Andy has been actively involved in CAMRA since the early 2000s after being recruited to sit on a National Younger Members Task Group.
Since then he has held roles on the branch committee including Secretary, Membership Secretary, Magazine Editor, Chair and now Social Secretary.
Andy has also been involved with the Steel City Beer & Cider Festival almost every year since becoming active in the branch.
1 September sees changes to some Sheffield bus routes following the public consultation last month previously featured in this column. There have been some tweaks following the consultation such as the 6 continuing to serve Greystones and the Walkley buses retaining the traditional 95 number. Some further changes are coming up in October which will be the Chesterfield based buses and at the time of writing this was still at consultation, the only proposals affecting Sheffield is a change to the X17 route near Meadowhall and a renumbering of the 43a to 42.
The biggest changes are in North and East Sheffield, all the details can be found at travelsouthyorkshire.com.
The summer rail replacement works on Supertram conclude on 1 September, however there will be some weekend engineering works in September and October, check their website for details.
So, what are the headlines in terms of going to the pub? Well, the Greystones pub becomes easier to get to with bus 82 (Stannington to Millhouses) changing its route to run via Greystones and this bus has an evening service! The buses serving the Harlequin near Kelham Island are changing, with the 95/95a replaced by the 75/75a (Jordanthorpe to Chapeltown/Fox Hill) – the 7/8 and 83 continue to serve the area with a revised timetable. Those travelling in an evening wanting to get to/from Worrall, Oughtibridge, Deepcar and Stocksbridge will be pleased to see an evening service introduced to route 57a. Travel to the Wisewood Inn on a Sunday becomes possible on the new timetables too with the 52a extended up beyond Hillsborough to Loxley 7 days a week although evening service remains limited to the rural bus 61/62.
There are still frustrations with the bus network and the mayor’s priorities with a lack of funding available for evening and Sunday tendered services, for example Bradway doesn’t have any buses in an evening whilst Nether Edge gets a bus once every 2 hours!
Following its residency for the last few years at Burton on Trent, 2025 sees the winter edition of CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) move to its new home for the next four years – Yorkshire – with the venue being the Magna Centre on the edge of Rotherham.
The festival takes place from 12 to 15 February 2025.
Magna is a former steel works that has been converted into a science museum and events space and is big enough for the festival to grow and have a number of features added to it that visitors to the summer GBBF are used to such as the Learn & Discover bar, Bieres Sans Frontier bar and a dedicated Champion Winter beer of Britain bar – as well as a number of cask ale bars, real cider & perry and live music. The bars will be spread across a main hall hosting the music stage and a number of smaller rooms which you can explore, the venue’s cafes will also be open serving hot food.
The bigger capacity also means there should be no problems turning up and paying on the door if you make a last minute decision to go, however advance tickets will still be sold online with a separate admissions desk offering advance ticket holders quicker entry.
Magna is no stranger to hosting beer festivals, 2024 was the final year of the long established Rotherham Real Ale & Music Festival which was a charity fundraiser assisted by the Rotherham CAMRA branch and GBBF Winter will be picking up where they left off.
Magna is on bus route X3, operated by First bus, which runs between Sheffield, Meadowhall, Rotherham and Doncaster. Buses connect with trains and trams at Meadowhall Interchange or you may wish to combine your trip to the festival with pubs in Rotherham or Sheffield.
As with all CAMRA festivals, this is organised and staffed by volunteers and the staffing form will be launched for CAMRA members to sign up to volunteer soon.
Kelham Island Brewery (who currently brew at Thornbridge) are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Pale Rider winning CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain competition with a special double dry hopped edition of the beer. This was launched at the Sheffield Tap on 14 August. On their social media they have been sharing thoughts and memories of the occasion from a few high profile folk including Garrett Oliver, the brewmaster at Brooklyn, who was on the judging panel at the Great British Beer Festival that year!
Eyam Brewery are hosting the third and final of their open days of this year on Saturday 14 September. The brewery is in Great Hucklow, bus 65 (Sheffield-Buxton) will get you there.
