, I'm sure it's fortunate that they have managed to keep going through this pandemic, with all the challenges it has posed for hospitality venues. It probably all runs on a shoestring and they have to be continually innovative to survive. So - well done, I say.