The recent inspirational Sheffield Heritage Fair and the equally successful, South Yorkshire Listing Project, continue to highlight the importance of our local heritage: how we learn about our past and how it shapes our future. One integral aspect of this interest is pubs: for centuries, the home of personal interactions and a barometer of social change. Pubs are part of our heritage; places where our ancestors lived, worked and relaxed: places that have had a major effect on the development of our city.
The latest edition of the book, Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs will be available for the forthcoming national CAMRA Members’ Weekend, AGM and Conference (21-23 April). Compared to the previous edition, this A5, 120 pages, new expanded version includes over 70 new images, new entries and considerable text changes and additions. As Exposed magazine stated:’ A must-have for any pub aficionado or history-buff.’
In addition, we also have a new 32 page Pub Heritage Walk illustrated booklet. This provides detailed instructions for a heritage walk from the University Arms to Fagan’s. Included en route are several pubs. This has been on sale from early March: two of the retail outlets (Beer Central and the Millennium Galleries) were forced to re-stock after less than a week. Other outlets include Kelham Island Books and Records and the University Arms.
Both publications are also available by mail order. Contact pubheritage@sheffield.camra.org.uk for both post details and retail enquiries.
A timely reminder of the musical legacy of Fagan’s famous musical gatherings has appeared in the form of a new CD from local folk singer Fil Tebbutt.
Fil is one of the many musicians to have graced the back room at the pub during Tom & Barbara Boulding’s time as landlord and landlady and has now teamed up with several other regulars to produce an album combining both traditional and modern folk songs.
“When the martins take to the wing” features songs that Fagan’s regulars will have no doubt heard drifting across the bar, and one of them “The Girls of Glossop Road” even includes Tom’s own voice on the choruses.
It’s an excellent collection of tunes, all expertly sung and played, and great to play at home if you’re missing the craic. All profits from the CD go to charity, and you’ll probably have to visit the pub on a folk night to try and get hold of a copy. I heartily recommend you do.
Fagan’s Stories
As readers will know, Tom and Barbara Boulding, landlords of Fagan’s pub, retired in February after 37 years behind the bar. In the weeks before their retirement, Tom took time to record some of the stories and history behind the objects and artwork hanging on the walls of the pub, with pub regulars Tegwen Roberts, Ed Wynn and Dave Young.
One of the videos involves Tom talking about the day of the Hillsborough football disaster, which he remembers vividly. Did you know that the Mayor of Osaka once came to Fagan’s for his tea? Or that the former landlord Joe Fagan served in Bomber Command, and was a member of the Caterpillar Club? Hear these and other stories on YouTube @FagansStoriesSheffield.
Tegwen has also recorded a podcast about the early history of the Fagan’s – which goes back to the late 18th century – with support from Ed, Dave and producer Steve Dunbobbin. The podcast is a short dive into the early history of Fagan’s (formerly the Barrel Inn) told through the stories of some of the many people who have been part of the pub and its community over the past 200 years.
The podcast includes interviews with musicians who have played in the pub’s legendary back room, artist Pete McKee who created ‘the Snog’ mural on the gable wall, and CAMRA’s own Dave Pickersgill.
The podcast is available on Soundcloud; again just search for Fagans Stories Sheffield. There is currently one episode available, with another episode to come shortly with more stories from the pub’s community. As Tom says, ‘It’s Fagan’s, so there’s always a tale’.
This area of pubs is a short distance out the City Centre in a South West direction and is made up of two areas – the “Heeley Triangle” with pubs on the main Chesterfield Road and the hills above it along with venues along Abbeydale Road which combined make up a bigger triangle shaped pub crawl.
Regular buses on the Chesterfield Road corridor (20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17) serve the Heeley side of the triangle, buses on the Abbeydale Road corridor (75/76/86/97/98) run regularly on the Broadfield side with the bit in-between being walkable in under 10 minutes (or there is a limited bus service, the 10/10a).
This can also be combined with a visit to pubs on London Road (see separate article on our website). There are also a number of classic community locals in the Nether Edge area which is walkable from Abbeydale Road. It is also only a short bus ride up to Woodseats where there are three micropubs, a number of traditional locals and a Wetherspoons.
The Heeley area is a classic real ale pub crawl that has been a favourite for many years whilst Abbeydale Road has been a more recent development with an eclectic selection of little bars and cafes springing up alongside the bigger venues.
More information on the pubs is available on CAMRA’s pub database website – whatpub.com; bus timetables and maps are available at travelsouthyorkshire.com.
