First up, we’ve got a new collaboration for you! Brewed with the excellent folk at Ticking Clock Brew Co., It’s Always Sunny in Shireoaks will be a 4.2% pale ale using Dolcita, a new hop whose name means “little sweetie”! Promising notes of tropical pineapple and juicy peach, our production director John was lucky enough to sample beers brewed using Dolcita on his trip to the Yakima Hop Harvest last October and so we’re all really excited to try it.
Antelabbit (4.1%) makes a return within our “Mythical Creatures” series! This was the beer that launched this series back in May 2024 so we’re pleased to see it return. A tasty and refreshing pale ale, hopped with Galaxy and Centennial for tropical flavours backed up by a robust, piney finish.
New to our natural print inspired series, we have Magnolia (3.9%), an elegant pale ale brewed using UK grown Jester and Harlequin hops, lending notes of zesty marmalade and ripe grapefruit. And if you prefer a dark beer to a pale ale we’ve got you covered too, as Steadfast Stout (4.8%) returns to our Salvation series – a classic, no-nonsense, stouty kind of stout and a great winter warmer.
Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival organisers plan sensational return in 2026
Organisers of the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival have confirmed that plans are underway to see the popular event return in 2026.
Promising to deliver a diverse range of beers, ciders, wines and much more, as well as a packed entertainment line-up, bringing together a combination of popular favourites as well as some of South Yorkshire’s talented up-and-coming bands, the event is set to return to Magna between 22-25 April 2026.
Tickets for the event are now on sale and can be purchased from the Magna website. A reduced fee on tickets will be available until 31st January, with proceeds from the festival being used to support local charities: Rotherham Cancer Care Centre and the Magna Education Trust, which aims to nurture the talents of the next generation of budding scientists, technologists and engineers.
The festival will be operating a special preview evening on the Wednesday evening, and for the first time will be open all day on Friday and Saturday. Further details will be announced in due course.
Richard Hammill, Chief Executive, Magna, said:
“The Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival is a special event, and we have been working closely with the festival organisers to help facilitate its eagerly anticipated return next year. I feel very honoured that our educational trust has been chosen as one of the beneficiaries of next year’s festival. The proceeds from the event will be used to support the diverse education programme we deliver at Magna, helping to inspire the next generation by understanding the vital role scientific discoveries play in shaping the world.”
Festival organiser, Steve Burns, said:
“We’re at a very early stage with our plans for the 2026 festival, and we hope that this year’s event will prove to be one to remember. We are actively looking for volunteers to join our festival working committee to help us with the running and planning of the event. We’d also love to hear from businesses that can help us by sponsoring a barrel of beer.
We’ve decided to relaunch the festival, in response to the amazing feedback we received after our event in 2024 and following a decision by CAMRA not to host the Great British Winter Ales Festival in 2026. We have been working closely behind the scenes to ensure that beer and music lovers alike will have something to look forward to in the New Year.”
Tickets can be purchased from https://www.visitmagna.co.uk/whats-on/ and priced at £5 for the Wednesday preview evening, £10 for Thursday and £15 for Friday and Saturday. Early-bird ticket prices of £4, £8 and £12 respectively will be available until 31st December. An all-session season ticket is also available for £25.
The Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival was first held in 1992, initially as a fundraiser by the PTA at Oakwood Comprehensive School. It relocated to Magna in 2011 and since that time has continued its charitable ethos, helping a wide range of charities and good causes aimed at supporting the people of Rotherham.
Businesses wishing to support the festival this year can do so by visiting magnarealale.org.uk or by contacting Matthew Ridsdale: Tel: 01709 321585. Email: matthew@cannonpr.co.uk.
GETTING THERE:
A new station at Magna on the Tram Train line will be open in early 2026 making it easy to get to the festival. The Tram Train runs from Sheffield City Centre (Cathedral) to Parkgate via Rotherham Central station.
First’s X3 bus (Sheffield to Doncaster via Meadowhall and Rotherham) also serves Magna, with bus stops on the main road behind the venue.
The balloons were out recently as No.3 on Sharrow Vale Road celebrated its first birthday. This welcoming micro-pub is operated by Loxley Brewery – the name comes from the fact that it is the 3rd outlet to be opened by them, not the address. Three hand-pumps feature an ever-changing range of Loxley beers, complemented by 7 guest kegs. The unique bar top is something special.
On the (busy!) night, all customers were treated to a free drink, and a buffet was laid on. The ‘Artisan Tiramusu Boutique’ over the road had closed, so we tucked into pastry-encased delicacies and bread’n’dripping. Lovely. Thanks to all for the hospitality, and here’s to number two, No. 3!
We can’t quite believe another year has passed! 2025 has FLOWN by as our first full year as an Employee Owned business, and we can’t wait to head into our 30th anniversary year – we’ve got some exciting plans in the pipeline, so watch this space!
