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
On the Edge Nano Brewery hold their semi-regular 9-pin event this month on Friday the 5th May which sees the last 9 different beers they have brewed showcased with a pin of each on sale. A pin is a small cask that holds 35 pints.
As well as beer there is pie & peas, music, board games and competitions and this event celebrates the brewery’s 5th birthday.
Beers this time include Nimbus Wheat, a 5.2% cloudy wheat beer with oats and barley and lots of czech hops; Wieman, single hopped with Wieman hops and brewed with British ale yeast; Wheat Fusion brewed with nugget hops, cascade, oat, wheat andbiscuit malt plus another six not yet announced at the time of writing!
The venue is the Old Junior School on South View Road, Sharrow (5 minutes walk from the Cremorne on London Road up Sharrow Lane).
University Arms
Our Pub of the Month awards are voted for by our members and are designed not as a competition between pubs as such, more to celebrate those pubs and bars around our area that serve great real ale in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, day in, day out.
The University Arms became a pub in January 2007, having previously operated as Club 197, the staff club for the University of Sheffield. It was originally built as the vicarage for the nearby St. George’s Church. The University Arms gained the status of Asset of Community Value in March 2017.
The bar offers a fairly extensive range of real ales – usually there are beers from Acorn, Welbeck Abbey and Kelham Island plus an ever changing selection of guest ales. Other craft beers plus real cider is available too.
Food is served from midday until 8pm with classic pub meals done well, additionally a lunchtime menu of hot and cold sandwiches and snacks is available until 3pm. Prices are kept quite reasonable, with most main courses around the £7 mark.
At the rear of the pub is an excellent lawned beer garden, one of the only ‘proper’ beer gardens in the City Centre. During the summer BBQ events take place in the garden and at Tramlines festival weekend is converted into a live music venue which really draws the crowds.
Upstairs there are a number of meeting and function rooms. As well as being used by various student societies they are used by groups such as Sheffield Board Games Club and Rutland Cycling Club, there is also a monthly live blues ‘loft club’ held there, organised by local promoter Saxbob.
We’ll be heading to the University Arms to present the certificate on Tuesday 9th May from 8pm, all are welcome to join us for a pint or two.
The pub can be found at 197 Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HG. It is a short walk around the corner from the University of Sheffield tram stop or buses 51, 52 and 52a stop nearby outside the Student Union.
Pale milds tend to have a lighter, more fruity aroma with gentle hoppiness.
Dark milds may have a light roast malt or caramel character in aroma and taste.
Scottish cask beers may have mild characteristics with a dominance of sweetness, smooth body and light bitterness.
Original gravity: less than 1043
Typical alcohol by volume: less than 4.3%
Final gravity 1004 – 1010
Bitterness 14 – 28 EBU
Millhouses is an area of Sheffield off the radar to many real ale drinkers, yet there are a number of pubs serving good beer all within an easy wander of one another and there are plenty of buses running out there!
The Millhouses
address: 951 Abbeydale Road, S7 2QD
buses: 97,98,218
located on the main Abbeydale Road, this is a traditional looking pub on outside but has taken on a new lease of life as a gastropub inside with a seperate dining room area – there is still a bar with drinkers seating however and a small selection of real ales is available.
Robin Hood
Address: Millhouses Lane, S7 2HB
buses: 97, 98, 218
Part of the Ember Inns chain, this is a large pub with many handpumps on the bar, a CAMRA members discount at certain times and a value food menu. Despite being big and part of a national chain, it is comfortable and has friendly staff.
Wagon & Horses
Address: 57 Abbeydale Road South, S7 2QQ
buses: 82, 97, 98, 218
Situated alongside Millhouses Park, this is a long, thin, stone built pub fronting onto the main road. Part of the pub was converted from an 18th century farmhouse! Given its location next to the park in can be busy when the weather is nice! The pub is now owned by True North Brewery and is split into two parts – the pub side where you can enjoy beers from True North as well as a selection of artisan gins and other nice drinks; and the restaurant side where the food offering varies by time of day – breakfasts and brunches, lunches & snacks and dinners – all freshly cooked.
The Alehouse
Address: 187 Fraser Road
buses: 86, 96
A community pub located on the housing estate off Archer Road, near Sainsburys. A more down to earth and friendly venue than some of the others but with impeccable standards. A changing range of six real ales are available, a mixture of local favourites and interesting guests, all at very reasonable prices. A simple menu of home cooked food is served on Friday evenings, it is advisable to phone ahead and book if you wish to eat. There are also regular events including live music, quiz nights and more.
And not a pub but…
Archer Road Beer Stop
Address: Archer Road
Buses: 86, 96
A small corner shop off licence established for many years specialising in real ales and craft beers, featuring handpumps on the counter to pour cask ale to take away in plastic carry out containers. If you enjoy what the likes of Hop Hideout and Turners do with American style Growler fills of craft keg beers then you’ll probably also enjoy the longer established ‘old skool’ at Archer Road!
More information on pubs can be found on CAMRA’s pub database website www.whatpub.com. Members can also use the site to submit updates and rate their beer.