Sheaf View, Gleadless Road Previously a failed, closed and boarded up Marstons pub, James Birkett bought the pub in 2000 and transformed it. Two rooms, both clean and simple, good range of real ales and continental beers at reasonable prices, knowledgeable staff and an outdoor drinking area. There have been few substantial changes to the winning formula since, even with recent changes of ownership. Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17
Brothers Arms, Well Road Previously known as the Olde Shakespeare, this pub was taken over by a member of the Everley Pregnant Brothers Ukelele Parody band who’s day job is a brewery rep! Inside the pub has a traditional layout with cosy corners and a dart board, there is a great choice of beers at fair prices and basic bar snacks are available. Outside, the pubs hillside situation means the extensive beer garden offers fantastic views over the City. Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17
White Lion, London Road One of Sheffield’s Heritage pubs that still has a corridor and multiple small rooms as well as the bigger open plan rooms towards the back. The pub is also known for having live music at the weekend and also has a Wednesday quiz night! The bar features a selection of cask ales on handpump, usually including the more well known favourites such as Oakham Citra and Titanic Plum Porter. Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17
A small bar operated by Little Mesters Brewing featuring a mixture of mainstream beers, guest beers and their own brews. Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17
Crown Inn, Albert Road Traditional and comfortable two room pub with a great beer garden. A range of cask ales are available, mainly from the better known breweries. Food is available, primarily pies. Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17
Tramshed, Chesterfield Road Small neighbourhood bar with craft beer (no cask) and attached dining room. Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44
Hardy Pick, Broadfield Close Part of Greene King’s Hungry Horse chain with the associated food menu, family friendly, feel of a motorway service station, range of cask beers from Greene King plus a couple of guests. Get there: buses 10/10a
Broadfield, Abbeydale Road Pub & Restaurant owned by True North Brewery with large patio area at the rear. Always an interesting selection of real ales and other craft beers plus cocktails etc. The dedicated dining area offers table service and booking is advisable for food whilst the relaxed atmosphere of the pub side offers broad appeal. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
Two Thirds Beer Company, Abbeydale Road A neighbourhood craft beer bar with 16 lines of varied cask ales & keg beer, and a bottle bar. Slogan – don’t drink shit beer. Sounds fair to me. Food available. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
Picture House Social, Abbeydale Road Located underneath the old Picture House, it consists of a lounge bar, pizza diner, games room and music venue. 2 or 3 real ales normally available along with a few other craft options. There is also an outdoor drinking area accessed via steps from the diner. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
Over the Yardarm, Abbeydale Road A neighbourhood bar inspired by the catina culture of Barcelona and Seville, serving coffee, cocktails, craft keg beers and wine, with bar snacks and sharing platters. Beers include offerings from Abbeydale, Salt and Camden. No cask. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
Abbeydale Tap & Snap, Abbeydale Road A small neighbourhood bar with two handpumps and a simple food menu of flatbreads, fries and nibbles. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
Cole’s Corner, Abbeydale Road A record & art shop that is also a cafe with craft beer available in cans! A pretty cool place to sit outside for a snack and drink. No cask or keg. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
Beer Works, Abbeydale Road Abbeydale Brewery’s new tap room, in the premises previously occupied by Turners Bottle & Tap. Not yet open. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
Dead Donkey Bar, Abbeydale Road Neighbourhood bar offering craft beer on keg along with grilled cheese sandwiches. No cask. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
The Bear, Abbeydale Road Small bottle shop and bar with a number of craft beers on keg. Bear is an acronym – Beer Emporium Abbeydale Road. No cask. Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98
The real ale trail around Kelham Island, Shalesmoor, Neepsend and Hillsborough – The Upper Don Valley – is pretty much the modern history of Sheffield’s real ale scene. Much of the area is a former industrial district but is now in advanced stages of gentrification with lots of pubs, bars, cafes, breweries and residential developments as well as a little remaining industry.
There are two key public transport corridors through the valley – the Blue and Yellow tram route down one edge and the number 7 and 8 bus down the other.
Shalesmoor tram stop is a useful gateway to the whole area whilst the 7/8 bus will take you close to the Neepsend pubs.
You can also stay on the tram to Hillsborough where there is a run of pubs and bars both small and large, however this article focuses on the Kelham Island and Neepsend area – check out our Hillsborough guide for venues further up the valley.
Alder Bar – Burton Road Alder bar was previously the Sheffield Brewery Company and is located in the former Blanco Polish factory, which supplied the British troops in World War Two. Beer was brewed here from 2006 until the Coronavirus pandemic, on kit arranged on the traditional tower principle. The bar in the brewery was rescued from a student halls of residence that has since been demolished and fits in style with the Victorian building. Currently brewing has been suspended until further notice and the bar is now operated independently as “Alder” with a range of guest ales and regular special events. Get there: bus 7,8. Nearest tram stop Shalesmoor.
