Huddersfield’s Billiards Past: The Adega Billiard Hall
While the grand stages of London often captured the headlines in the world of professional billiards, smaller, local halls played a crucial role in nurturing talent and providing the setting for early career triumphs. One such venue, mentioned in the anecdotes of legendary player Charles Dawson, was the Adega Billiard Hall in Westgate, Huddersfield.
the re-opening of the Adega was announced in The Huddersfield Chronicle with the purchase of three new Orme & Sons billiard tables.
Charles Dawson At The Adega
The Adega Billiard Hall holds a special place in billiard history, primarily as the site of Charles Dawson’s first recorded success. Dawson, who would later become a renowned champion, achieved his initial breakthrough in a billiards handicap organized for the Adega’s opening. The final of this significant competition took place on 13th January 1886. Despite being handicapped to owe 60 points in games of 200 up, a clear indication that he was already recognized as a skilled player, Dawson impressively won the first prize. This early victory foreshadowed his future successes in the sport.
The connection between Charles Dawson and the Adega Billiard Hall continued beyond this initial triumph. After a period managing the billiard room at the George and Dragon Hotel, Dawson was employed at the Adega Billiard Hall during 1888.
Dawson returned to the Adega a number of times to play exhibition matches, for example in July 1893 for a week, Charles Dawson played John Bedford, Chief Marker at the Adega in a series of games of 700 up, spot barred, conceding 250 points.
Eugene Carter At The Adega
Eugene Carter, who claims to be champion fancy stroke player of the world, in addition to being cushion cannon champion of America, gave his performance at the Adega Billiard Hall, Huddersfield in February 1896.
His first opponent was Tom Stancliffe, a local amateur. As usual, Carter gave his opponent 700 start in 1,000, and ultimately beat him by 1,000 points to 862. Carter then played Harold Crosland, a start of 700 in 1,000, but was defeated by 1,000 to 887. Eugene Carters visit came to a close when his last opponent J D Lane, of Dewsbury was ultimately beaten by 1,000 to 809, of which total 700 were conceded by Carter.
The games throughout were marked by Joe Barrow, head marker at the Adega. Eugene Carter concluded his performances with a variety of remarkably clever exhibition shots.
Walter Lovejoy At The Adega
March 1907 saw Charles Dawson return to the Adega for a match with Walter Lovejoy, one of three, the others to take place in Southport and Liverpool.
Walter Lovejoy was English Amateur Billiards champion in 1904 and turned professional shortly after. At that time few professionals successfully progressed in this way.
Lovejoy was associated with billiard table manufacturers Cox and Yeman as a tutor at their premises. It was reportedly here that he developed the “cradle cannon” which he introduced to the public in January 1907 in a match against Cecil Harverson, making a break of 607. This sparked a season of big breaks by various professionals, culminating with Tom Reece’s famous 499,135 break in July.
The Adega In The Twentieth Century
Extensive details about the Adega Billiard Hall itself during the twentieth century are unclear, however its connection to Charles Dawson’s formative years and his later employment there and its exhibition and match guests highlights its importance as a local hub for billiards in Huddersfield during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It served as a proving ground for future champions and a place where billiards enthusiasts gathered to witness or participate in the game.
In the 1930s Frank Blake was Manager of The Adega Billiard Hall which is listed in Borough Directories between 1937 and 1956 as a Limited Company, Adega Limited.
The Adega Nightclub
In the 1890s Mr C H Bradley was the proprietor and Charles A Bradley, Champion Amateur Sprinter was Manager. They applied for a billiard licence renewal in August 1891 as a cellar had been acquired from which to sell billiards requisites, it is believed that this would become the premises of The Adega Nightclub almost a century later.
By the 1980s, the business had transformed into a nightclub, The Adega Nightclub which hosted events like the Huddersfield Examiner’s “Search for a Star” talent contest in 1986 and a unique educational disco in 1988 organized by Rawthorpe High School and Huddersfield police to address social issues like alcohol abuse.
The nightclub, located on Byram Court, under Byram Arcade, was known for its wine bar and bistro, reflecting a trend of combining dining and dancing. It also hosted alternative rock, indie, and occasional house music nights.
The Adega had a second life moving from its earlier billiards focused identity to a modern entertainment venue.
John A Smith
Cues n Views
Westgate and Byram Court today
