Category: Pubs

Friendship, Stocksbridge

Posted on by Dave Pickersgill
In 1903, “Re-built, Re-furbished and up-to-date.“ By 2014, run-down and failing: purchased by new owners, a sensitive refurbishment and Regional Inventory listing followed. The latest chapter in the renovation is now in hand, planning permission for locally-needed hotel accommodation: nine en suite B&B rooms on the first floor. Historical elements such as the dumbwaiter and fireplaces will be kept and restored as sympathetically as possible. The planning application also mentions praise from CAMRA for the sympathetic restoration of the ground floor public house. We anticipate that this positive ethos will be continued as the owners develop the first floor. See the entry on the Heritage Pubs website. The Stocksbridge area is the new ‘go-to’ recreational cycling/walking area in the South Pennines. Stocksbridge hosted the finish of the cycling Tour de Yorkshire in 2017 and was voted second in the Ramblers ‘Britain’s best walking neighbourhood’ in 2018. Dave Pickersgill If you fancy a trip to Stocksbridge, various buses stop outside the Friendship including the 57 from Sheffield City Centre, SL1a from Middlewood tram terminus, 201 from Chapeltown and 23/23a from Barnsley. The pub has now reopened after the Coronavirus lockdown, more info on their Facebook page.

Lost Industry Tap

Posted on by Andy Cullen
An announcement has been made that Lesley and Mick of Lost Industry Brewing are leaving the Industry Tap bar in order to put their full focus on the brewery, which has been undergoing a significant refurbishment during lockdown whilst the pubs were shut! The good news is this doesn’t mean the closure of the Industry Tap – their partner in the bar, Darren, will continue to run it as his own independent business showcasing craft beers from a whole variety of different breweries including Lost Industry.

Devonshire Cat

Posted on by Andy Cullen
Statement from Abbeydale Brewery: It is with great sadness that we must announce that the Devonshire Cat will not be re-opening as an Abbeydale Brewery pub. With the underlying trend of a reduction in footfall over the past years it has become increasingly challenging to run the Devonshire Cat as a viable business. This is despite every effort made by our team to make it a warm and welcoming venue with a fantastic food and drink offering, and we’re hugely proud of what we were able to achieve in our little corner of Sheffield. It is, therefore, inevitable that the Covid-19 outbreak has had a devastating effect on the viability of this business. Unfortunately, the rateable value of our city centre venue was too high to benefit from the grants offered at this time. Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the hospitality industry and the prospect of long term changes to social interaction, we have come to the decision that we are not in a position to re-open. We would like to take this opportunity of recognising the efforts of our truly dedicated and hardworking staff members and we are now focussed on supporting those who are impacted by this course of events. We have ensured that all of the local suppliers and breweries that worked with us before the country-wide closure in March have been paid. We will miss the Devonshire Cat so much, and wish to thank all of our customers over the years for their amazing support. We are disappointed not to have the opportunity to have a proper goodbye but would love to see all of you up at the Rising Sun, which will continue to represent Abbeydale Brewery into the future.

Covid-19 – Grant Schemes

Posted on by Andy Cullen
In late May, Sheffield CAMRA wrote to local councils regarding the Government funded Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail and Hospitality Grant Scheme, encouraging them to try to ensure that this support reaches every pub and club possible to help make sure they are still there when we can visit again. We received a very positive response from Sheffield City Council: ‘if you are aware of any Pubs in Sheffield that might be eligible but have yet to submit details I would recommend that you urge them to do so. The grant funding is for eligible businesses in need of support and we want to make sure they get what they need.’ – Councillor Mazher Iqbal, Cabinet Member for Business & Investment Hence, we then emailed every pub/club in our branch area for whom we have an email address supplying them with a link to an exploratory letter located on our website. This email was sent on 31st.May. By the end of the day 82 recipients had followed up the link, a subsequent 178 following. We are very pleased with this level of response – many recipients would have already applied for the grant while, to others, it would be seen as a possible opportunity. We believe that a number of local pubs/clubs have received funding as a result of our urging. As of 23rd.June, in Sheffield, of an available £113,068,000, 7577 local businesses have claimed £90,050,000. On 17th.May, the number of successful applications was 6677. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-grant-funding-local-authority-payments-to-small-and-medium-businesses Dave Pickersgill

Dorothy Pax announces reopening plans

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The Dorothy Pax at Victoria Quays in Sheffield City Centre is currently operating as a shop for take home drinks but has now revealed how things will operate there when the government gives pubs the go ahead to reopen.. We’re currently making plans to welcome you back to the Pax Beer Garden as per current guidelines set out by the government. As it stands at the moment this will be Saturday 4th July. As you can appreciate we’re proceeding with caution as this may change. Our safety procedures will exceed over and above government guidelines. The safety of staff and customers is our absolute top priority. Therefore we will be serving delicious beverages in our socially distanced beer garden under a table booking system only whereby drinks are ordered via an app. It’s going to be a while yet until we can get back to pre-lockdown party times, but we have been closely following advice and guidelines throughout. This policy outlines what we understand will be a safe way for us and you to get back to a sense of normality whilst protecting us all and exceeding any government guidelines for when we are allowed to reopen the best beer garden in Sheffield. We are so very excited and from what you’ve told us you are too… but we must be safe. In order to provide the safest environment possible, drinks will be served at the Pax only under a table booking system in the beer garden to facilitate safe social distancing for all of us. You will be able to book a table for a slot for multiples of 2 hours at no cost of course. But we’d ask you to do so, so we can ensure we’re here to look after you Pax Purfect. Rest assured all tables and benches will be deep cleaned from one booking to the next and we will also supply a hand sanitizing station for each table. The capacity of the tables, for you, your small humans and hounds will follow government guidance at that time. Please try to arrive at the booking on time, by introducing yourselves at the door, then you’ll be shown to your table. For those arriving later in the evening on those sunny days, we recommend the “upper-decks” where sunlight lasts longer (table no 16 to 30). For those who want some shade we recommend those in front of the bar no (table no 1 to 15). Cancellation of tables can be made online, please let us know in good time so we can allow a fellow customer to book them if something crops up.

