Category: Pubs

Harder to reach pubs

Posted on by Andy Cullen

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

  • Anchor, Tideswell (bus 65, 66 or 173)
  • Anglers Rest, Bamford (bus 257, 257a or 257b)
  • Anglers Rest, Millers Dale (bus 65)
  • Bank House, Hathersage (bus 272)
  • Blind Bull, Little Hucklow (bus 173 or 257b)
  • Bulls Head, Castleton (bus 62, 173 or 272)
  • Bulls Head, Foolow (bus 65, 66, 257a or 257b)
  • Calver Arms, Calver (bus 65, 66, 257, 257a, 257b or X66)
  • Castle Inn, Castleton (bus 62, 173 or 272)
  • Cheshire Cheese Inn, Hope (bus 62)
  • Cow Shed Cafe, Millers Dale (bus 65)
  • Crispin, Great Longstone (bus 173)
  • Eyam Brewery tap, Tideswell – weekends only (bus 65, 66 or 173)
  • Fox House (bus 65 or 272)
  • George, Castleton (bus 62, 173 or 272)
  • George Hotel, Hathersage (bus 257, 257a or 272)
  • George, Tideswell (bus 65, 66 or 173)
  • Horse & Jockey, Tideswell (bus 65, 66 or 173)
  • Intrepid Brewery, Brough – special events only (bus 173, 257b or 272)
  • Ladybower Inn (bus 257, 257a or 257b)
  • Little John Hotel, Hathersage (bus 257, 257a or 272)
  • Losehill House Hotel & Spa (bus 62)
  • Maynard Arms, Grindleford (bus 65 or train)
  • Millstone, Hathersage (bus 272)
  • Miners Arms, Eyam (bus 65, 257, 257a or 257b)
  • Moon, Stoney Middleton (bus 65, 66, 257, 257a or 257b or X66)
  • Olde Bowling Green Inn, Bradwell (bus 173, 257b or 272)
  • Olde Cheshire Cheese, Castleton (bus 62, 173 or 272)
  • Old Hall Hotel, Hope (bus 62, 173, 257b or 272)
  • Old Nags Head, Edale (bus 62 or train)
  • Olde Nags Head, Castleton (bus 62, 173 or 272)
  • Packhorse Inn, Little Longstone (bus 173)
  • Peak Hotel, Castleton (bus 62, 173 or 272)
  • Plough Inn, Leadmill Bridge (bus 257 or 257a)
  • Queen Anne, Great Hucklow (bus 65, 66 or 173)
  • Rambler Inn, Edale (bus 62 or train)
  • Red Lion, Litton (bus 65 or 173)
  • Scotsmans Pack, Hathersage (bus 272)
  • Shoulder of Mutton, Bradwell (bus 173, 257b or 272)
  • Sir William Hotel, Grindleford (bus 65, 257 or 257a)
  • Stables Bar, Monsal Head (bus 173 or 257a)
  • Star, Tideswell (bus 65, 66 or 173)
  • Swiss Tap, Castleton (bus 62, 173 or 272)
  • Three Stags Heads, Wardlow Mires (bus 173, 257a or X66)
  • Travellers Rest, Brough (bus 173, 257b or 272)
  • White Hart, Bradwell (bus 272)
  • White Lion, Great Longstone (bus 173)
  • Woodroffe Arms, Hope (bus 62, 173, 257b or 272)
  • Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford (bus 257, 257a or 257b)

Sheffield Beer Week

Posted on by Andy Cullen

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

Bus 272 and Hope Valley train

Posted on by Andy Cullen

The Hope Valley train is the popular local train service operated by Northern between Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly that stops at stations in villages down the Hope Valley including Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale within our branch area. Also within Sheffield it calls at Dore & Totley station. The service is generally hourly and runs all day every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The 272 bus, operated jointly by First bus and High Peak, runs on a roughly hourly frequency in the daytime with a couple of evening journeys provided too. It sets off from Sheffield Interchange and heads out the city via Ecclesall Road and Whirlow to Fox House and Surprise Corner before dropping down into the valley at Hathersage and then parrallels the railway though Bamford and Hope before continuing up to Castleton with some journeys branching off to do a double run down to Bradwell, where it does a loop around the village via the infamous “Bradwell Gap”.

As well as the country pubs featured below the 272 bus passes Intrepid Brewery in Brough (keep an eye on their social media for occasional open days held over the summer with a pop up bar and food truck) and the High Peak Wine & Beer shop in Castleton if you want cans or bottles to take home.

