Instagram: @akroydhouse @tipsyswv
Akroyd House Website: www.akroydhouse.com. Bookings are available through most major travel platforms, or guests can book directly.
Tipsy’s bar Opening Hours: Thursday – Sunday till late.
From IT to Airbnbs and cocktails: Inside Akroyd House and Tipsy’s Bar with Luke
Tucked away in the heart of Halifax, Akroyd House isn’t just another place to stay, it’s a story of passion, heritage, and a desire to offer something truly different. Luke of Akroyd House and Tipsy’s Bar, didn’t set out to join the hospitality world. But driven by a love for property, a knack for spotting potential, and a refusal to settle for the ordinary, he along with co founder and project manager Elliot Richards created a standout local gem with Akroyd House. Whether you’re in town for a Piece Hall concert or just need a countryside escape, Akroyd House delivers boutique luxury without the boutique price tag. And when the evening calls for a laid-back drink and good conversation, Tipsy’s is just the spot. I sat down with Luke to talk about what inspired it all and where it’s headed next.
What can guests expect from a stay at Akroyd House, and what sets it apart?
Akroyd House offers luxury accommodation right in the heart of town, just five minutes from everything. The building already had charm and character, classic Yorkshire stone and stunning ceiling heights so we simply enhanced what was already there. Elliot Richards, co founder and the project manager, was instrumental in overseeing the renovation, making sure every detail was done to a high standard. We’ve finished it to a high standard, yet kept pricing affordable at £99 a night, compared to £171 for basic local options. There’s really nothing else like it in the area.
With The Piece Hall’s concert season approaching, are you excited about the timing of Akroyd House opening?
Absolutely. The Piece Hall was a big influence behind the project. But we also host professionals, NHS staff, people working for Lloyds Bank, etc. during the week. The concerts add buzz and draw in weekend guests. Personally, seeing Limp Bizkit there was one of the best gigs of my life. It’s an incredible venue, and Halifax is lucky to have it.
What inspired you to take on this project?
I get bored easily, and although I hadn’t planned to go into hospitality, property has always appealed to me as a way to build for the future. Halifax is unique and steeped in history, well-connected, and full of potential. I live close to the motorway and can be in Manchester in 40 minutes. Taking on Akroyd House wasn’t on the cards originally, but I’m so glad we did it. Elliot and I both saw something special in the building. Hopefully, it’s just the first of many.
With the Airbnb market getting crowded, do you see this becoming a bigger venture?
Definitely. Since Covid, more people are staying local rather than heading abroad. There’s so much nearby like The Piece Hall, Wainhouse Tower, the Brontë Museum. We’re in a great location for a countryside break. I’d love to expand on what we’ve started.
What’s the setup like inside Akroyd House?
We have four rooms, each with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms featuring large, reinforced showers. All beds are king-sized and extremely comfortable. There’s a shared kitchen and snug area with a dining table for self-catering, plus on-site parking. Each room is named after a local landmark like the Piece Hall Room bringing a touch of Halifax heritage into the decor. It’s luxury at a great price, unmatched locally.
Are there any personal touches you’re especially proud of?
Yes, especially the Wainhouse Tower Room. We uncovered beautiful original wooden beams hidden behind a suspended ceiling and fully restored them. At night, soft spotlights highlight the beams it’s stunning when you’re lying in bed. Definitely one of my favourites.
Tell us about Tipsy’s Bar—how did that come about, and what’s the concept?
I wanted a place where people could enjoy a good pint and a proper chat without blaring music. That’s how Tipsy’s was born. Would I do it again? Yes, but I’d do things differently next time. It’s a very different world from IT, but always fun and full of energy. I’ve made sure everything in the bar is high-quality. It’s about creating a space where people can enjoy themselves and connect.
What’s the vibe like at Tipsy’s?
It’s a social bar, laid back, with lots of laughs. We serve unique cocktails and will soon offer alcoholic slushies for summer. It’s a small space, but we stock interesting imported beers currently including a Mexican one and Peroni on draught.
How do you manage both businesses, and what keeps you motivated?
I’ve built an automated booking system for Akroyd House, so everything from reservation to check-in is seamless. Guests receive a keycode and can arrive without fuss. I only need to check in on things occasionally. Tipsy’s is run by a great team, and I just keep things ticking over. As we grow, we can easily add new properties to the system. Everything’s designed to run efficiently.
Any standout memories from Tipsy’s so far?
The launch party was huge, it marked the end of nearly three years of effort, thanks to Covid delays. Compared to Akroyd House, which took just seven months, the bar was a marathon. The industry is still struggling with rising costs, taxes and wages so staying competitive is tough. We’re one of the cheapest in the area only because our overheads are low. I really feel for the bigger venues out there.
Finally, what makes you proud to be from Yorkshire?
The countryside. I’m five minutes from peaceful fields where I can walk my dog and just switch off. I feel lucky to live somewhere so scenic and tranquil. Yorkshire’s got its own charm especially in summer and I’d never trade it for city life.
