CAMRA Sheffield & District
Sheffield & District branch of CAMRA
Our March Pub of the month award winner was the Two & Six Micropub in Sheffield City Centre.
The certificate was presented to Juliet and Dan by our Beer Matters magazine editor Andy Cullen.
Almost all the beers on the bar were from local breweries as part of their Sheffield Beer Week celebrations and customers were treated to some lovely complimentary sandwiches too!
CAMRA is considered one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe. Founded by four real ale enthusiasts back in 1971, today we represent beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK.
Our vision is to have quality real ale, cider and perry and thriving pubs in every community. Our mission is to promote and advocate:
We do this by supporting and encouraging the beer and pubs trade by running beer festivals, lobbying Government for change, running numerous awards and developing bespoke pub finders and guides.
There’s plenty for everyone, whether you’re a dedicated campaigner, a beer connoisseur looking to learn more about beer or just want to meet up with friends in your local.
Benefits of being a member include various discount schemes with partner businesses and access to lots of online content including Learn & Discover articles and videos, What’s Brewing online newspaper and Beer Magazine. Members also get cheaper entry into CAMRA beer festivals and discounts on CAMRA books, including the annual Good Beer Guide. You also get a higher level of access to CAMRA’s online pub guide – you can sign in and rate your beer, submit updates and also see which pubs have been awarded a place in the Good Beer Guide. All this can be found at camra.org.uk.
To really make the most of your membership however we recommend getting involved with the local volunteer run branch – we’re Sheffield & District, covering the city plus a big chunk of North Derbyshire. We run regular socials for members, have a programme of pub awards which are nominated and voted for by members, we have this monthly magazine (we need volunteers to write content and distribute copies to pubs) and organise the annual Steel City Beer & Cider Festival.
You can find out more about what is happening in our local branch online at sheffield.camra.org.uk.
Other nearby branches include Barnsley, Rotherham, North Notts, Dronfield, Chesterfield, Matlock & Dales and High Peak.
Join CAMRA online at camra.org.uk/membership.
BRANCH AGM – all Sheffield & District CAMRA members are invited to attend our formal annual general meeting, the venue is the Two & Six micropub in Sheffield City Centre (gallery room) on Saturday 9 May. The normal monthly branch meeting follows.
The opening date of the Watt Bar on Charles Street in Sheffield City Centre has been announced – Friday 27 March at midday. You’ll find it between the Red Lion and Rutland Arms in a former electricity sub station and they plan on opening all day, serving coffee and brunch in the morning from 9am with food continuing through the afternoon up to 9pm with Creole inspired dishes and DJs on in the evening.
The Beer Engine on Cemetery Road no longer serves food with the rising cost of operation making it unviable. They continue to open serving beer Tuesday to Saturday.
The Devonshire Arms in Dore has had a change of management. It initially closed for a refurbishment, reopening at 5pm on 20 March. and is now the third pub leased by Tom South and his team, who also operate the Castle Inn at Bradway.
The proposed JD Wetherspoons branch at Valley Centertainment has been given planning permission by Sheffield City Council. This will see the former Chiquito restaurant converted into a pub.
A little more about the new owners of the Green Room bar on Devonshire Street in Sheffield City Centre – it is the Waterbear music college and the venue will be rebranded as the WaterBear Green Room. In the daytime it will operate as a rehearsal space for students then open to the public in the evening as a live music bar. The venue had been run by Patrick Flynn for 23 years who is selling up in order to retire!
The annual Sheffield Folk Music Sessions festival takes place over the Easter weekend from 3 to 5 April spread across a number of pubs. At the time of going to press the programme and venues hadn’t been announced but usually involves places like the Dog & Partridge, Fagan’s, Perch, Shakespeares, Kelham Island Tavern, Harlequin, Gardeners Rest and Forest.
The Broadfield on Abbeydale Road are giving their outdoor area a bit of a fettle and we can apparently expect BBQ events in the garden over the summer!
The Queen Anne in Great Hucklow, which is up for sale as a result of the long standing licencees retiring, was due to close after 1 March but “due to popular demand” will be continuing to trade on reduced hours until it sells. The opening hours at time of going to press are Thursday to Saturday from 5pm and Sundays from midday. If you fancy a trip to visit this pub buses 65 (Sheffield to Buxton) and 173 (Castleton to Bakewell) pass the front door!