Heading onto bars before the end of the year, we’ve got Winter, a crisp and flavourful 4.2% pale ale brewed with Ekuanot hops, and Holly, a new addition to our gorgeous botanical print inspired series. This one features Nelson Sauvin, Willamette and Cascade hops which come together to bring a cornucopia of citrus flavour and a well-balanced bitterness.
We’ve also got an exciting 6.5% IPA on the way – Further Greetings from Fort Mill, in collaboration with Amor Artis, who have visited us all the way from South Carolina! This one features Plumage Archer, a grain older than the USA, upon which we’ve layered oodles of punchy hop character from Simcoe, Centennial and Cashmere. Spicy and herbal, with notes of oily resin softened by hints of fruity melon.
Heralding the new year, as is our tradition, we’ll have Doctor Morton’s Duck Baffler back (4.1%), a pale ale single hopped with Citra which is always incredibly popular. January also brings another returning favourite, Alchemy, a 4.2% Amarillo hopped delight!
From the Brewers Emporium, Sticky Toffee Pudding Stout will be the latest addition to our Salvation series which is a surefire winner on a dark winter’s evening. Best enjoyed by a roaring fire. And just in time for Burns Night, we’ve got our first ever 80 Shilling Ale on the way in the Restoration series. Loosely inspired by a recipe dating from 1957, expect a satisfyingly smooth and well-balanced beer, malt-forward with a rich dried fruit character and a gentle bitterness in the finish. Bring on the haggis!
Dog & Partridge, Sheffield City Centre – November Pub of the MonthWellington, Shalesmoor – October Pub of the MonthRed Lion, Litton – September Pub of the Month Harlequin, Nursery Street, Sheffield – August Pub of the Month
Branch members attending the November branch meeting received a warm welcome from management at the Lord Nelson on Arundel Street. Fanny’s as the pub is affectionately known, is a small traditional pub a little off the beaten track. It is very much a Sheffield United pub situated fairly near to Bramall Lane. By coincidence United were playing that evening, away at Coventry, the match being televised. We were allowed use of the upstairs function room, and those of us interested could follow the match on the big screen.
On the night 4 traditional ales were available including Osset White Rat and draught Bass. Members also enjoyed some very nice pork pie compliments of the management.
All in all, a very enjoyable evening, apart from the football, as the Blades lost 3-1!
Notwithstanding that I am sure that many members will be making a return visit in the near future.
Thornbridge & Co (a joint venture between Thornbride Brewery and Pivovar that has already seen success with the Market Cat in York, Bankers Cat in Leeds and The Colmore in Birmingham) are delighted to announce the launch of their flagship new bar, The Fargate, opening in one of Sheffield’s most prominent city centre locations. Doors will officially open at midday on the 22nd of October.
The new venue brings together the storied elegance of the former Yorkshire Bank (previously the Yorkshire Penny Savings Bank) with a carefully designed pub interior created to feel timeless. Dark polished wood, elegant leather seating, herringbone floors, brass accents, chandeliers and curated artwork create the impression of a bar that could have stood here for over a century.
At its heart is a striking horseshoe bar serving 10 cask ales, half of them Thornbridge, as well as 16 draft beer lines. The ground floor also features screened booths, a snug, banquette seating, and full-height glazing to the front, offering a light and inviting space.
A spiral staircase leads to the first floor, where a different atmosphere awaits. Here, a pizza kitchen with an impressive Italian corner oven takes centre stage, visible through glazed screens. The design combines reclaimed timber walls, decorated ceilings, and original architectural details to create a brighter, more contemporary setting. Seating includes both leather banquettes and informal benches, ideal for larger groups. With views across Fargate and towards Sheffield’s City Hall, it promises to be a unique spot to enjoy a pizza and a pint while people-watching in the heart of the city.
Jamie Hawksworth, Thornbridge & Co Director and Pivovar Co-President, said:
“The Fargate is on track to become a defining feature of Sheffield’s pub scene, thanks to a large investment in its unique design. We’re delighted to help shape the vibrant new era of the City Centre.”
Simon Webster, CEO and Co-Founder of Thornbridge, continued:
“We’re eager to open our doors to the people of Sheffield and contribute to the continued growth and character of the area.”
Abbeydale Brewery, Sheffield’s longest established brewery, are celebrating this week, having been announced on the shortlist for three prestigious nationwide awards.
Firstly, they’ve scooped a spot in the top three in the Best Drinks Producer category in the famed BBC Food & Farming Awards. The three finalists in each category were chosen from thousands of nominations by a judging panel of experts, headed up by renowned chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Abbeydale are the only brewery to be recognised on the shortlist this year, alongside sparkling wine company Nyetimber and the Yorkshire Wolds Apple Juice Co in this highly competitive category.
In addition, they’ve been nominated for the title of Brewery of the Year in the 2025 Brewers Choice Awards, organised by industry magazine the Brewers Journal, where their much-loved beer Black Mass has also been shortlisted in the “Beer of the Year” category.