Crow – Scotland Street One of the newest pubs on the real ale and craft beer scene with the addition of en suite hotel rooms upstairs, brought to you by the same people as the Rutland Arms. Bar snacks primarily include pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls. A short walk up Lambert Street from Shakespeares pub and the rest of the Kelham Island circuit. Get there – bus 31 (or walk up from Gibraltar Street)
The grandaddy of Sheffield’s real ale pub scene – the first real ale free house to feature beers from outside the area and the first to offer a no smoking room! An old, traditional multi-room pub that hasn’t changed in many years, has a great beer garden and a simple, affordable food menu that always includes a veggie/vegan and gluten free option. The pub was previously associated with Kelham Island Brewery which has since changed ownership. Get there – Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street
Forest / Toolmakers Brewery tap room – Rutland Road/Botsford Street The Forest is just that little bit up the hill away from the popular Kelham Island circuit allowing it to remain a simple locals pub with reasonable beer prices, yet is still welcoming and comfortable. The beer on the bar is from the Toolmakers Brewery located around the corner owned by the same couple as the pub, the brewery has a tap room that opens up on a part time basis for special events including live music and open mic sessions – check their social media for details. Get there – bus 7/8 to Neepsend Lane.
Gardeners’ Rest – Neepsend Lane One of Sheffield’s classic real ale pubs featuring around 6 regularly changing cask beers. The pub has 3 rooms – the main lounge, snug (featuring bar billiards table) and conservatory, leading out to the quite wonderfully eccentric riverside beer yard. The pub is now community owned and gets involved with a lot of community initiatives. Note card payment only. Get there – bus 7,8 stops outside or Infirmary Road tram stop is walkable.
Grafters – Percy Street Small container bar boasting a spacious outdoor garden with heating and covered seating areas. Serving cask, keg and bottled delights alongside a carefully selected range of hand picked spirits and mixers. Note this bar doesn’t normally open in the winter. Get there: bus 7,8. Nearest tram stop Shalesmoor.
Harlequin – Nursery Street Fairly big L-shape pub, recently reopened following refurbishment under the same management as the Rutland Arms and Crow Inn. The bar features 7 varied cask ales plus cider along with an interesting range of craft beers on keg. An ethos of only stocking independent producers where possible applies to all the beers, wines and spirits! Tutored tasting events are held now and again. The lower area at the back of the pub features a dartboard and also hosts live music some weekends. There is a small outdoor drinking area at the rear. A simple menu of good quality home cooked food is served at meal times, look out for the specials board on the bar. Get there – buses 7,8,75
Kelham Island Tavern – Russell Street One of the area’s long established real ale pubs that has won many awards over the years including National CAMRA Pub of the Year for two consecutive years. It is a basic pub with two rooms and a beer garden that is kept well presented, large beer range with all basic styles including mild, stout/porter and traditional bitter alongside popular pale hoppy offerings and more across 13 handpumps, usually including some from Blue Bee Brewery. A recent bar refit has also increased the number of craft beers on keg. Bar snacks include pork pies, bhajis and samosas. Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street
Millowners Arms – Kelham Island Museum Formerly a museum exhibit celebrating Sheffield’s pub and brewing history, this traditional pub room is now open full time as a public bar with real ale and other craft beers available along with a simple food menu. Get there – Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street
Themed bar serving beer and food. Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or bus 7, 8
New Barrack Tavern – Penistone Road Friendly multi room roadhouse pub owned by Castle Rock Brewery but operated independently by Kev and Steph. Popular with the more discerning fans of Sheffield Wednesday football club and Sheffield Tigers Speedway team whilst the weekend live music and comedy events also draw a crowd. Usually a good selection of real ales on the bar and an extensive cider and bottled beer selection also features. Get there: Bamforth Street tram stop or buses 7,8,86.
Riverside– Mowbray Street Bar owned by True North Brewery offering their beers plus guests and food is available. As the name implies, there is also an extensive outdoor drinking area overlooking the river Don. Get there: bus 7,8,75,83
Shakespeares – Gibralter Street One of those old places that has been around for years and dates back to the days of being a coaching inn with stables at the back for the horse and carriage, it only really became noteworthy from a beer point of view in recent years since becoming independently owned and operated. The interior is a basic ale house style with several rooms on the ground floor plus a live music room and games room upstairs. The bar offers an extensive range of craft beers on cask and keg served by knowledgeable staff, they also boast quite an extensive top shelf spirit choice. Get there: bus 57,81,82. Nearest tram stops Cathedral or Shalesmoor.
Ship Inn– Shalesmoor Classic pub that won an award for its last refurbishment. Laid back atmosphere. Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop is across the road or buses 57,57a,81,82,86.