On bus 272 and other local buses the maximum single fare is still £3 per ride or a Derbyshire wayfarer pass offers all day unlimited travel for £9. There is also a train inclusive Wayfarer option for £17. A return train ticket from Sheffield to Edale currently costs £11.50 after 9am and allows break of journey on route (prices correct at time of going to press).

The pubs in Castleton were previously featured in our guide to bus route 173 (Castleton to Bakewell) so descriptions aren’t repeated here.

Hathersage and Bamford are also served by bus 257 (Sheffield to Bakewell via Eyam) and Grindleford is also served by bus 65 (Sheffield to Buxton via Eyam and Tideswell). Also in the area are buses 173 (Castleton to Bakewell via Hope, Bradwell and Tideswell) and 62 (Castleton to Buxton via Hope and Edale).

In the summer a “Peak Sightseer” open top bus service usually operates in the area as well, a separate tour ticket is required for this, look out for an announcement from Stagecoach regarding their plans for the 2026 season.

Fox House (bus 65, 272)

The Fox House is something of a landmark at the Sheffield boundary on the edge of the Peak District and is part of the Mitchell & Butler owned “Vintage Inns” chain offering beer, dining, rooms and a beer garden with views over the moors!

Maynard, Grindleford (bus 65 and train)

A venue run by the Longbow group, a small local chain. This is primarily a hotel and regularly hosts weddings – however the bar and restaurant is normally open to the public. It is located at the end of the station drive, a short distance outside the village.

Millstone, Hathersage (bus 272)

Nestling in the hills way above the village, the Millstone not only offers beer, food and rooms but also a spectacular view over the valley!

Scotsman’s Pack, Hathersage (bus 272)

Edwardian pub located on the edge of the village offering a selection of cask ales and dining. A small beer festival is held annually.

Bank House, Hathersage (bus 272)

Restaurant & Bar. Formerly a historic bank, now an award winning contemporary restaurant and cocktail bar nestling in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Bank House offers fresh locally sourced seasonal produce and the finest tipples from Europe including 1 cask ale, usually from Abbeydale.

George, Hathersage (bus 257, 257a, 272 and train)

A smart bar, restaurant and hotel with patio area at rear operated by Longbow Venues Group who also have venues in Grindleford, Owler Bar, Ashford in the Water, Rowsley and Bakewell. The cask ale choice includes a house badged beer from Thornbridge.

Little John Hotel, Hathersage (bus 257, 257a, 272 and train)

A long, thin, L-shaped pub with food and hotel rooms, this has recently seen a change of management and a refurbishment that has given it a much smarter feel. All moods are catered for, whether it’s a pint and game of pool or a spot of lunch! 3 cask ales are available.

Anglers Rest, Bamford (bus 257, 257a, 257b)

The only pub left in the village and is community owned but leased out to a local company to operate. A recent refurbishment has cleverly divided the pub into sections to give the feel of tap room, games room, lounge and restaurant. The cask ale range features local beers, usually from Intrepid and Eyam, alongside a well known brand. The pub shares the building with a post office and tea room and there is an outdoor drinking area alongside the car park. The pub is a 1 mile uphill walk from the railway station and 272 bus, the 257 bus will take you there.

Travellers Rest, Brough (bus 173, 257b, 272)

Large roadside pub, open plan but with distinct areas around the island bar. There is a big screen showing sporting events and pool table. Dogs and walkers welcome.

Olde Bowling Green Inn, Bradwell (bus 173, 257b, 272)

Welcoming village inn traditionally decorated with multiple drinking areas including a pool room and area laid out for good value food. French windows overlook the large beer garden. Walkers and dogs welcome.

Shoulder of Mutton, Bradwell (bus 173, 257b, 272)

Imposing roadside pub opposite the village church. A spacious interior includes two large open plan areas either side of the bar, one area a comfortable lounge, and the other a tap room including traditional pub games.

White Hart, Bradwell (bus 173, 257b, 272)

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 cask ales from Bradfield Brewery.

Old Hall Hotel, Hope (bus 62, 173, 257b, 272 and train)

Historical pub with bar, restaurant, hotel rooms and an attached tea room. The pub bit is spread across two rooms, both with a fire lit in winter! A range of traditional cask ales can be found on the bar along with an extensive Scotch whisky collection. Beer festivals are held most bank holiday weekends in a marquee on the car park.

Woodroffe Arms, Hope (bus 62, 173, 257b, 272 and train)

Village local offering beer, food, rooms and televised sport.