Founded in 1996, Abbeydale Brewery are well known for producing a huge range of beers (in particular their flagship pale ale, Moonshine), blending innovation with heritage and reflecting these values across their beers. These nominations all come as the brewery heads towards the first anniversary of becoming 100% employee owned, a pioneering change in ownership which has seen them gain a reputation as industry trailblazers, including winning the Employer of the Year title from the Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA).
Co-Managing Director Dan Baxter says of the nominations “I’m so proud of the team and what we have achieved in making the shortlist for these fantastic awards. Since becoming an EOT last year, our core values of working within our community, championing our employees, doing business the right way and dong it all with a sense of humour – as well as, of course, making excellent beer! – have been made ever more visible for more people to see, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised.” His fellow Co-MD, Toby Grattidge, echoes these sentiments, adding “We’re incredibly proud of our first year of employee ownership and how hard everyone has worked. Publicans and drinkers alike have been so supportive, and it feels fantastic to see this reflected by being shortlisted on a national scale”.
This summer, our Festival Cellar manager Lee Vallett accepted a challenge even more difficult than sorting the cooling for 200 casks of beer. Swimming the English Channel!
At 04:17, 2nd July 2025, I set off from England to swim to France. I’ve been preparing for 3 years to do this.
Lee’s group signing the wall in the White Horse in Dover. A tradition with channel swimmers for over 20 years
The water was 16.5 degrees and it was still dark. It all seemed ok for the first hour, having swum 6 hours at 14 degrees earlier in the year. But then so soon in the swim, I started with shoulder pain and had to slow down a bit which led to me feeling cold. I felt defeated. I wanted to quit. When I stopped to tell my team, they had other ideas! Just do 15 more minutes with some Paracetamol and see how it goes was their response! So I swam on. 15 minutes came and went, the shoulder improved and so did my pace. I also warmed up and felt a glimmer of hope. 15 minutes became 30, which became my next feed, and 45 minutes later the feed after that as well. The 45 minute blocks soon added up and at 6 hours, I was half way and it was then I started to believe I was going to do this! I had a couple of jelly fish stings! I strangely welcomed them, they took my mind off the never ending repetition of left arm right arm!
Lee swimming!
9 hours in and we could see land! Time to push on and make sure the tide didn’t sweep us past the finish at Cap Gris-Nez! For the last hour I was just fighting the tide! Giving it everything against the power of the sea! It was just enough. I landed after 12 hours 24 minutes and hauled myself out of the water! A Channel Swimmer! Then back to the boat for a ride home.
I took some pretty big life lessons out there, in the 21 miles between England and France! 1. You can do anything with the right team behind you. A team who builds you up when you’re in doubt, and who cheers you on when you need it the most. A team who celebrates with you when you achieve your dreams. 2. Sometimes we set ourselves huge goals and targets. It always seems like a great idea at the time. And then you find yourself at the start. Waiting to jump in. This could be a sporting event or a new project at work. And when faced with the whole of the thing right in front of you, it can be overwhelming. All you can do in these situations is get through the next 15 minutes. And then the next. It soon adds up and before you know it! You’ll be home and dry!
I fundraised for Alzheimer’s Society. A terrible condition my Grandma suffered terribly with. Through incredible support, we have raised over £5000. My page is still open if you would like to donate.
Search “lee is off to france” on justgiving.com.
To finish with, lots of people ask me why I wanted to do it. I think a quote from one of my favourite author’s books says it pretty well:
“Some humans would do anything to see if it was possible to do it. If you put a large switch in some cave somewhere, with a sign on it saying ‘End-of-the-World Switch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH’, the paint wouldn’t even have time to dry.”
(Sir Terry Pratchett – Thief of Time).
Thanks again to everyone who supported – I’m forever Grateful. Lee
The recorded route showing how they have to account for the tide
This month, as the evenings start to draw in, the light vs dark duo of Archangel and Dark Angel make a return – both 4.5% and hopped with the combination of Simcoe and Vic Secret, but there the similarity ends! In the pale version, expect a bright tropical character and a piney, fresh finish. In the stout, the hops meld with the rich malt backbone for tasty fruitcake flavours and a long-lasting bitter finish.
Also hitting bars this month, Doctor Morton’s Angler Management (4.1%) is fishing for compliments with its pleasant floral aroma and delicate lychee flavours. Very refreshing with a pleasingly crisp bitterness.
And our next collaboration is with the fantastic North Riding Brew Co, friends of ours for many years and joining us to create the latest in our acclaimed Travel Poster series. Ride North to Scarborough (4.2%). Columbus, Citra and Vic Secret hops combine in this classic, convivial pale with a vivid, citrussy character and a juicy finish.
From the Restoration series we’ll be releasing our first ever Ruby Mild (4.8%) – rich, smooth and full bodied, with unsung heroes of the UK hop world Fuggles giving a gently floral blackcurrant character to balance out the mellow and moreish malt bill. Subtle yet satisfying and the perfect choice as we head into autumn.
Hope to see lots of you at the Steel City Beer Festival!