The Anchor Inn at Tideswell saw their tractor space in the car park make the news again with a local young farmer and his date turn up for a valentines meal there in his tractor!
Greene King brewery are looking for new tenants to take on the lease of the Woodroffe Arms in Hope.
The Cow Shed Cafe at Beltonville Farm in Millers Dale are hosting a beer & music festival on 23/24 May and 29/30 August. Advance tickets are advisable and camping is available.
The New Inn at Gleadless is to be refurbished.
29 March sees routes 218 (Sheffield to Bakewell) and 272 (Sheffield to Castleton) switch their Sunday service to the British Summer Time schedules.
23 May is when the 2026 season for the Peak Sightseer open top bus tours launches. Again there are two routes planned, the Red tour from Chatsworth to Bakewell and Blue tour from Chatsworth to Castleton. They will run daily until 19 September then Saturdays only to 10 October. Further details haven’t been announced as yet, keep an eye on stagecoachbus.com.
In Sheffield First bus have registered a number of timetable changes from 3 May. Details have not yet been announced at the time of going to press.
On Supertram, rail replacement works are taking place between Sheffield Station and Gleadless Townend (Blue and Purple routes) from 28 March to 12 April with replacement buses in operation. Buses replace trams on the Meadowhall/Parkgate line over the Mayday bank holiday weekend. There are also engineering works in the Rotherham area on some Saturday evenings – the 11, 18 and 25 April – with replacement buses from 1730hrs onwards. The Yellow and Blue route returns to the normal timetable with trams up to every 12 minutes from 13 April.
April is expected to see the opening of the new Tram Train station at Magna, just in time for the Rotherham Real Ale & Music festival there! The Tram Train service runs from Sheffield Cathedral to Parkgate via Attercliffe, Meadowhall South and Rotherham Central station. Look out for news on this online at supertram.com.
National Rail timetables change for the summer season on 17 May.
As we arrive into Spring, it is a time of year that is great to head out to pubs in Derbyshire and there are a number of regular bus routes from Sheffield to take you there:
Check out the features in the last few issues of Beer Matters for Peak District pubs along bus routes, if you don’t have a printed copy you can download PDFs from sheffield.camra.org.uk.
For general public transport information in our area online visit travelsouthyorkshire.com or travelderbyshire.co.uk. You can also track buses live on a map at bustimes.org, an independent website that will also show you timetables for individual stops.
Abbeydale Brewery‘s Black Mass (a black IPA at 6.66% ABV) made it as a finalist in the “Barley Wines & Strong Ales” category of the Champion Beer of Britain awards. The winter ales categories were judged at Liverpool beer festival.
To reach the competition’s final in Liverpool all the beers had progressed through a year of local and regional blind judging heats.
The winner was London Brewing‘s Beer Street. Judges were blown away by this winner, with judging panel coordinator Christine Cryne describing Beer Street (4.0%) as: “A sparkling golden amber bitter, with spicy rye and a roasty nose, sweet biscuit on the flavour, where the spicy rye notes increase and linger in the dry and slightly bitter finish. Very easy drinking.”
Taking the Silver award was Cairngorm, Black Gold, 4.4%. A black session stout with red hues and oyster head. Aromas of black treacle and faint hits of dark fruits. Caramelised fruits on a sweetish chocolate base with some plums create a moreish stout. The dry finish is slightly sweet with some spicy notes.
The Bronze winner was Green Jack, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%. A dark ruby brown imperial stout, with aromas of sweet black treacle with some damsons. A rich smooth mouthfeel with bitter black chocolate, sweet molasses and damsons. The finish is sweet, smooth with bitter roasty notes remaining. Very warming.
The category winners now go forward to the final judging in May at CAMRA’s Cambridge Beer Festival where they’ll battle it out to take the crown of Supreme Champion 2026.
Reacting to the win, Director of London Brewing Senan Sexton said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our best bitter, Beer Street, has been named Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2026 by CAMRA. We’ve been brewing Beer Street since we founded the brewery in 2011, and it’s a real testament to the skill and dedication of our head brewer, Alex, that he has continued to refine and elevate the recipe over the years.
“This accolade means a tremendous amount to a brewery of our size. It’s not only a proud moment for our team, but also a fantastic boost that celebrates the enduring appeal of high-quality cask ales enjoyed in pubs across the UK.”
CAMRA’s Awards Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can’t simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels.