SALT – Green Lane New build pub/restaurant, initially opened as “Stew & Oyster” but since refurbished and become SALT brewery’s Sheffield bar pairing craft beer with bao buns to eat. Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86
Wellington – Henry Street Old fashioned two room pub next to Shalesmoor tram stop operated by Neepsend Brewery featuring craft beer on cask and keg from their range plus guests. Also known for its cheap sandwiches and whisky selection! The kind of pub where you sit and enjoy quiet conversation or read the paper. Beer garden also available. Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86
Former industrial building expensively renovated with part of it converted into a bar (the other part is a clothes warehouse for the Drop Dead Clothing designer brand). The bar features craft beer, cocktails, vegan fast food, photo booth, classic coin-op arcade games, Playstation pods, pool table, music and riverside balcony. Sounds hipster as hell, actually a really cool, relaxed place to chill with a beer. Cask ale sometimes available. Get there – Infirmary Road tram stop or buses 7,8,86
Heist Brew Co – Neepsend Lane The new kid on the block, a converted industrial building containing a brewery, burger joint, coffee and craft beer bar with 30 taps and a fridge full of exotica. Oh and a mini games arcade. Cask beer sometimes available for special events. Get there: Infirmary Road tram stop or bus 7, 8
Small craft beer bottle shop and bar on a modern residential development. Get there – Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street
Old Workshop – Hick Street Bar in, as the name suggests, an old former workshop! Features a range of craft beer, premium spirits and vegan fast food, in a laid back atmosphere. Get there: bus 7,8 or Shalesmoor tram stop
Peddler Market – Burton Road, Neepsend Takes place the first weekend of most months in an old warehouse and surrounding courtyards, featuring a craft beer bar with a different guest brewery each month, numerous street food traders, makers stalls, music and more. Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or bus 7, 8
Saw Grinders Union – Shalesmoor Smart but relaxed bar & dining room serving cocktails and craft beer. Outside courtyard area also offers seating. Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86.
Sheffield Beer Week returns in 2023 for it’s ninth event with a renewed vigour around their key strand, ‘Going Back To Our Beer Roots‘. Focusing on showcasing the brilliantly brewed Sheffield beer from breweries within the City Region. Ongoing core strands include Beer and Food, Community and Heritage; with additional strands including International Women’s Day events and celebrating our access to vital green spaces under The Outdoor City banner.
Sheffield breweries Tapped Brew Co, Little Critters, Heist, Loxley, Abbeydale (look out for their Cloud Peak session IPA with Sheffield Beer Week and Indie Beer Feast!) and True North are already planning special beers for the week, with further breweries to announce more. Tapped Brew Co, housed at The Sheffield Tap pub, are even planning a live brewing day during the week, so watch this space for further details on that! Saint Mars of the Desert and Stancill breweries are hosting open tap days, whilst the rejuvenated Kelham Island Brewery will be highlighting its flagship beer Pale Rider, which started the ‘beer journey’ for many people in the city.
Visit Sheffield’s The Festival of the Outdoors has become a vibrant month of annual activities in March itself and to tie in Sheffield Beer Week is hosting a number of events under this banner. Local historian Dave Pickersgill, editor of CAMRA’s ‘Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs’, will be hosting his popular heritage pub and brewery walks. There will be a number of running events too including a trail club organised by Abbeydale Brewery and their Rising Sun pub and Hop Hideout beer shop’s all abilities welcome run social.
As always there’ll be a celebration of great independent brewed beer from across Sheffield, the UK and beyond with venues Jabbarwocky, The Crow Inn, Rutland Arms, Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield Tap, Heist Brew Co., Stancill Brewery, Brewery of St Mars of the Desert, Craft & Berry, Hop Hideout, Beer Central, True North pubs and Shakespeares Ale & Cider House already planning events. Look out for more venues and events to be added on our website via the 2023 events listing.
On the weekend of 3-4March, to kick-off the week, Sheffield’s craft beer festival, Indie Beer Feast launches. A celebration of great independent craft beer with brewery bars, street food, low intervention wines and fine cider. The beer festival champions and supports The Everyone Welcome initiative. British Guild of Beer Writers’ members and leading UK award-winning beer writers Adrian Tierney-Jones and Pete Brown will be heading up to host pop-up tastings and to judge the Indie Beer Feast ‘Beer of the Festival’. Breweries pouring include Sheffield outfits Saint Mars of the Desert, Heist, Triple Point and Abbeydale. In addition to Manchester’s Sureshot, Liverpool’s Neptune, Lancashire’s Rivington Brewing Co, Birmingham’s Attic Brew Co, Hitchin’s Crossover Blendery, London’s The Kernel, Rock Leopard and Wild Card Brewery, Huddersfield’s Beer Ink, Macclesfield’s Redwillow, Suffolk’s Little Earth Project and County Durham’s McColl’s Brewery. They’ll also award-winning Sheffield beer shop Hop Hideout hosting a bar and bottle shop, in addition to low intervention Italian wines from importers Naturally Wines.
Here are the events that had been announced at our time of going to press to give you some ideas – the latest list and more details can be found on the Beer Week website.
2 Mar, Gardeners Rest – Drone Valley tap takeover and meet the brewer
2 Mar, Pangolin – Sureshot tap takeover and meet the brewer
2 Mar, Sheffield Tap – Neptune Tap Takeover and meet the brewer
12 Mar, Rutland Arms – Brasserie Artisinale Ammonite Bottle Tasting
If you are planning on spending the week using public transport to explore Sheffield and visit beer week venues, you can get timetables and maps from Travel South Yorkshire and buy a weekly Citywide bus & tram pass from Travelmaster. Alternatively one day passes can be bought on board buses & trams or on the First & Stagecoach bus apps. All single rides on buses and trams currently cost £2 (or less for some very short bus journeys).