Cheshire Cheese Inn, Hope (bus 62)

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. 4 cask ales are available and the pub also offers accommodation.

Swiss Tap, Castleton (bus 62, 173, 272)

Olde Cheshire Cheese, Castleton (bus 62, 173, 272)

Peak Hotel, Castleton (bus 62, 173, 272)

Olde Nag’s Head, Castleton (bus 62, 173, 272)

Bulls Head Hotel, Castleton (bus 62, 173, 272)

Castle Inn, Castleton (bus 62, 173, 272)

George, Castleton (bus 62, 173, 272)

Rambler Inn, Edale (bus 62 and train)

A pub and hotel located next to the railway station surrounded by hills! The range of cask ales usually includes choices from Abbeydale and Torrside among others and a food menu of pub classics is offered.

Old Nag’s Head, Edale (bus 62 and train)

Located in the part of the village up the hill from the railway station and at the start of the Pennine Way footpath, this classic old pub offers beer, food and accommodation with outdoor seating at the rear.

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The Fargate

Posted on by Dave Pickersgill

Following a £1m interior renovation, the Fargate opened on 22nd October 2025. The venue brings together the storied elegance of a large former bank with a carefully designed pub interior (SCC planning application: 24/02165/FUL). Located in the Sheffield City Centre Conservation Area, this new pub is part of the regeneration of Fargate: the road was pedestrianised back in 1973, revitalisation commencing in 2022.

On the ground floor (2680 ft.2), brass accents, chandeliers, curated artwork, dark polished wood, elegant leather seating and herringbone floors create the impression of a bar that could have been built in Victorian times. This level also features screened booths, a snug, banquette seating, and full-height glazing to the front, offering a light and inviting space. The striking horseshoe bar serves ten cask beers and sixteen keg lines. The cask offering tends to be six from the extensive, and well-regarded, Thornbridge range complimented by four interesting guest beers.

The original spiral staircase leads to the first floor (2017 ft.2). Here, a pizza kitchen with an Italian corner oven, is visible through glazed screens. The design combines reclaimed timber walls, decorated ceilings, and original architectural details to create a bright contemporary setting. Now used for storage, the basement includes the original strong rooms.

Branded, ‘Thornbridge & Co,’ the two-storey pub is a joint venture from Peak District-based Thornbridge Brewery and York-based importer and distributor, Pivovar. The other pubs in the chain are:

  • Banker’s Cat: Leeds (opened 2019)
  • Colmore: Birmingham (2019)
  • Market Cat: York (2018)
  • Wild Swan: City of London (expected to open in Spring 2026)

In the 1880s, the directors of the Yorkshire Penny Bank (previously the West Riding of Yorkshire Penny Savings Bank) bought the land to erect a new bank. Leeds-based architects Henry Perkin and George Bertram Bulmer took on the task. The corner stones were laid on 18th January 1888 by builders Armitage and Hodgson of Leeds and the building was officially opened by the president of the bank, Lord Lascelles, on 25th July 1889. It is late-Gothic design, with five-storeys and a long curved Holmfirth stone front.

The Bank occupied two floors. The basement contained the strong-room: ground level was the large banking hall, fitted out in polished wainscot oak with a mosaic-tiled floor.

The upper floors became a restaurant and high quality hotel. It was initially leased by Sheffield Café Company, formed in 1877 as part of a growing movement of temperance houses: their Albany Hotel opened in September with electric light throughout, a restaurant, billiard room, coffee and smoking rooms, private dining rooms and 40 bedrooms. By the 1920s, the Company was struggling financially, ceasing trading in 1922. Their assets were bought by Sheffield Refreshment Houses, who operated the hotel until closure in 1958.

In its centenary year, 1959, the Yorkshire Penny Bank became the Yorkshire Bank Ltd. The ex-hotel was converted into offices: Yorkshire Bank Chambers. The bank closed in August 2020. The external appearance remains relatively unchanged, with carved winged lions, medieval figures, shields and gargoyles on the outside of the building. Gabled dormers, lofty chimneys and a crenelated parapet were sacrificed during the 1960s.

As for the pub, following a pre-Christmas visit, respected beer bloggers Boak & Bailey stated: ‘the quality of the service, and the presentation of the staff, was impeccable. Despite the scrum at the bar we were served within seconds by a calm, polite, smartly-dressed young man. He was one of many people gliding about behind the counter and we got the sense that our expensive pints were covering the cost of proper levels of staffing for the season.’