“London Brewing are incredibly deserving winners of the winter crown, and everyone taking home a category win or top three placement should be proud that their beers have been declared the cream of the crop by expert judges.”
Full category winners:
Brown Ales, Red Ales, Old Ales and Strong Milds:
Silver: Elmtree, Nightlight Mild 5.7%
Bronze: RedWillow, Sleepless, 5.4%
Session Stouts and Porters:
Gold: Cairngorm, Black Gold, 4.4%
Silver: Green Jack, Lurcher Stout, 4.8%
Bronze: Blackjack, Manchester Stout, 4.8%
Strong Stouts and Porters:
Gold: Green Jack, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%
Silver: Ramsgate, Gadds’ Black Pearl, 6.2%
Bronze: Five Kingdoms, Dark Storm, 6.9%
Barley Wines and Strong Ales:
Gold: Driftwood Spars, Alfie’s Revenge, 6.5%
Silver: Grainstore, Nip, 7.3%
Bronze: Holden’s, Old Ale, 7.2%
Speciality, Differently Produced:
Gold: London Brewing, Beer Street, 4.0%
Bronze: Dorset, Jurassic Dark, 5.9%
Speciality, Differently Flavoured:
Silver: Titanic, Cappuccino Stout, 4.5%
Bronze: Cerne Abbas, Gurt Coconuts Rum Stout, 6.7%
Recent beers produced at Blue Bee Brewery have included a 5% ABV pale ale brewed with Nelson and Nectaron hops and the 4th iteration of Five Malt Mild.
A beer making a comeback after 12 years is Sgt Pepper Stout. This was orginally brewed by David McLaren back in his Spire Brewery days, he was since involved with Drone Valley Brewery who are brewing it to his original recipe. The beer is a 5.5% ABV stout laced with black pepper to give it a mildly spicy kick!
Also new from Drone Valley, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, is “Community”, a 4.4% ABV English pale ale celebrating their status as a community owned enterprise where profits go to local good causes.
New from Bradfield Brewery is Holy Cow, a 7.8% IPA.This is a limited edition beer and is available in bottles and cask. It is the hoppiest beer Bradfield has ever brewed and the varieties involved are El Dorado, Azacca and Vista. In addition a rum barrel aged version is coming soon.
Eyam Brewery now has planning consent to convert their Tideswell premises into a tap room with kitchen and shop. They can now go through the process to get a permanent premises licence. Until then they will be running occasional pop up tap events again using temporary event notices, the first being Easter weekend.
Over the last three months we’ve featured guides to Peak District pubs in our branch area that can be easily reached by bus or train.
Key public transport links include the Hope Valley railway line, bus 65 (Sheffield to Buxton, bus 173 (Castleton to Bakewell), bus 218 (Sheffield to Bakewell direct via Owler Bar) bus 257 (Sheffield to Bakewell via Eyam) and bus 272 (Sheffield to Castleton). Timetables and maps available online at travelderbyshire.co.uk.
This month we fill in the gaps with the pubs that are in our branch area but not served by public transport, although if you fancy a country walk that may be a good opportunity to try them!
Grouse Inn, Longshaw (nearest buses – Fox House, routes 65 and 272)
In the same family for over 50 year, this free house stands in isolation on bleak moorland southwest of Sheffield, and is a welcome refuge for walkers as well as climbers from the nearby Froggatt Edge. The comfortable lounge and bar are at the front with separate room at the rear reached through the conservatory in which vines manage to grow. No food Monday evenings. Well known for their excellent steak pie. Both children and dogs are welcome and a children’s menu available.
Chequers Inn, Froggatt (nearest buses – Calver, routes 65 and 257)
Country inn with seven ensuite guest rooms. On the main road below Froggatt Edge. Has a very attractive beer garden melding into the wooded hillside. Up market food menu. Three changing cask ales from Peak Ales, Bradfield Brewery in Sheffield, Thornbridge Brewery, and Stancill Brewery.
Eyre Arms, Hassop (nearest bus Great Longstone, route 173)
300-year-old country pub with two comfortably furnished rooms and small snug squeezed between, watched over by an imposing grandfather clock. The impressive Eyre family arms are displayed above the fireplace. Open fires in the winter. There are up to six real ales available at weekends and three during the week. Excellent, good value home cooked food using locally-sourced ingredients. Bar snacks served 4pm-6pm between normal meal times. Friendly personal service. A superb, little unspoilt pub.
