A familiar building on King Cross Road in Halifax is set to reopen as a new neighbourhood restaurant, bringing a fresh culinary offer while retaining the site’s baking heritage. The premises that once housed P Wilkinson Ltd Bakers has been transformed into Roostic, a cosy venue that its owner says will serve “simple modern food with a traditional soul”.
Local ownership and a link to Halifax roots
Roostic is owned by Abdul Shahid, who was born and raised in Halifax. He told local reporters that cooking has been a constant part of his life and that the new venture combines family recipes with techniques he has learned during his career. The menu will include grilled chicken dishes and vegan options, reflecting a mix of familiar flavours and contemporary tastes.
“This building has been part of the community for a long time. It has a history of baking and feeding people, and that’s something we really wanted to respect,” Abdul said.
Abdul described Roostic as a place that aims to honour the building’s past: much of the original brickwork and character have been kept. He and a small team of family and friends worked evenings and weekends on the refurbishment, and he said there has been significant curiosity from passers-by keen to know what the site would become.
What residents can expect
While the exact opening day was not fixed publicly beyond the owner’s expectation of launching “early next week”, Roostic’s concept is clear: fresh, healthy dishes rooted in the flavours the proprietor grew up with, presented with contemporary cooking techniques. The venue will offer both meat and plant-based choices, signalling an inclusive approach to diner preferences.
- Local owner with Halifax roots: Abdul Shahid
- Location: former P Wilkinson Ltd Bakers, King Cross Road, Halifax
- Offer: grilled chicken dishes, vegan options, focus on flavour and heritage
- Ambience: refurbished, retains original brickwork and character
Preserving community history while creating a new chapter
The arrival of Roostic represents a pattern seen across towns where traditional family-run premises are adapted for new uses rather than being replaced entirely. The refurbishment honours the previous bakery’s presence while giving the building a renewed commercial life. That approach can help maintain the streetscape and a sense of continuity for long-standing residents who recall the site’s earlier role in the community.
Abdul emphasised that the new restaurant is not intended to erase the site’s past. “We’re not trying to wipe that history away and start again. We want to build on it,” he said, describing the project as an old place receiving a new chapter.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Premises | Former P Wilkinson Ltd Bakers, King Cross Road |
| Owner | Abdul Shahid (local to Halifax) |
| Offer | Grilled chicken dishes, vegan options; modern takes on traditional flavours |
| Opening | Expected: early next week |
Small independent hospitality projects such as this can be significant for local economies, creating jobs and encouraging footfall on town streets. While the owner has not detailed staffing numbers or broader employment plans, the reopening will be closely watched by neighbours and regulars who have seen the building evolve over the years.
For many residents, the transformation will be judged on how well it balances innovation with respect for local memory — keeping the character that people associate with the place while offering a viable new business. Roostic’s emphasis on family recipes and retained brickwork suggests that balance will be central to its identity when doors open.
Further information on opening times and the full menu is expected to be available once the restaurant begins trading.