I totally agree with their comments: the Fargate is not a cheap pub, but, as always, you get what you pay for. It’s also a welcome addition to local beer attractions.

The pub is located on the corner of Fargate and Surrey Street, Sheffield City Centre, S1 1LL. The nearest tram stop is Cathedral and there are numerous bus routes close by on High Street and Arundel Gate along with the free City Centre Connect bus SC1 on Leopold Street.

Planning Applications

Posted on by Dave Pickersgill

We are very concerned by the increasing number of retrospective planning applications which have been submitted to Sheffield City Council.

The law is clear: to change the use of a building (‘a material change of use’) from that of a pub (use class ‘sui generis’) requires planning permission.

Recent local examples of such changes, without prior planning permission, include: the Big Gun, the Highcliffe Club, the Royal Oak (Mosborough) and the Royal Standard.Two of these examples have involved closing the pub, trashing the interior and, later, applying for retrospective planning permission.

The application for the Royal Standard is currently in progress whereas the application for the Big Gun was recently approved (‘Grant Conditionally,’ reference: 25/03230/FUL). On expiry of the lease, this pub closed in September 2023: the historic interior was gutted and, over two years later, planning permission has been obtained. This is despite flawed documentation, which included several errors. For example, the Big Gun was not ‘a former’ public house and its use class was not E(b). These, and other, errors should have invalidated this recent application.

At the time of closure, the Big Gun had many historical features. For example, the right-hand side of the snug had two bays of unique Victorian fixed seating with decorative bench ends that resembled a (acanthus) leaf. This heritage is lost forever.

For this, and other, retrospective applications, we would expect a rigorous reaction from the planning authorities: a response which makes it clear that this is potentially a serious breach of the law, not a simple administrative error: a response which clearly references Sheffield as one of the best beer cities in the world, a city which cares about its pubs!


Councillor Ben Miskell, chairman of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Pubs and working men’s clubs are a vital part of our shared heritage and community life, and every effort needs to be made to keep them open for the benefit of the community they serve.

“In the incredibly unfortunate event of one closing, it is vitally important that the new owners follow the correct process when planning permission is required, breaking planning rules will lead to the council taking a robust approach and use all the powers available to us.

“We also work closely with residents across the city to protect valued community buildings from village shops and community centres to local pubs – including by registering them as Assets of Community Value. Developers must respect Sheffield’s heritage, including the importance of our public houses.”

Inn Brief

Posted on by Andy Cullen

Mount Pleasant at Norton Woodseats has a refurbishment planned in February.

Pig & Whistle micropub at Gleadless Townend opened on 7 February in premised on White Lane that used to be a vets.It has 2 real ales available which on the opening weekend were from Abbeydale and Ossett breweries but will regularly change, there are also 8 keg taps including some craft options on rotation. Look out for live entertainment here at weekends.

A planning application has been made to open another micropub in Sharrow Vale. The unit is the former Roney’s butchers shop at 276 Sharrow Vale Road, that has since been used as a gluten free cafe. It isn’t far from No.3 Sharrow and Beer House micropubs; combined with the Lescar Hotel, Porter Cottage and Porter Brook adds another link to quite a circuit locally!

Shakespeares are doing a set of collaborations with local breweries to produce special beers that will be on the bar during Sheffield Beer Week.

Old Hall Hotel in Hope made a shameless attempt at luring in folk doing “Dry January” with their “Pie January” relaunch of an ongoing menu item there – Steak & Old Peculiar Ale pie. It is now an individually pressed pie, but still served with beef dripping cooked chips, seasonal vegetables and gravy!

Chequers Inn at Froggatt Edge is up for sale. It has been owned by Jonathan and Joanne Tindall for nearly 25 years.

Queen Anne in Great Hucklow is another Peak District pub where a long standing management is selling up and retiring, this time after 19 years at the helm. The last day of trading will be 1 March.

Castle Inn at Bakewell hosted a charity darts tournament on 31 January.

Blue Bell Inn at Harthill was closed from 25 to 29 January for a change of management. They are running a pie night every Wednesday.

The 2026 edition of Woodseats Live, a community music festival that sees a number of pubs team up hosting live music on the same day, will be taking place on 28 March. As well as venues along the main Chesterfield Road the Cross Scythes up the hill on Derbyshire Lane is also taking part.

Among the Sheffield venues in Heineken Star Pub company portfolio currently available to lease is the Red Deer, where a refurbishment is proposed for whoever the new management is.

Saw Grinders Union at Shalesmoor is having a refurbishment and refocus featuring a turkish culinery concept and new cocktail list.