Barrel Inn, Bretton (nearest bus Foolow, route 65)
This remote former farm house, which at 1250 ft. (380 m), is the highest inn in Derbyshire. It boasts a good whisky selection, stunning views from its doorstep and a busy food trade.
Strines Inn (nearest bus Ashopton, route 257)
An inn since the 1770s based on much older buildings dating back to the 13th century. A quaint traditional country pub with plenty of brassware. The entrance lobby opens into a large central bar, the room thought to date to Elizabethan times, with a large stone fireplace. Additional bar areas are to the left and right of the main bar. Large outside parking area with several picnic benches offering glorious views over the moors and Strines reservoir.
Technically Strines is served by bus – service 87, however this runs once a week on a Wednesday with buses passing the pub at 10:29am and 1:21pm!
THE OTHER DERBYSHIRE PEAK DISTRICT PUBS IN OUR BRANCH AREA WITH CASK ALE
The Rotherham Real Ale & Music festival takes place at Magna (between Meadowhall and Rotherham town centre) from 22 to 25 April and is a fund raiser for Rotherham Cancer Care and the Magna Trust.
The theme this year is “Rack & Roll”, reflecting the fact the festival takes place at the same time as the World Snooker Championships at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre and also features live music!
There will be a preview evening on Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm with CAMRA members and publicans invited to come along and try the beers while the full range is available.
The festival proper kicks off Thursday evening at 6pm with Funky Business taking to the stage.
On Friday the festival opens at midday with entertainment announced so far being Richard Ford (acoustic/piano) in the afternoon then Handsome Dan & The Mavericks in the evening. Saturday is another midday opening and Maltby Miners Welfare Band will be performing in the afternoon with the Leathernecks on stage in the evening.
More entertainment is yet to be announced at the time of going to press!
Tickets are available online in advance or simply pay on the door – more information at magnarealale.org.uk. Entry tickets cost £5 for the Wednesday preview, £10 for Thursday evening and £15 for the all day sessions on Friday and Saturday. Additionally a season ticket is available including all the sessions for £25.
The venue is even easier to get to this year with a new tram stop opening right by the front door! The Tram Train service runs between Sheffield Cathedral, Meadowhall South, Magna, Rotherham Central station and Parkgate every half hour until around midnight. Note that Network Rail engineering work will affect Rotherham area services on the Saturday night with replacement buses in operation.
First bus X3 (Sheffield to Doncaster via Meadowhall and Rotherham) also provides a regular service dropping off on the main road behind the venue.
Public transport information is available at travelsouthyorkshire.com and combined bus and tram passes are available on the Travelmaster app. For tram only tickets use the TSY app or buy from the conductor on board.
At the time of writing there was still sponsorship opportunities available (contact Matthew Ridsdale by phoning 01709 321585 or emailing matthew@cannonpr.co.uk) and volunteer staff are still being recruited – fill in the online form to get involved.
Here is a summary of events that were confirmed at the time of writing to offer an idea of what to expect – many more will be added after we’ve gone to press, check their website for the latest information – sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk.
If you fancy nipping between a number of venues by bus or tram then an all day travel pass from Travelmaster such as the Citywide ticket may prove good value. Public transport information can be found online at travelsouthyorkshire.com.
5 March, Fagan’s: 4pm – Kelham Island (Thornbridge) launch their Irish red ale (4%, cask) collab with Fagan’s at the pub. 7pm they’ll be playing the War Child Records Help (2) album, then from 9pm it’s their charity quiz with big prizes (VIP tickets for Tramlines and Kendal Calling).
5 March, Alder: Courier meet the brewer. 7pm.
6-7 March, Trafalgar Warehouse: Indie Beer Feast, 2 sessions, advance tickets advisable.
6-15 March, Two Thirds Beer Co.: a Copenhagen-style taproom for one week, featuring four beers from Denmark’s Warpigs brewery. The selection ranges from a crisp Czech-style lager to full-flavoured IPAs.
6-15 March, Kapital Beer Hall: Czechtoberfest, featuring six different Czech beers on tap from independent breweries. A limited amount of Budvar Reserve (7.5%) will also be available using a traditional Czech side pour tap, rarely seen on UK taps.
7-15 March, Harlequin: The Art of Beer – exhibition of pump clips from local breweries from 2002 onwards curated by Richard Hough.