Neepsend Brewery recently celebrated their 1,000th brew with a 10% imperial stout called Titan.
A new beer from Bradfield Brewery for August/September is Farmers Harvest Gold, a 4.2% golden ale brewed with Nelson Sauvin and Archer hops, giving a note of stone fruit in the flavour and a sharp but juicy finish. Coming up in October are two regular seasonal ales, Farmers Jack O’ Lantern (for Halloween) and Farmers Poppy Ale (for Remembrance Sunday with a donation from sales of 10p per pint going to the Royal British Legion).
Fuggle Bunny Brew House continue to host food traders at their Friday Fuggle tap sessions into September. 6 Sep its the Tacho Trailer, 13 Sep Lush ‘n Loaded and 20 Sep Poblano Mexican. Food is available 4-8pm. The brewery is just off the Halfway-Killamarsh road and walkable from Halfway tram and bus terminus.
Triple Point Brewery have released iteration number 11 of their DYAD series. The hop pairing this time is Cryo Pop and Centennial and is sweet, fruity and hazy. Its also gluten free and suitable for vegans. In other news, the tap room will again this year be hosting an Oktoberfest event, on 27 and 28 September.
One of the more recent additions to the range from Tapped Brew Co, which was launched in time for Tramlines festival, was Station Yard, a 4.2% ABV golden ale.
The Red Deer reopened under new management following a refurbishment on 25 July.
The Black Bull in Ecclesfield reopened following a refurbishment.
The Fat Cat is now serving food again with the new menu launching 13 August, just ahead of the pub’s birthday celebration on 17 August which featured live music and DJ sets in the beer garden.
The remaining programme of summer gigs in the garden at the Banner Cross have been cancelled following complaints from neighbours.
Shakespeares Ale & Cider House have been keeping a status board updated counting how many cask ales they’ve served since becoming a free house 13 years ago in 2011. Through most of this time one of the regular house beers has been Abbeydale Deception and to celebrate hitting the landmark of 10,000 different cask ales served a special dry hopped edition of Deception is being brewed for the pub!
There has been a change of management at the Walkley Cottage Inn with the last day of the established people being 17 August.
The Nottingham House in Broomhill has been closed for refurbishment.
The Miners Arms in Eyam is hosting a beer festival and hog roast on Sunday 25 August.
The Gardeners Rest at Neepsend is holding a Facer’s Flintshire tap takeover on the weekend of 30-31 August then a charity music marathon on Wednesday 18 September, with a continuous musical session running from Noon to Midnight.
The evening of Saturday 3 August saw CAMRA members visit a very busy New Barrack Tavern which as well as their regulars drinking there was hosting a birthday celebration. We were there to present our Cider Pub of the Year award which is voted for by members and was handed over by our social secretary & press officer Kevin Thompson. As our winner it went forward to be judged in the Yorkshire competition where it came second place in the region, Christine presented the runners up certificate and gave a short speech!
Friday 2 August saw the reopening of the Harlequin on Nursery Street, which is close to Kelham Island, the City Centre and Victoria Quays.
The pub has had a refurbishment that has seen the pub refreshed and repaired inside and out.
Harlequin lounge area, photo by Dave Pickersgill
The new management is Chris Bamford and Kate Major, who already operate the Rutland Arms and Crow Inn. The decor is similar to the Crow and the drinks range reflects the same ethos as both the other two pubs with only independent producers stocked wherever possible.
There has also been a liberal sprinkling of various designs of pride flags around the bar to make the point that they wish to provide a warm, welcoming and safe atmosphere for everyone, like any good pub does.
The bar boasts ten handpumps, of which seven are used to serve a wide range of cask ales ranging from session strength pale ales up to strong chocolate stouts! The remaining three handpumps are used for cider.
The three banks of keg taps feature a couple of lagers and a range of interesting craft beers of varying strength and styles. Check out the blackboard as you walk in for a list of beers and prices.