There are changes on the food front at the Old Grindstone in Crookes with Forge Bakehouse taking over the kitchen.

Sad news from the Pioneer Club in Dronfield which is run by husband and wife team Tony and Alison Hartigan – it has been announced that Tony has recently passed away following a long illness. Tony was a very friendly, helpful guy and was very supportive of local CAMRA initiatives including the new Dronfield & District branch when it was formed. RIP.

The new management at the Shepley Spitfire in Totley held their relaunch at the start of February with a new menu and two cask ales on the bar – Greene King IPA and Timothy Taylors Landlord.

The Benjamin Huntsman (JD Wetherspoon) in Sheffield City Centre was closed for a refurbishment 9 to 13 February.

The Heeley Tap is now open and has three handpumps on the bar for cask ale.

The Dog & Partridge in Sheffield City Centre seems to be enjoying a lot of limelight and popularity at the moment – hot on the heels of winning our Sheffield City Centre Pub of the Year it was named Pub of the Year by the Great British Pub Crawl Vlog! The pub is a fantastic all rounder with a choice of cask ales plus a range of keg beers of both the craft and mainstream variety, Irish bar food menu, quiz night on Tuesdays and a live music programme including the occasional “Dogfest”, the most recent of which was held on 7 February.

At the time of going to press, Abbeydale Brewery were teasing on social media about a new Beerworks taproom opening but with the location yet to be revealed!

The Shoulder of Mutton in Bradwell has returned to the normal Saturday opening time of midday after three weeks in January/February where it had been altered to 3pm.

The Hyde Park Inn at Dronfield Hill Top now has a pool table.

The Green Room bar in Sheffield City Centre will be closing in its current guise on 25 May after nearly 23 years. It has however been sold to a company that will be reopening it as a bar with live music and it will be trading again in time for Tramlines weekend!

Wenue6, previously the Forum, in Wincobank looks set for redevelopment with a car home planned for the site. The nearest alternative pub for local residents is the Steel Foundry Wetherspoons in the Meadowhall shopping centre.

Portland House

Posted on by Dan Rowe

Lance Worthington took over the Portland House on Ecclesall Road from Wellbeck Abbey in 2017. The bar offers two rotating cask options – these have recently included Osset’s ‘Rat’ range, Triple Point and Neepsend. Also on offer are 4 rotating craft keg beers and other beers.

When he took it over Lance put his own stamp on the bar – he turned his design and carpentry skills to the pub’s furniture needs, making the pub’s tables and reupholstering all the seating. Outside he installed a canopy, created windowed screens and attached bench seating to the frontage – all of which all folds up and neatly locks away each night. In late 2025 he went a step further by designing and making what might be Sheffield’s first sofa that transforms into a stage! This is used to host open mic events most Sundays, and other music events which can be found on the bar’s socials. 

Lance takes commissions for his furniture and can be contacted through his Instagram account (@lanceworthingtonphotography).

He is also the main organiser of ‘Eccyfest’, the now twice annual event involving a changing cast of Ecclesall Road’s bars. The next of these is 3-5 April 2026 with another planned for the first weekend of October. Details of participating venues can be found on Eccyfest’s Facebook feed as well as the individual bars’ social media pages.

Bus 257 (and 65)

Posted on by Andy Cullen

The 257 bus, operated by Andrews of Tideswell, is one of the regular but lesser known bus links from Sheffield to the Peak District, leaving Sheffield Interchange hourly in the daytime every day except Sunday, running to Eyam and Bakewell via “the scenic route” taking in Crosspool, Yorkshire Bridge, Bamford, Hathersage, Grindleford, Calver, Stoney Middleton, Eyam, Baslow and Bakewell.

The 65 bus, operated by Stagecoach, runs from Sheffield Interchange a more direct route to Grindleford via Ecclesall and Fox House then follows the same route to Eyam as the 257. It continues beyond Eyam to Foolow and on to Buxton via Great Hucklow, Tideswell, Litton and Millers Dale. This bus is less regular, running about once every 2 hours, although it does operate seven days a week!

Most of both bus routes are within the Sheffield & District CAMRA branch area – our patch stretches to Millers Dale on the 65 whilst on the 257 Baslow and Bakewell is the only part not in our area. The majority of both routes offer some breathtaking Peak District scenery as well as great country pubs!