There are a number of good pubs that don’t really fit into any of our local area guides as they aren’t somewhere that makes a pub crawl but are still worth the trip! Here’s a round up of some of them.
Small bar with a different mood depending when you go – it opens from 9am with decent coffee and nice cakes – as well as the range of craft beers on both cask and keg. After lunch the cakes are moved out of sight and it then has more of a micropub feel. Some evenings see entertainment such as quiz nights and live music.
Getting there: Buses 50, 50a and 53 stop outside. Buses 30a and 55 nearby.
The second branch in a chain of two Guzzle micropubs! Offers a range of mainly local session ales plus of course gin and other pub favourites to enjoy in a friendly atmosphere. If you are visiting Fuggle Bunny Brewhouse then Guzzle is a 10 minute walk away.
Getting there: bus 26/26a, 74 or 80/80a from Crystal Peaks.
The second and perhaps more modern micropub on Woodseats serving real ale. This one also offers good coffee and has an upstairs dining area serving pizza.
Getting there: buses 24,25,43,44,75,76 and 76a stop outside.
A basic multi-roomed boozer that spent many years opening part time, now under new ownership and gradually being transformed into a worthwhile destination pub with a range of real ales and other craft beers, old fashioned juke box, pool table, TV screens showing sport and occasional live music.
Getting there: buses 7,8 and 86 from Sheffield Centre; bus 97 from Hillsborough Interchange.
At 309 m above sea level, this pub is the most remote in Sheffield. In addition to rough stone walls, oak beams and flagstones from the original 1560 building, cask beer and an extensive menu are available.
Bradfield Brewery owned and dating from over 200 years ago, good value meals complement a wide selection of their beers. There are several fine etched Tennant Brothers windows each with a colourful stained and leaded crest.
Provides a wide menu and a range of cask beers: Thwaites plus guests. The beer garden provides extensive views across the ‘Sheffield Lakelands’ and into the Peak District.
Dating from 1790, a country pub with exposed stone walls, low beamed ceilings and three open fires. Extensive menus and cask beer. Three double en suite letting rooms.
Getting there: Buses 57 & 57a stop about a mile away.
Extensively rebuilt in 1903 and renovated in 2015, this one* heritage pub serves two cask beers. Nine en suite letting rooms are available in ‘the Outdoor Town in the Outdoor City.’
Hillsborough is an urban centre that as well as being a residential area it contains many shops, restaurants, a park and of course the famous football stadium. The established area for pubs is Hillsborough corner, where the main tram stop is located (Blue and Yellow routes) along with a bus station and river, whilst numerous micropubs have sprung up further along Middlewood road around Hillsborough Park tram stop (Yellow route).
New bar located on the inbound platform of Hillsborough tram stop in a converted shop unit. It is run by the same people as the original Beer House micropub on Ecclesall Road, however this one is a little bigger. 5 cask ales are available, one of which is usually Gluten Free, there is also a range of keg craft beers along with your usual range of pub drinks plus proper coffee. Open midday to 11pm daily.
Craft beer bar and shop located on the inbound platform at Hillsborough Park tram stop. Two rotating cask lines in addition to craft keg offerings. Two-pint containers are available to take away draught beers. Regular events include cheese and wine nights and quizzes.
Traditional pub with an impressive exterior. Inside a large open plan bar serves several drinking areas including a snooker room (with a 3/4 sized table) and a charming wood panelled snug.
Included on the Regional Inventory of historic pub interiors, this multi-roomed pub has an original 1936 floor plan. It has a ‘Gilmour’ branded door step, some original windows and distinctive and colourful exterior tiles. Available are up to five guest beers, including seasonal ales from Castle Rock. Outside is an award-winning, heated, covered patio garden. Events including live music and comedy are held some weekends.
ALSO A SHORT BUS RIDE AWAY…..
Railway at Wadsley Bridge (bus 97 from Hillsborough Interchange bus station)
Horse & Jockey at Wadsley (bus 57a from Langsett Road or Middlewood Road)
The Hope Valley is West of Sheffield in the Peak District National Park and served by bus service 271/272, generally on an hourly frequency, along with an hourly train service on the Sheffield-Manchester line. Additionally bus 257 runs from Sheffield a different route serving the village centres in Bamford, Hathersage and Grindleford. (Note bus 257 doesn’t serve the Hope Valley on Sundays, it instead goes over the Snake Pass to Glossop, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Castleton)
The area offers some breathtaking scenery, Castleton is also known for its show caves, including one where underground boat tours are available! There are of course many country pubs too, along with Intrepid brewery.