The lower part of the pub at the back has a brand new dartboard and the outdoor drinking area at the back has been tidied up and is in use. There are plans to give this some further attention in the near future to give it more of a garden feel.
Initially the pub is just serving drinks but a food service is planned, this is likely to launch in September offering a simple pub food menu using good, fresh ingredients. There is also talk of introducing live music at weekends.
The Harlequin opens at midday every day and stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, 11pm on other days.
108 Nursery Street, Sheffield S3 8GG. Buses 7,8,95,95a stop outside or use the pedestrian bridge across the river for free City Centre bus SC2 at Vulcan Square. For updates check their Facebook page.
Note bus services in the area change from 1 September – the 95/95a will be replaced by the 76/76a/76e.
Whilst the main ticketed event takes place in Hillsborough Park over the weekend of 26-28 July, a whole bunch of pubs, bars and clubs across the City Centre, Kelham Island and beyond take part in the fringe festival, which also includes an outdoor stage on Devonshire Green. The majority of fringe events offer free entry. We’ve taken a look at what some of the real ale serving venues are doing to help you plan an enjoyable weekend featuring live music, DJs and good beer!
Of course there will be much more going on than we’ve been able to include here – this should give you a flavour – keep an eye on venues social media for the latest or there is a page on the Welcome to Sheffield website for the official fringe or the Clashfinder website provides a handy listings service for all venues.
The Dorothy Pax at Victoria Quays despite being a small, cosy, railway arch bar has a busy programme of live music and if its busy they’ll be piping the audio outside to their waterside seating area! Their “Canal Lines” kicks off early on Thursday 25th at 6:30pm with a line up curated by Waterbear the college of music then on Friday from 6pm it’s an indie showcase. Saturday is an all-dayer with music kicking off at 1:30pm with a mix of live music and DJs under the “Dorothy Pax presents” banner.
At the Washington on Fitzwilliam Street they have live music inside and DJs outside until 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday followed by the usual late night DJs keeping the party going until 4am (3am Sunday!). On Friday festivities kick off at 4pm with 5 bands on, headlined by “Bag of Cans”, Saturday they’re open from 2pm and the headline band is “The Hot Soles”. Sunday is also a 2pm opening with 7 bands on the roster with “We Hate The Sharkman” headlining.
The Dove & Rainbow at Hartshead Square (off High Street) also has live entertainment over Friday to Sunday and as you’d expect is a little more alternative. Friday is “Reyt Against the Machine” and “Play Dead”, Saturday is “Firegarden” and “Baranovich” whilst Sunday the stage is graced by “Skip Rat”, “Inequality Street” and “Ball Britain”.
The Church House, located by the Cathedral tram stop (and of course by the cathedral too!) is well known for having bands on at the weekend, usually but not always of the classic rock genre, naturally has live music for the Tramlines Fringe and have really pushed the boat out with 15 acts over 3 days. Things kick off at 5:30pm on Friday with Saturday and Sunday seeing all day entertainment – from 2:45pm Saturday and 1:30pm Sunday.
Shakespeares Ale & Cider House on Gibraltar Street is a well known Tramlines fringe venue with a busy programme of gigs in the upstairs room on Friday and Saturday. Friday is “Shamlines” presented by Earwig featuring “Queen Cult”, “Guts”, “Mouthparts” and “Dearthworms” whilst Saturday is “Shakelines” presented by Jarred Up featuring 10 different bands.
Another pub well known for its Fringe action is the Frog & Parrot on Division Street. On the Saturday they will be opening their doors at 11am ready for the first act of 12 coming on at midday!
Alder has goings on all weekend. Things kick off Friday night with a gig by Mass House at 8:30pm (ish) then Saturday has 5 bands on stage from 6pm onwards with a whole mix of genres ranging from pop to post punk whilst Sunday is a more chilled out vinyl playing affair.
Saw Grinders Union have their own little festival on the Friday with food, drink, music and an exhibition.