Ladybower Inn

This pub sits quite close to the junction on the A57 where the road heads on a viaduct over the reservoirs and up onto the Snake Pass. The recently reopened pub is leased from Batemans Brewery (a family business based in Wainfleet, Lincolnshire) by the same people at the Psalter in Sharrow, Sheffield and has a cosy bar and restaurant (full food menu launches in January) plus hotel rooms. Bus 257, 257a or 257b.

Yorkshire Bridge Inn

This pub is on the road to Bamford just a short distance beyond Derwent dam with a traditional bar, separate restaurant and hotel rooms. Bus 257, 257a or 257b.

Anglers Rest, Bamford

The only pub left in the village and is community owned but leased out to a local company to operate. A recent refurbishment has cleverly divided the pub into sections to give the feel of tap room, games room, lounge and restaurant. The cask ale range features local beers, usually from Intrepid and Eyam, alongside a well known brand. The pub shares the building with a post office and tea room and there is an outdoor drinking area alongside the car park. Bus 257, 257a or 257b.

George, Hathersage

A smart bar, restaurant and hotel with patio area at rear operated by Longbow Venues Group who also have venues in Grindleford, Owler Bar, Ashford in the Water, Rowsley and Bakewell. The cask ale choice includes a house badged beer from Thornbridge. Bus 257, 257a or 272.

Little John Hotel, Hathersage

A long, thin, L-shaped pub with food and hotel rooms, this has recently seen a change of management and a refurbishment that has given it a much smarter feel. All moods are catered for, whether it’s a pint and game of pool or a spot of lunch! 3 cask ales are available. Bus 257, 257a, 272 or train.

Plough Inn, Leadmill Bridge

Located a short distance out of Hathersage on the road to Grindleford is this traditional pub, restaurant and hotel that also benefits from a choice of outdoor drinking areas in a rural setting. Bus 257 or 257a.

Maynard, Grindleford

Another Longbow venue, this is primarily a hotel and regularly hosts weddings, however the bar and restaurant is normally open to the public. It is located at the end of the station drive, a short distance outside the village. Bus 65.

Sir William Hotel, Grindleford

In the centre of the village on Sir Willam Road, this hotel, bar and restaurant sits on the side of the hill that rises out of the village, which is in the bottom of the Hope Valley with the beer garden enjoying an attractive setting! Bus 65, 257 or 257a.

Bridge Inn, Curbar

Reopened in August 2025 when the Refined Pub Group took on the lease, this is a cosy pub with food located at the cusp of the river Derwent that manages to be both traditional and modern in style at the same time! It also has a great beer garden. The beer range includes some local choices such as Abbeydale, Peak Ales and Thornbridge alongside the mainstream brands. Bus 66, X66, 257 or 257b (or walk from routes 65 at Calver Sough).

Handpumps on the bar at the Calver Arms. Photo: James Brown.
Calver Arms. Photo: Richard Allen

Calver Arms, Calver

Recently bought by a local businessman, renamed and refurbished. It has a modern, smart feel but with some cosy, traditional touches. There are two rooms, the smaller of which can be used for functions or dining occasions – at other times it adopts the role of a sports bar. Food is a menu of pub classics. Three cask ales available.Buses 65, 66, X66, 257, 257a or 257b.

Moon Inn, Stoney Middleton. Photo: Richard Allen.

Moon Inn, Stoney Middleton

A freehouse that has been a village pub since 1821 with a changing selection of real ales, extensive gin range, pub classic food menu, beer garden and hotel rooms. Buses 65, 66, X66, 257, 257a or 257b.

Toll Bar Fish & Chips – photo: Richard Allen

A special mention in Stoney Middleton is the Toll Bar fish & chip shop. As well as excellent food they stock bottled beer from Eyam Brewery and the riverside garden has a local history information board that tells you about all the pubs that used to exist in the village!

Miners Arms, Eyam. Photo: Richard Allen

Miners Arms, Eyam

Village pub, restaurant and hotel rooms. Three cask ales are available, generally from local breweries such as Peak Ales or Eyam. Has a beer garden. Bus 65, 66, 257, 257a or 257b.

Bull’s Head, Foolow

Standing in the picturesque, limestone hamlet of Foolow, this pub has several rooms including a cosy bar and restaurant. There are hotel rooms upstairs and a beer garden outside. Their mantra is old skool done well. Bus 65, 66 or 257b.

Angler’s Rest, Millers Dale

Hidden off the main road down below by the river Wye, this pub has three rooms including a tap room with pool table, traditional lounge and dining room. Bus 65.

