Closed and derelict pubs
Across Sheffield there are dozens, probably hundreds, of locations which at one stage in their lives were pubs. Many of these relics play a part in the fabric of what has evolved from their change of use. However, there remain many examples of dead pubs which are closed: boarded-up or, possibly, derelict.
We asked in March BM for examples of such pubs – our list has grown. Thanks to all who supplied names, especially Pitsmoor Pete for his extensive listing.
Some have will have closed through lack of custom while others are mere pawns in the development of a property empire. Some are eye-sores: ideally they should be demolished and replaced by low-cost housing. However, many offer the possibility of regeneration.
For example, The Boardwalk, the venue where the Clash played their first gig, was in the press recently. An enterprising partnership wanted to take it on, but, we believe, were thawed by a combination of legalise and no sense of urgency from the owners. This is a perfect example of a pub that has fallen out of favour, but has a wealth of goodwill among Sheffield pub goers that could see it return to the thriving venue it once.
There are many similar examples: the Matilda has slowly decayed since closure over ten years ago: the building is in a regenerating area of Sheffield. Why is it not open and thriving? Outside the city centre, there are many examples: the Fairfield has slowly decayed since closure, the Plough at Sandygate is been allowed to slowly rot and the Durham Ox and Ye Olde Harrow by Park Hill are both in total disrepair, yet now within a growing area of student accommodation. As circumstances change, what was an unviable pub in an unpopular area, can become a much different business proposition than when it last traded.
Some derelict sites offer the potential to become ‘Phoenix pubs:’ pubs which like the Kelham Island Tavern and the Rutland have, under new management, revitalised themselves. We believe that sufficient energy exists in the ‘City of Makers’ to ensure that some derelict pubs can rise from the ashes. However, this requires a willingness on the part of their owners. Sadly, many pub companies seem more concerned with generating as much as possible from a change of use instead of allowing their pubs to evolve into the 21st. Century. It also seems reasonable to expect Sheffield City Council to offer some support to local businesses wishing to take on such ventures.
The pubs quoted above are but a small selection of the possibilities available. Hopefully, these, and other pubs, have not yet seen their last pint. The phrase “Use Them Or Lose Them” may seem a cliche but it really is true, and we’re sure that CAMRA members across the city would be only too ready to help any reopening pub by making regular visits.
The following Sheffield Pubs are currently closed, but offer the possibility of re-opening:
1. Arbourthorne Hotel, Arbourthorne
2. Ball Inn, Darnall
3. Ball, Myrtle Road
4. Barrow Boys, Shude Hill
5. The Boardwalk (Black Swan), Snig Hill
6. The Botanical, Ecclesall Road
7. Brtiannia, Worksop Road
8. Burgoyne Arms, Langsett Road
9. Cannon Hotel, 30 Castle Street
10. Carbrook Hall
11. Carlisle, Carlisle Street
12. Cherry Tree, Carterknowle Road
13. Closed Shop, Commonside
14. Cocked Hat, Worksop Road
15. Crown, Neepsend Lane
16. Cuthbert Bank, 164 Langsett Road
17. Dog and Partridge, Attercliffe Road
18. Durham Ox
19. Fairfield, Neepsend Lane
20. George and Dragon, Beighton
21. Hare and Hounds, Stannington
22. Hop, West One
23. Market Tavern, Exchange Street
24. Matilda, City Centre
25. Middlewood Tavern
26. New Inn, Duke Street
27. Olde Harrow, 80 Broad Street
28. Parson Cross Hotel
29. Pheasant, Barnsley Road
30. Plough, Crospool
31. Punchbowl, Crookes
32. Queens Hotel, Scotland Street
33. Red House, Solly Street
34. Red Lion, Holly Street
35. Rock House, Rock Street
36. Royal Oak, Chapeltown
37. Sportsman, Attercliffe Road
38. Star and Garter, Winter Street
39. Stockroom, Leadmill Road
40. Three Tuns, Silver Street Head
41. Turf Tavern, Handsworth Road
42. Under the Boardwalk, City Centre
Paul Crofts and Dave Pickersgill
Good to see the Punchbowl is re-opening to-day! http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-pub-to-reopen-today-after-sudden-closure-1-8512272
Anyone remember a pub from around 50 years ago which would have been on land at the St Mary’s Road – Queens Road. It looked to be a single story building.