The Fat Cat starts their party on Friday night with blues from Rocket 88 at 8pm; then on Saturday 11am to 11pm the entertainment is both kicked off and concluded by DJ sets from Big Shaun, in-between are performances from Sarah Mac, Banjo Jen and Kiziah & The Kings. The weekend here is finished off on Sunday with Billy & The Axe Man playing at 3pm.
If you are wanting to go somewhere a bit fun, perhaps after seeing a few bands, then the Three Tuns has karaoke from 8pm until 2am on Friday and Saturday night then on Sunday it’s a “Laughternoon” with comedy and music from 4pm.
Meanwhile out at Heeley (get there by bus 20, 24, 25, 43, 43a, 44 or X17) the Sheaf View are hosting “Sheaf Lines” with live acts over the weekend.
Jabbarwocky on London Road are also participating in the festivities on Saturday with “Jabzlines” featuring live entertainment from 3pm until 11:30pm. Buses 20, 43, 43a, 44, 75, 76, 86, 97 and 98 go there.
If you are looking for something more laid back the Old Shoe in Orchard Square have acoustic live music along with vinyl DJ sets. If you want something to eat whilst in the area the Sheffield Plate food hall across the square will be open and also have entertainment!
If you’re visiting the outdoor stage on Devonshire Green on the Saturday and fancy some decent beer and a burger then True North Brewery is next door and hosting an open day.
The Red Deer, freshly reopened, has live performances on Saturday with Harri Larkin from 4pm and Martha Makes Mistakes from 6:30pm.
The Dog & Partridge have their usual Sunday acoustic session in the back from from 6pm.
The New Barrack Tavern on Penistone Road, although standing out on its own away from the centre of Hillsborough and the trendy hotspot of Kelham Island, has been a local stalwart on the real ale scene for many years now.
Also well established is Kev, Steph and daughter Rebecca being at the helm making it something of a family business with regulars that attend nearby sporting events at Hillsborough and Owlerton stadiums almost becoming part of an extended family!
Real ale drinkers are catered for with beers from Castle Rock brewery plus guests and regular live entertainment events are hosted including live music and a comedy club in this classic multi-roomed roadhouse style pub which also has an excellent beer garden (with outdoor stage!). It also has a function/meeting room with its own bar and a pool table.
The pub is also on CAMRA’s heritage pub inventory as a one star listing with an interior of special national historic interest.
The award we are presenting however recognises what a great destination the pub is for cider drinkers. Investment has been made replacing the kitchen with a cider cellar adjacent to the bar and a large range is available covering both traditional and flavoured options and the availability of cider is well promoted!
Our local CAMRA members in Sheffield & District voted the New Barrack Tavern as our branch Cider Pub of the Year, as a result it went forward into the Yorkshire competition in which it was runner up.
Join us there on Saturday 3 August from 7pm for a drink or two as we present both award certificates.
The New Barrack Tavern has won Yorkshire cider pub awards before!
Longbow, who own a number of pub/hotel venues in the Peak District including the George in Hathersage, have a Thornbridge house cask beer, It is a rebadge of AM PM.
Walkley festival saw a number of pubs in the area team up for a festival pub crawl promotion where you had a drink in each of the different pubs to get a card stamped which then went into a prize draw. It ran from 28 June to 7 July, with the Blake Hotel hosting a beer festival on the second weekend.
The S17 area has gained another new cask ale outlet with the Summer House bistro’s Eden Bar adding a handpump to serve Abbeydale Moonshine. This venue is next door to Dore & Totley railway station.
Cross Scythes in Totley are running a cask ale club with a loyalty card offer and discounted prices on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Lost in West Bar on Gibraltar Street has closed down with the premises declared unviable with new premises being sought in the Kelham Island area. All being well a new and improved Lost in Kelham Island should open later in the year – watch this space!
York in Broomhill is now open again following a refurbishment. The bar offers a choice of six cask ales plus a further six craft beers on keg.
Old Shoe in Orchard Square, Sheffield City Centre, is hosting a beer festival on 17 August with beer spread across their own bar and a pop up in the downstairs function room of the Sheffield Plate food hall. They also recently celebrated their first birthday over the weekend of 12-13 July with a fancy range of beers on both cask and keg.