Note that the Hope Valley is in Derbyshire when choosing your travel ticket. Buses are operated by a combination of First South Yorkshire and Hulleys of Baslow, trains are operated primarily by Northern although there are two a day provided by East Midlands Railway. Information on public transport in Derbyshire can be found here.
A large ’boutique hotel’ with modern public bar, lounge and restaurant. Impressive views from the large garden. Casual walkers and dogs welcome. Snacks are served in the bar from 12pm-9pm. Real fires in the lounge and bar area.
Built to serve the nearby millstone quarry, now popular with walkers and climbers. Open plan with large well furnished seating/dining areas. Extensive outdoor area partly under cover.
The central bar serves the two level main lounge areas each with a splendid fire place. The building is a converted farmhouse on the banks of the river Derwent with an extensive beer garden.
Get there: bus 257 or train followed by a short walk.
Large stone built pub which has had extensive internal renovations refurbishment and the new bright clean interior now has a carvery style servery, dining and seating areas and a bar area. Three ever changing cask beers are on offer.
Formerly a 500 year old inn, this luxury Derbyshire hotel in the heart of the Peak District has been transformed into a pub offering a range of real ales in their public bar.
Comforting pub dating from the Edwardian period decorated with horse brasses and ornamental plates. The pub features a main bar area, two seated dining areas and a bar-side room around the central bar servery. The pleasant garden overlooks a stream.
At the heart of Bamford and not far from Ladybower reservoir, this is a community hub in every sense, where the locals have been running the pub (and associated Post Office and Rest Cafe) since 2013. The main bar is the focal point and is extremely popular with families, walkers and particularly cyclists who have access to dedicated cycle parking and a DIY repair shop. There is also a quieter snug. Good value, rustic bar food is served Wednesday to Sunday. Walkers and dogs are welcome, and there is secure parking available for cyclists, and disabled car parking spaces.
Set in a glorious location adjacent to the Ladybower reservoir. Serves quality drink and food using local produce. 14 comfortable bedrooms. Cycle friendly pub, includes a cycles repair tool station in the garden.
Exposed low beams and stone walls lend a rustic feel to this quiet relaxed village local, dating from 1676 and just uphill from the village green. A popular community pub offering a very diverse range of entertainments, complemented by a choice of three real ales as well as excellent food.
Get there: bus 271 or 272 (note not all journeys serve Bradwell)
Large roadside pub, open plan but with distinct areas around the island bar. There is a big screen showing sporting events and good value pool table. Dogs and walkers welcome.
Typical village corner pub with a large open plan bar area. Traditional, relaxed and friendly atmosphere maintained. The snug features a real fire. Five B&B rooms available. Tea room adjoins building serving 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm. Beer festivals held most bank holiday weekends.
Get there: bus 271 or 272, alternatively train followed by a short walk.
A cosy country inn dating from 1578 with an open plan bar area and a smaller room at a lower level that was probably originally used to house animals, but now is mainly used as a dining area. Home cooked meals using local produce are served lunchtimes and evenings.
Get there: bus 271 or 272 followed by a short walk.
Uncomplicated Greene King owned local village boozer split into two drinking areas with rear car park and outdoor seating area. Recently renovated following damage to the building.
Get there: bus 271 or 272, alternatively train followed by a short walk.
A family run B&B with a bar open to non-residents offering a range of four real ales. The opening times are ‘flexible’. They serve bar snack types of food from burgers, wraps, sides and sharing platters from 3pm-8pm Tue-Sun.
An excellent traditional village inn. A central bar separates the dining and bustling lounge areas. Names of landlords inscribed on low wooden beams. Walkers welcome. Six real ales on offer, all from local brewers.
The bar areas include a feature fireplace, exposed stone walls and carved wooden chairs. Stylish dining room and busy family food trade. Live Music every Saturday from 9pm. Excellent range of real ales including beers from several local breweries, and also real cider. Serve Breakfast from 8am until 11am each morning.
High quality home cooked food provides the backbone of this family run hotel. A spacious wood panelled dining room, while leather sofas feature in the smaller bar area. Six different Robinsons real ales are offered. Courtyard drinking area and newly refurbished barn for indoor/outdoor eating and drinking.
A chain pub aiming to create an authentic atmosphere with local pictures adorning the walls, candlelit tables and wooden beams. Walkers welcome. Dogs allowed in the bar and water and dog treats provided.
Cosy two roomed back street pub. The flag stoned tap room welcomes walkers and dogs, while the carpeted restaurant is for diners only. Attractive forecourt seating. Three real ales are offered.
The Masons Arms, Carson Road in Crookes is now open every day and selling real ale.
Gav and Rhiann are running the pub, opening at 4pm Monday and Tuesday and 12 noon the rest of the week with a full list of opening times displayed in the window.
Sharp’s Doombar, Bradfield Farmer’s Blonde and a rotating guest beer, usually from a Sheffield brewery are available, a similar range to their sister pub the Shoulder of Mutton at Worrell.