Queen Anne, Great Hucklow / Anchor, Tideswell / George Inn, Tideswell / Star, Tideswell / Horse & Jockey, Tideswell / Eyam Brewery Tap & Shop / Red Lion, Litton – these pubs are on bus routes 65 and 173, please see separate guide to bus 173 for these.

Three Stags’ Heads at Wardlow Mires / Stables Bar at Monsal Head – these pubs are on bus routes 257a and 173, again please see separate guide to bus 173 for these.

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Watch out for a small number of route variations on the 257 around 3/4pm – the 257a uses a different route between Eyam and Bakewell (via Wardlow Mires and Monsal Head) whilst the 257b uses a different route between Eyam and Bamford (via Foolow, Bradwell and Hope)!

Bus timetables and route maps are available from Travel Derbyshire. Fares are currently capped at £3 per ride, however if you are exploring the area then a Derbyshire Wayfarer all day bus pass may be better value costing £9. Those tickets are available from the bus driver or on the Travelmaster app, which also offers live bus departure information.

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Royal Standard

Posted on by Dave Pickersgill

The Royal Standard – retrospective planning application

A retrospective Planning Application (25/030409/FUL) has been submitted for the Royal Standard (156 St.Marys Gate, S2 4AX). It is evident from both the application and outside observation, that the proposed changes have already occurred: the premises are functioning as a fast-food restaurant.

In planning terms, the key questions are:

(i) can the loss of a pub be justified in terms of local and national planning policies?

(ii) can the loss of a valuable community facility be justified?

This is a decision for the planning authorities. We are sure they will check that the applicants have carried out a full feasibility study as to the continuing use of the building as a public house before they commenced alterations.

We also note two heritage aspects of the building:

(i) the stone representations of the ‘Royal Standard’ flag above the two ground floor windows. As far as we are aware, this distinctive stonework is unique.

(ii) the ceramic tiling above the main entrance which says ‘Royal Standard.’ After many years of obscurity, this signage was revealed in early 2015 when the obscuring placard was storm-damaged.

It is not possible to accurately date these artefacts, except to say that they have been in place for many years, possibility for over a century. We hope that these heritage aspects will remain after this planning process is complete. We hope that the relevant SCC planning reports for this planning application will make appropriate references.

We look forward to the result of this planning application with interest: a retrospective application which has involved the loss of a public house.

Inn Brief

Posted on by Andy Cullen

A new bar has opened on Victoria Quays in the unit where Dorothy Pax was previously found. The Lock Inn is brought to you by the same people as the Dark Horse at Banner Cross and has cask ale from Little Mesters brewing on handpump. There are now three bars at Victoria Quay (the others being the Tavern on the Quays and True Loves), however the Lock Inn is the only one with real ale and is offering a discount to CAMRA members.

Hot on the heels of the Lock Inn has been a second new opening in Sheffield! The Botanical Arms is a new micropub at 507 Ecclesall Road and two handpumps adourn the bar with cask ales available on the opening day being from Kelham Island (Thornbridge) and Acorn Brewery.

The Castle Inn at Bradway is open again. with the lease taken on by Tom South. This is the second pub in the hands of Tom and his team after the Masons Arms in Thorpe Hesley. The food menu is the same at both pubs with pub classics served along with a Sunday roast. Some of you may recognise Tom having worked in a number of pubs including the Cross Scythes in Totley and the Cremorne on London Road in the past.

The Florist in Walkley is expected to reopen before Christmas after a three month closure. It is a pub company lease and the new operator is Bala Kata, who has run pubs in Manchester previously.

The recent sale of micropubs Mesters Tap and Heeley Artisan to Boston Brewery has fallen though after that brewery appeared to cease trading, and ownership of the two pubs have now reverted to one of the original owners. The Mesters Tap reopened just before Christmas, and Heeley Artisan has been renamed Heeley Tap and will be open by the time this Beer Matters appears. Both bars will be featuring beers from Little Mesters Brewery, as well as rotating guest beers. Initially the lines are all keg, but a cask line is imminent at Mesters Tap, and currently being considered at Heeley Tap. The bar at Heeley had been refitted by Boston Brewery and opened with 8 cask beers to choose from until the financial problems hit and it closed!

The Fat Cat in Kelham Island held their Christmas beer festival on 13 December.

The Boston Arms in Woodseats held a dark beer takeover from 11 December. The two cask ales featured were Thornbridge Jaipur Noir (5.9% ABV black IPA) and an Ossett / Amundsen collaboration which was a 5% ABV chocolate stout.

