The Albion Pub in Sheffield has entered a new era as local hospitality figures Joe Rugg and David Savereux officially take over the historic venue, bringing it back to independent ownership and community-focused hospitality.
Previously associated with Stancill Brewery, The Albion will now operate completely independently with a renewed focus on showcasing a broad range of beer, food and entertainment. The pair plan to offer 12 keg lines featuring four rotating independent breweries alongside three cask lines with one permanent beer and two rotating guests.
The drinks offering will extend far beyond beer. A curated wine list from Charles at Barks Wines will sit alongside a full cocktail and mocktail menu while plans are already underway to build a full kitchen serving high-quality pub food designed to perfectly accompany a pint.
David Savereux, Managing Director of Nivek Group that operates Sheffield institutions Corporation Nightclub and Trafalgar Wearhouse and Joe Rugg, founder of the popular social media platform Pints of Sheffield, believe the city’s pub culture deserves protecting and celebrating. Rugg is also the founder of the Abbeydale Road Beer Festival which has grown over the last five years into one of the city’s most popular independent beer events.
“We want this place to be a space for everyone,” said Joe Rugg. “A place to hang out all day, serving great food and drink while staying true to what a pub should be, somewhere for conversation with friends and family.”
Savereux added: “Pubs are part of Britain’s identity. Getting involved in a pub during this climate might seem risky but if we lose our pubs we lose something incredibly important about our communities.”
The pair say Sheffield’s independent spirit inspired the venture. Neither were born in the city but both now proudly call it home.
“Sheffield is already a national beer destination and we genuinely believe it can become a global one,” said Rugg.
Plans for The Albion include live music and DJs every weekend, a giant outdoor screen for the World Cup this summer and restoring the venue as a true seven-day community pub. Until its relaunch on 5 June 2026, The Albion will remain open Thursday to Sunday.
“We’d love people to come back and give The Albion a second chance.”