There are two rooms and an enclosed outside drinking area which is suitable for families. A pool table and dartboard plus dominoes and other board games are there for customers to enjoy. Quiz night is on Wednesday starting at 8pm with drinks vouchers to be won and a complementary buffet.
Dronfield is a small town just south of Sheffield over the county boundary in Derbyshire. It can be reached by train in about ten minutes or Stagecoach bus 43/44 provides a regular service from Sheffield with a “Silver Dayrider” ticket offering good value all day travel on Stagecoach services.
The town centre is in two parts, “Dronny Bottom” in the valley where the rail station is, from there head uphill via Church Street past, you’ve guessed it, the church and onto the High Street where the more modern civic centre has been built alongside the historic buildings.
There are a number of pubs and bars in the town centre plus more in the suburbs and surrounding villages, which are linked to Dronfield Civic Centre by local rural buses 15 and 16, also operated by Stagecoach.
The area is surprisingly good for real ale and craft beer, partly down to having its own local CAMRA branch which was previously part of a mixture of Sheffield & District and Chesterfield branches; and partly down to being home to some great enterprising publicans and brewers, some of who jointly put on a beer festival every June.
DRONFIELD TOWN
Beer Stop, Callywhite Lane Small, specialist independent beer shop. Massive selection of craft beers in bottle and can, many of which are bottle conditioned ales. They also have interesting craft beers on draft on their keg taps, available to drink in or takeaway. Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 which stops outside.
Blue Stoops, High Street The Blue Stoops reopened in November 2016 after being closed and becoming near derelict. After two years of closure True North Brew Co bought this historical pub and gave it a completely new lease of life, by completing an extensive refurbishment including a function room, restaurant and beer garden. It has since been leased on and is now operated by The Chilled Out Pub Company and has a selection of more well known national real ale brands. Getting there: buses 15/16 to the Civic Centre or bus 43 is a short walk away outside Sainsburys.
Coach & Horses, Sheffield Road Small, cosy pub located next to Sheffield F.C, (the world’s oldest football club}’s ground on the northern edge of Dronfield. It is operated by Thornbridge Brewery and showcases a good range of their beers and guest ales across a wide range of beer styles. The large outdoor drinking area is particularly popular when Sheffield F.C. have a home fixture, or when live music is being played. Getting there: bus 43 stops outside
Dronfield Arms, Chesterfield Road The Dronfield Arms became Dronfield’s first brewpub when a brewery kit was installed downstairs in the former restaurant in 2015. This is on display to customers through a glass panel in the floor of the main bar. The original brewery name was Hopjacker which has been disbanded although the name still appears around the pub. A new brewery Temper are leasing the kit and is brewing without tie to the pub. The Arms features a very long bar with the real ale dispensed at the top end which has a large comfortable seating area. Also on the bar are several keg fonts including KeyKeg. There is an outside raised seating area at the rear of the pub. Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office
Green Dragon, Church Street Cosy historical pub with the addition of a heated outdoor drinking area constructed alongside the car park. Selection of well known real ales both local and national. Operates as a traditional local midweek and has quiz nights Monday and Thursday whilst it becomes a livelier town centre venue at the weekend with a DJ Friday nights and entertainment Saturday nights. Getting there: train or 44 bus to Dronfield station or bus 15/16 to the Civic Centre
Manor House Hotel, High Street The Manor House is a beautiful 15th Century Grade II listed building, full of original features and olde world charm, and located in the centre of the historic town of Dronfield. The vibrant bar and restaurant are both very popular with local residents and hotel guests. DJ plays on most Friday nights – either in the bar or the heated outdoor drinking area behind the hotel. Abbeydale Moonshine available on handpump. Getting there: buses 15/16 to Civic Centre
Pioneer Club, Stonelow Road A family orientated, award winning club where all visitors are welcome. Membership is not required to drink in the lounge bar although members enjoy a discount. Satellite sports channels are available. A varied programme of entertainment is planned for the Concert Room. Extensively refurbished to provide a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere, 4 real ales on the bar including some local beers. Getting there: buses 15 and 44 stop at the end of the drive
Underdog, Chesterfield Road Following an extensive refurbishment of the former Smiffy’s bar (previously a cafe) the Underdog opened its doors in Sept 2019. It is a large single room with a very high ceiling, wooden floors and is furnished in a contemporary design. The long bar hosts five real ales, four ever changing, and several keg lines including some interesting craft options alongside a varied selection of spirits. The bar welcomes dogs and children (check times restrictions) but not vaping. Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office
Victoria, Stubley Lane Traditional, friendly street corner boozer. Although the Vic is in the town centre it is a proper local featuring reasonably priced real ales, comfortable corners, pool table, darts and football on the TV. Getting there: buses 15 and 43 stop around the corner outside Sainsburys.