The Rutland Arms in Sheffield City Centre held their annual Christmas lights switch on party on 4 December. Naturally lots of delicious beer were available!

The Banner Cross now offers a discount to CAMRA members.

The Wobbly Dagger in Walkley has had a cask line installed and is serving handpulled Abbeydale Moonshine.

The Walkley Cottage Inn reopened under new management in December with four cask ales available. A bar snack menu was launched initially with plans to develop the pub’s offering more in the new year.

A planning application has been made to convert the former Chiquito restaurant at Valley Centertainment into a JD Wetherspoon pub.

You may recall back in 2019 there was talk of converting the old substation on Charles Street in Sheffield City Centre (between the Red Lion and Rutland Arms, near Hallam University student union) into a bar called “Watt Bar” with building work starting then all going quiet. The project is back on and the bar is expected to open in “early 2026”.

The Railway at Wadsley Bridge has been closing on weekdays during early/mid January to allow the pub to receive a bit of a fettle but continued to open Friday to Sunday.

The Waggon & Horses in Millhouses closed for 2 weeks after the new year for a refurbishment, reopening on 15 January.

Also taking advantage of the January lull to undertake repairs or refurbishment has been the Riverside Kelham and the Swan in Ridgeway.

A licensing application to open a new micropub on White Lane at Gleadless Townend was facing objections from Sheffield City Council Environmental Protection service and South Yorkshire Police according to the Sheffield Star newspaper. Issues to work through include documentation for electrical systems and proposed opening hours. The good news is they now have the appropriate approvals and coming soon is the “Pig & Whistle”, this is the unit that was previously a vets.

Turner’s Bottle & Tap on Abbeydale Road have announced they are closing after 7 years with a combination of factors leading them to the decision. January saw them selling off remaining stock and equipment.

The currently disused Ball Inn at Darnall is up for sale and expected to be converted to other uses.

The Queen’s Ground Hotel in Hillsborough no longer has cask ale permanently available, although it does apparently get put on from time to time if they expect to be busy for a football fixture.

The Closed Shop on Commonside saw Sophie and the team close the pub after Sunday 11 January due to financial pressures. It is leased from Heineken Star Pubs who are looking for new tenants to open it.

Nether Green micropub The Wonky Labrador closed for a refurbishment in early January. This popular venue features 8 keg lines and a well stocked bottle & can fridge. The initial batch of events are also booked in, featuring Meet The Brewer events with Wiper & True (Non-Alcoholic range) in January; Tartarus in March, as part of Sheffield Beer Week; Only With Love Brewery in May; Duration Brewing in June and Yonder Brewery in July. Full details will be on their website shortly.

The former Middlewood Tavern in Oughtibridge has gone on the market having been converted into a 4 bedroom house.

Greene King brewery are proposing to rename the Big Tree as the Masons Arms following a refurbishment and lease it out on their Nest franchise scheme. It is currently a managed pub.

The Ladybower Inn, a Batemans brewery lease, has reopened under the same management as the Psalter in Sheffield. Both venues offer a public bar, restaurant and hotel rooms. That management is Tom Lawson, his values are hospitality, community and quality.

The Midland in Killamarsh, we assumed was being converted to residential use since is closure and sale, however in fact it has reopened as the 1873 bistro and bar following significant refurbishment.

The Castle Inn at Castleton closed on Sunday 5 January for a refurbishment and is expected to reopen on Saturday 7 February.

The Eckington Beer & Music festival is planned for Saturday 27 June. This sees a number of pubs and bars in the area putting on live music, usually with a minibus service linking them at regular intervals.

The Angel in Holmesfield has been suffering a bit of a run of bad luck with their premises, the most recent was a closure caused by a water leak which damaged their electrics! The pub was hoping to reopen again after that on 14 January but got delayed another few days after more issues were found in the property, which is leased from Stonegate pub co.

The Chantry Brewery Tap in Parkgate, Rotherham, operates as a live music venue, mostly featuring classic rock and retro tribute bands. However they are organising a battle of the bands competition for local bands that perform their own original material. The first round of gigs will be late May and early June with a semi final and grand final to come after. The brewery is a short walk from the Tram Train terminus.

The Canary, on Olive Lane shopping street in Waverley, has started the year as they mean to go on with regular events. Sundays tea time sees music – either DJ based or a live performer, alternate Tuesdays is quiz & pizza truck and various other evenings see a food vendor in attendance or music/entertainment of some description! Check their social media pages for the latest diary. The bar features 3 cask ales and 7 keg beers, including some good quality craft options.