9-13 March, Rutland Arms: Polish beer breweries showcase
9-15 March, Riverside Kelham: Triple Point tap takeover.
9-15 March, Mesters Tap and Heeley Tap: Little Mesters collaboration beer launch.
9-15 March, Stag’s Head: Bundobust tap takeover and Indian inspired small plates menu
9-15 March, Alder: Courier tap takeover
9-15 March, Hallamshire House: Black Iris showcase
9-15 March, Greystones: Arbor Ales showcase
9-15 March, Harlequin: Suds & Spuds – fun food and beer pairing
9-15 March, Dog & Partridge: Celebration of dark beer
9-15 March, Boston Arms: Northern Monk showcase
9-15 March, Hop Hideout: Synth City collaboration beers on tap
9-15 March, Forum Cafe Bar: Triple Point tap takeover
9-15 March, Aux Bon Vivant (27a Campo Lane. S1 2EG): Beer & Food Celebration – this French-focused cafe & deli have finally brought some Sheffield beers into the house, including Little Mesters IPA and Stout. Pierre will be creating the weekly menu with the beers in mind, pairing dishes to match each one.
9-15 March, Shakespeares Ale & Cider House: Sheffield Beer Week Collab Ales Launch – there’s 8 of them!
9-15 March, Oxbow: Two By Two tap takeover
11-15 March, Two & Six Micropub: Sheffield brewery showcase
9 March, Kelham Island Tavern: beer week quiz
9 March, Hop Hideout: Timmermans Beer Tasting & Blend Your Own Beer with Adrian Tierney-Jones at Hop Hideout, 7pm, advance tickets required.
9 March, Chapeltown Tap: Triple Point beer tasting and talk with Alex Barlow, 7:30pm, advance tickets required.
9 March, Nags Head Inn: Bradfield Brewery Synth City beer launch
9 March, Botanical Arms: New Bristol tap takeover and quiz night
10 March, Kelham Island Tavern: Blue Bee one off cask showcase
10 March, Stag’s Head: beer & food pairing, 6:30pm, advance booking required.
10 March, Hop Hideout: Tasting Notes: Beer and Music pairing Q&A with Pete Brown and Daniel Dylan Wray.
10 March, Old Shoe: Sobremesa – Beer, Cheese and Charcuterie, advance booking required.
11 March, Riverside Kelham: Triple Point meet the brewer, 7pm.
11 March, Old Shoe: America’s finest, advance booking required.
12 March, the Bear: Woodland Brewing meet the brewer, 6:30pm. Advance tickets required.
12 March, Hop Hideout: Beer Tasting & Tankard Making Workshop Hosted by Earth Paper Fibre, 7pm. Advance tickets required.
12 March, Two & Six Micropub: Sheffield & District CAMRA pub of the month award presentation
12 March, Boston Arms: Northern Monk tasting evening, advance booking required.
13 March, Kelham Island Tavern: Verdant showcase
13 March, Pangolin: Duration Brewing Great Farmhouse Expo – from 1pm they will have 7 lines of beer from this range including juicy pales on cask, a grisette and even a barrel aged lager!
13 March: Guided Pub Heritage Walk – Little Chicago, 4pm. Advance tickets required.
13 March, University Arms: Pub Heritage Talk – Little Chicago, 7:45pm. Advance tickets required.
13 March, Fuggle Bunny Brew House: Tap session and beer launch.
13 March, Crow Inn: Cloudwater Brew Co Tap Takeover
13-14 March, Brewery of St Mars of the Desert tap room opening
13-14 March, Triple Point Brewing: Seventh birthday party with seven special beers and cheese, 4pm.
14 March, Harlequin: Lewes takeover – Harvey’s and Beak brewery
Neepsend Craft Beer Festival, held at Peddlers Warehouse on 27 and 28 February, predominantly features brewery bars and street food traders, however one of the attractions hosted by the festival organisers is a dedicated cask ale bar showcasing breweries from around Sheffield and North Derbyshire with the ticket price including a complimentary drink from this bar.
Announced as supplying this bar so far are Heist, Triple Point, Intrepid, Tapped Brew Co, Bradfield, Abbeydale, Little Critters, Duality, Ashover, Neepsend, Blue Bee, Loxley and Temper.
Visitors are also invited to vote for their favourite cask beer on the bar.