An update on what the official participating venues have got planned for you on Saturday 3rd June! A free bus will run between Dronfield Station and all the venues every 15 minutes from midday until about 9pm. See www.3valleys.org.uk for more details.
Barrack (Apperknowle)
Live music – Things kick off with vocalist Craig Boden at 1pm then at 4pm is a performance by the Doohickey Band. Evening music will be provided by Dave Perkins, from 7pm.
Fish & Chips, real ales.
Blue Stoops – details yet to be announced.
Coach & Horses
A programme of live music curated by Honey Bee Blues Club – Gerry Cooper at 4pm, 20ft Squid Blues Band at 6pm and the Sea Whores at 8:30pm
Dronfield Arms
Outside Cask Ale bar on decking and outside craft keg bar on car park – all together over 40 beers to choose from. Entertainment all afternoon/evening from 2pm to 11pm (see below), food, face painting and tuck shop for the kids.
The music programme at the Dronfield Arms:
13:30 Machin and Ian – Local acoustic duo covering songs from the 60’s until today.
14:30 Supercrush – Rocked up pop band. From Bonjovi to Amy Winehouse, Feeder to The Killers and back!
16:30 Machin and Ian – Local acoustic duo covering songs from the 60’s until today.
17:30 Drive Me Home Band – Dronfield based Indie/Rock band with fast growing catalogue of original music & a high energy live set.
18:30 DJ Alistair Machin is your host with massive party tunes from the 70’s right up to the present day.
Green Dragon
Outside bar with beer from Dancing Duck, Kelham Island, Abbeydale, Bradfield, Thornbridge and Black Sheep breweries.
Cider from Westons
Food stalls including gourmet burgers and fish & chips.
Live music:
2pm – Route 66
5:30pm – Supercrush
9pm – Junkyard Dog
Hill Top Sports and Social Club
Outside bar, food stalls, live entertainment, bouncy castle & ice cream van
Hyde Park Inn
Tres Amigos will be providing the entertainment from 6pm to 9pm with an eclectic mix of Irish, rock and pop that will get the feet tapping! There will also of course be a great range of beers.
Jolly Farmer
plans to be announced soon
Manor House Hotel
Outside bar featuring Abbeydale Brewery beers, Gourmet Burgers by ‘I Love Ostrich’ and music with Sam Wain.
Miners Arms (Dronfield Woodhouse)
80s tribute band AK47 will perform in the evening
Miners Arms (Hundall)
Live music with… Jackson, Rib Eye and The Hallowed Travellers. Of course that will be as well as some great beer, cider, food and views! More details to follow.
Pioneer Club
- Outside bar showcasing the full range from Kelham Island Brewery
- Club bar inside featuring 3 guest ales plus cider and craft lager
- Food by Julie’s Kitchen
- Bouncy Castle
- Bucking Bronco
- DJ from 11:30am
- JJ Galloway performs 3 sets from 1pm
- Girl band performing in evening
Three Tuns
Pub open from 11am.
Marquee outside with Drone Valley Community Brewery Bar. Inside pub bar featuring guest ales from Tiny Rebel, Siren Craft Brew, Hanlons, Southwark, Salopian and more.
Food stalls -pizzas, hog roast and lamb kebabs.
Entertainment – details to follow.
Andy Cullen, our Beer Matters and website editor, collected an award for CAMRA branch website of the year whilst at the national AGM & Members Weekend in Bournemouth.
Special thanks go to Robin who built and maintains our website (as well as doing all the design for Beer Matters and our festival publicity) along with everyone who has contributed news and articles.
The Anglers Rest
The Anglers Rest in Bamford is a special place. In October 2013 after a long, hard fought campaign, it was purchased collectively by over 300 people and became the first community owned pub in the High Peak.
In late 2012, The Bamford Community Society, a community benefit society, was formed in order to purchase the pub, after it was threatened with closure. The community society had an overwhelming response, working together to save the Anglers. Asset of Community Value (ACV) status was obtained with High Peak Borough Council (HPBC) in May 2013. This provided a clear breathing space while business plans were formulated.
Since re-opening, local volunteers have renovated and improve the facilities. The pub has thrived. It is now a viable and sustainable business – the pub, the post office and café are all under the one roof with a large village car park adjacent. Under the management of a professional team, it provides a warm welcome to local people and visitors alike.
There is a full events programme including a weekly quiz and monthly folk sessions and vinyl club. The Anglers also has an outdoor tool station for emergency repairs and cycle racks.
The pub has a wide selection of real ales from the local area and beyond. Local brewery, Intrepid, regularly feature, as well as Black Sheep and ales from Kelham Island and Abbeydale. It was awarded April 2015 ‘Pub of the Month’ by ‘Sheffield and District’ CAMRA and is now adding the prestigious ‘District Pub of the Year Award.’
The Anglers is a perfect example of the positive effect which Asset of Community value (ACV) status can have. Without the speedy obtaining of the protection this afforded, it is unlikely that the Anglers would have survived, leaving Bamford as yet another village with no pub.