White Swan, Chesterfield Road Reopened following refurbishment in 2018, this is a classic town centre pub. Two rooms – one a comfortable lounge and the other containing a pool table with sport on TV. Two real ales available. Beer garden accessed via a door at the back of the lounge. Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office
DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE
Jolly Farmer, Pentland Road A former Shipstone’s house, the Jolly Farmer was renamed in the late nineties from the Gorsey Brigg and retains much of the artificial rustic character it was given then. Different levels and alcoves give this large pub a very intimate feel. Up to six real ales available, usually including some local guests. Getting there: bus 43 stops close by.
Miners Arms, Carr Lane Situated in Dronfield Woodhouse this Pub serves the local community. The Miners reopened late August 2022 after a two-year closure. Entertainment Thursdays and Fridays. Real ale is usually Timothy Taylor Landlord. Getting there: bus 16 stops right outside.
Gosforth Fields Pavilion, Bubnell Road Dronfield’s Premier Field Sports Facility – open to the general public. 2 Bars 4 Screen HD Sky/ESPN Sports – Function room available for hire. Opening times are approximate and may vary according to times of televised sporting events! The facilities are jointly owned and operated by Dronfield Town F.C., A.F.C. Dronfield and Dronfield Rugby Club. Two real ales available. Getting there: bus 43 a short walk away on Stubley Lane
DRONFIELD HILLTOP
Hyde Park Inn, Hilltop Road A traditional country inn on the western outskirts of Dronfield. Food served until 9pm. Nice beer garden in summer months. Quiz night Thursday. Getting there: bus 43 a short walk away on Gosforth Lane
UNSTONE
Drone Valley Brewery, Unstone Industrial Complex, off Main Road A brewery run by a community interest society, their tap room operates in a marquee next to the brewery at the weekend. Getting there: bus 43/44 stops on the main road at the end of the drive.
COAL ASTON
Cross Daggers, Brown Lane A comfortable and welcoming true village local tucked away in the heart of Coal Aston. The Cross Daggers is a 19th Century pub which has been home to Landlord, Anthony Hutchinson since 2000. A viewing window in the floor shows the immaculate cellar below. Getting there: Bus 15 stops on the main road nearby.
Royal Oak, Eckington Road A traditional village local, also known as the Pond. Getting there: Bus 15 and 44 passes the pub.
Yew Tree, Holmley Lane A large one room pub, split into two levels. Traditionally, old style decor, clean and spacious. Pool table. Live music some weekends. One real ale. Getting there: Bus 15 a short walk away on Green Lane.
APPERKNOWLE
Travellers Rest, High Street A constantly changing range of cask beers and cider/perries are a feature of this traditional country pub at the edge of the village. The outdoor drinking area provides sweeping views over the Drone Valley – one of the best views in Derbyshire. Good quality food is available at all times, with the cheese platters and pork pies being noteworthy. Getting there: Bus 15 passes the front door and stops close by
HUNDALL
Miners Arms, Hundall Lane A compact, cosy and comfortable wet-led traditional pub with a well-appointed beer garden. Multi-award-winning pub at local and regional levels which hosts up to five quality real ales, including the nearby community Drone Valley Brewery and numerous ciders and perries. Extremely dog friendly, games and TV sports areas. Oversized lined pint glasses used, limited bar snack served at all times. Getting there: Bus 15 will drop you outside the pub
HOLMESFIELD
Rutland Arms, Main Road A popular traditional village country pub with open fires and low wooden beams which offers a relaxing, warm and snug atmosphere. Up to six well kept cask ales available. A handsome collection of Wards breweriana is contained throughout the pub. Extensive outdoor seating area with grassed children’s play area. Getting there: Bus 16 stops outside the pub
George & Dragon, Main Road Popular refurbished (2020) stone built pub opposite the church with a main bar plus comfortable snug featuring a log burning stove. Outdoor decking area popular in summer. Four upstairs rooms converted in 2021 for guest accommodation including one pet friendly room and one family room. Getting there: Bus 16 is a short walk away
Angel Inn, Main Road Traditional freshly prepared gluten and dairy free pub food and at least one gluten free cask beer always available. A comfortable bar area for non-diners is available in addition to the main dining room and conservatory. Beer terrace at front and beer garden at rear popular in summer. Getting there: Bus 16 is a short walk away
MILLTHORPE
Royal Oak, Cordwell Lane A delightful traditional stone built country pub with the main bar and small separate room. Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by
BARLOW
Peacock, Hackney Lane Large pub, smart and comfortable. Extensive menu available starting with breakfast from 9:00 am. A Micro Brewery (Collyfobble Brewery) to supply in-house needs and those of the nearby Tickled Trout opened in July 2017. Guest Accommodation is available. Charging point for electric cars installed in the car park (Purchase tokens from the bar). Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by.
Tickled Trout, Valley Road Recently re-opened after an extensive refurbishment and enlargement. Food locally sourced with Italian inspiration. Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by
Brothers Arms
Crown Inn
Broadfield
Picture House Social
Cole’s Corner, Abbeydale Road