Bear on Abbeydale Road recently celebrated their third birthday.
Rutland Arms on Brown Street in Sheffield City Centre has taken delivery of some birthday beers from Finland’s CoolHead Brew, including IPAs brewed in collaboration with Flok, Beak, Verdant and Burnt Mill, along with Dutch White Dog, which includes a DIPA and a rather ludicrous smoothie sour. These beers are all in keykeg and expected to hit the Rutty’s taps at some point in August.
Psalter hotel has been closed down a while but it is to reopen under the new ownership of local chef Tom Lawson as a stylish hotel and restaurant. The focus is to be dining although it is expected to feature a public bar.
Wig & Pen, which has been closed since Covid, is to finally reopen as the Beaten Track coffee lounge and cocktail bar.
Springwood Hotel, an abandoned pub in Woodthorpe, has suffered a fire.
Kiveton Tap is now open to drink inside with a selection of craft beers on their keg taps as well as a selection of bottles and cans in their shop area. Buses 21, 26/26a and X5 pass the front door.
The good folk of S8, particularly those that live near an unspecified big roundabout, may have a new local micropub opening to look forward to. More details are to be announced when all the licenses and permissions are in place.
If you attempted to visit the Bath Hotel on 15 July and was disapointed to find it closed, that was because it was being used to film scenes in a new BBC drama, Reunion.
Thornbridge Brewery’s tap room is hosting a Summer Social event from 16 to 18 August featuring live music, street food and of course beer. Entry is free and no tickets are required. The brewery is walkable from the centre of Bakewell where buses 218 and 257 from Sheffield terminate, the Peak Sightseer open top bus tour also passes the end of the brewery drive.
Triple Point Brewing are hosting a beer festival in conjunction with SIBA on 2 August from 5pm featuring keg beers that have been judged in their competition. It will see the number of taps on the bar increase to 27 for one evening only. The event will also feature live music and table bookings are recommended.
The Little Critters single batch cask special in July was a mango sorbet session pale. It is designed to be a refreshing summer beer at 4.4% ABV with sweet mango, creamy lactose, citrusy hops and a solid malt backbone.
The monthly cask special from Thornbridge in July (apart from the Union beers!) released under the year on beer scheme was called “Red Rye at Night”, a red rye IPA with 5.4% ABV. This has been followed by the comeback of a beer that some may consider a favourite from the past – “Melba”, a peach flavoured IPA.
Emmanuales, who brew in very small batches and generally only package in cans or bottles, recently released a couple of cask beers available at only two outlets – Swinton beer festival and Walkley festival. The beers were both pale ales called “Cask and it will be given” but with different hops and ABVs – one used British hop varieties and was a sessionable 4.3% whilst the other used Calypso hops and was a stronger 5.6% ABV.
Eyam brewery are hosting another open day on 27 July, from 1pm to 7pm. As well as a range of their beers there will also be pizza and coffee. They are located in Great Hucklow and bus 65 will get you there from Sheffield. In other news they have started putting beer into minikegs again with the first release in this format being Antidote Pilsner.
Drone Valley Brewery this year celebrate an anniversary, being 9 years since they were registered with the FCA to become a community interest company. They are hosting a music festival at the brewery on 1 September. Tickets are available to buy online or from the bar at their weekend tap sessions.
Last month we mentioned Collyfobble brewery’s summer special, it is now available and is called “t’inna code owt” (roughly translates as “it isn’t cold out, you won’t need your big coat”). The beer is an nice, refreshing 3.6% ABV blonde ale packed full of Amarillo hops. We’re told it is perfect with a BBQ, after a day on the beach or after a long walk in the woods!
A couple of new beers already out from Chantry Brewery, King of Hops in cask (a light refreshing pale beer at 4% ABV brewed with Chinook, Mosaic and Harlequin hops) and The Beer Inspector in keg, a 4% ABV hazy pale ale brewed with Citra, Mosaic and Amarillo hops.