This award will be presented on the afternoon of Saturday 20
th.May – all welcome!
Dave Pickersgill, April 2017
![old-anglers_crop [5611974]](https://sheffield.camra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/old-anglers_crop-5611974-300x187.jpg)
the 11th April saw a number of CAMRA members head to the Old Queens Head in Sheffield City Centre to celebrate the Pub of the Month award and see Sheffield CAMRA Social Secretary Patrick Johnson present the certificate to licencees Michael Latal and Zuzana Barincova. Real Ales were reduced to the bargain price of £2.50 a pint for the evening with a range on the bar including Thwaites regulars and seasonals along with the special local guest ale – Abbeydale Reaper Hopfenweisse (which sold out quite quickly!).
Our Pub of the Year competition each year celebrates our area’s best pubs for drinking real ale that embraces CAMRA’s consumer values.
The winning pubs are selected in a two stage process. We start with all the pubs that have either won a Pub of the Month award over the last year or are listed in the current Good Beer Guide.
- Membership vote to create a top pubs shortlist
- Judges visit to rank the shortlisted pubs
The judging team is made up of a variety of people, male and female, young and old, each visits every pub individually and scores the pubs against a set criteria
- Quality of real ale, cider and perry
- Style, decor and cleanliness
- Service, welcome and offering
- Community focus and atmosphere
- Alignment with CAMRA principles
- Overall impression
We make two awards, A Sheffield Pub of the Year for the Yorkshire part of our branch area and a District pub of the Year for the Derbyshire part. Each are the entered into the respective county round for judging as an entry in the national competition.
OUR TOP PUBS
Sheffield winner: Kelham Island Tavern
The Kelham Island Tavern came into existence in 2002 when Trevor Wraith bought a closed, boarded up pub, previously known as the White Hart, in a district that was still a declining industrial area and the overspill of the red light district. The area was already on the real ale radar however, with the Fat Cat around the corner and the Cask & Cutler a few minutes walk away.
The new Kelham Island Tavern established its lasting venues from the word go – a wide and varied range of real ales (always including a stout or porter, traditional bitter and a mild), real cider, reasonable prices, lined glasses, simple lunchtime food, clean and comfortable surroundings, good staff and a well cared for beer garden.
This cosy little pub soon proved popular and an extension was added to the rear adding much needed extra capacity and a disabled toilet, this also helped with putting on regular events including the Monday quiz night and folk music nights. They also hold an annual mid summer solstice beer festival in the garden.
A few little touches to maintain standards is a no swearing rule and the exclusion from the bar of big industrial lager brands.
The Kelham won CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year award two years in a row – in 2008 and 2009 and has won Sheffield CAMRA’s Pub of the Year every single year from 2004 to present, reflecting that not only have their basic values and standards been maintained religiously but they have subtly developed to ensure they continue to tick boxes – for example the introduction of the new wave of craft beer and third pint measures for stronger beers.
The Kelham Island Tavern is at 62 Russel Street, S3 8RW. Nearest bus stop is on the A61 (Allen Street/Ebenezer Street) served by routes 57,61,62,81,82,85,86 or Shalesmoor tram stop is just a few minutes away.
Sheffield runner up: Sheaf View (Heeley)
The Sheaf View was bought, refurbished, extended and reopened as a freehouse by James Birkett back in 2000 after spending a little time closed and boarded up. It has proved a good and popular local pub ever since.
The walls and shelves are adorned with assorted breweriana and provide an ideal background for good drinking and conversation. A wide range of international beers, together with malt whiskies and a real cider complement the eight reasonably priced real ales. Six guest beers (one of which is always from Neepsend Brewery) and an extensive range of bottle Belgium and continental beers. Great value and a warm welcome come as standard.
The Sheaf View is at 25 Gleadless Road, S2 3AA. Buses 10,10a,20,24,25,43,43a,44 and X17 stop on London Road a few minutes walk away (outside Ponsfords/railway bridge).
rest of the top 20 Sheffield pubs:
3) Gardeners Rest (Neepsend)
4) Blake (Walkley)
5) Shakespeares (Kelham Island)
6) Fat Cat (Kelham Island)
7) Beer Engine (Cemetery Road)
8) Rising Sun (Nether Green)
9) Red Deer (City Centre)
10) Sheffield Tap (City Centre)
11) Bath Hotel (City Centre)
12) Harlequin (Nursery Street)
13) Brothers Arms (Heeley)
14) Nags Head (Loxley)
15) Three Tuns (City Centre)
16) Beer House (Hunters Bar)
17) White Lion (Heeley)
18) New Barrack Tavern (Hillsborough)
19) Hillsborough Hotel (Langsett Road)
20) University Arms (City Centre)
Derbyshire Winner: Anglers Rest (Bamford)
rest of the top 5 Derbyshire pubs:
2) Red Lion (Litton)
3) Three Stags Head (Wardlow Mires)
4) Cheshire Cheese (Hope)
5) Grouse (Longshaw)