As all tables are outside, please bring everything you need whether that be sun-cream/a hat/coat/umbrella/giraffe/toddler/favourite pet. We would imagine at some point there may be food to take back to your tables from Kumquat Mae, but of course please feel free to bring your own food/table clothes/candelabra to enjoy. Help us stay clean and tidy by using the bins provided.

To order your drinks download the app, you will see a full menu and of course you can order your drinks before you arrive so they’ll be ready the moment you get here and during your time with us.  You’ll get a notification when your order is ready to collect from the door. Loads of toileting is available outside. These are all fully stocked as you have become familiar with on your previous visits. Do let us know if they need re-stocking. There are toilets inside however, these will be reserved for staff/baby changing facilities/small children and parents/or in fact anyone who really needs to use them, but please ask us before entering the building. Disabled access toilets are available across the footbridge with the key available upon request. We are working on DJ’s/Solo performances from live musicians and general Paxness and ways to entertain you whilst you are with us via a streaming service in typical pax style, but we’d ask that you refrain from boomboxes and the like just to be courteous to your fellow Paxers and our neighbours here by the canal. We’ve ramped up our already meticulous cleaning schedule and worked hard to source PPE for our staff in order to exceed government guidelines on safety and hygiene. Please keep your distance between each other. TO BOOK A TABLE >>> https://www.dorothypax.com/

1936 Referendum

Posted on by Dave Pickersgill
August 1936, Sheffield saw one of few local referendums regarding licenced premises. Tenants on each of the nine largest of the new council housing estates which were replacing inner-city slums were asked by Sheffield City Council (SCC) if they were ‘in favour of licensed premises being provided on the estates.’ Turnout was low. There seemed to be a view on the smaller estates that as licensed premises were relatively close, there was no point in voting. Of the 34,204 electorate, only 7,275 voted (21.3%). Woodthorpe had a 61% turnout, the next highest was 26% (Arbourthorne) with five estates having a turnout of less than 20%. In favour were Arbourthorne, Manor,  Shiregreen,  Woodthorpe and Wybourn with High Wincobank, Longley and Norwood, Stubbin and Brushes and Wisewood voting against. In 1938, SCC approved the granting of leases to six brewery companies for the building of public houses on municipal estates:  Arbourthorne, Manor, Parson Cross, Shiregreen, Woodthorpe and Wybourn, each on 99-year leases. Parson Cross was not involved in the 1936 ballot. The total building cost was given as £55,000. The six Sheffield breweries concerned were: Carter, Milner and Bird Ltd., Duncan Gilmour and Co.Ltd., William Stones Ltd., Tennant Bros. Ltd., Truswells Brewery Co.Ltd. and S.H.Ward and Co.Ltd. Construction, the responsibility of the brewery companies, commenced later in the year. Pubs involved included the Arbourthorne Hotel (closed ~2015), the Manor Hotel (1990), the Parson Cross Hotel (~2016) and the Shiregreen Hotel (2008). There have been other similar local referendum, over the question of whether buildings which had originally been built as coffee taverns (ie. pubs in all but the sale of alcohol) should become licensed premises. These include the Bridge Inn (Port Sunlight) where a 1903 vote saw over 80% voting for a liquor license and the Skittles Inn (Letchworth). Thanks to Andrew Davison, Thelma Griffiths, and Jamie Thompson for responding to my earlier request for further information. Dave Pickersgill

Beery bits and bobs

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The brewery at the Dronfield Arms, originally set up as Hopjacker, is currently out of use and available to rent. If you’re a professional brewer looking at setting up your own business and looking for an already set up premises and kit this could be an opportunity for you! Contact is the owner, Chris Sinclair, on 07834 950693. Chris is also looking to recruit a new manager for his micropub in Bakewell, the Joiners Arms, to reopen the bar post Covid 19, if that could be you give him a ring! Sheffield Brewery Company are now taking orders online for collection from the brewery, with beers available in bottle or bag-in-box. More details at sheffieldbrewery.com. Abbeydale Brewery‘s Rising Sun pub at Nether Green is opening limited weekend hours to buy take home beer from cask, keg and in cans as well as selected other drinks. They are also acting as a collection point for online beer orders placed on the Abbeydale Brewery website as an alternative to delivery. Check details at abbeydalebrewery.co.uk.

The Taphouse Bar

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The Taphouse bar is planning to be the newest venue in Kelham Island opening as soon as we’re through all the Coronavirus restrictions, located on Alma Street next door to the brewery shop. The bar will be offering a selection of cask ales along with premium lagers, ciders and an extensive range of gins and other spirits. They will be opening in the morning to serve home cooked breakfasts then continuing through with a lunch menu and freshly prepared hot and cold sandwiches until 8pm. On the decor front, a mural of the old Kelham Island steel works will take pride of place.

Inn Brief (and Brewery Bits)

Posted on by Andy Cullen
The Kelham Island Tavern is joining the ranks of the Harlequin and Gardeners Rest as a pub in the area offering beer to take home. They are opening as a trial over the weekend of 30th April to 2nd May, see their Facebook page for details. The Plough at Hathersage has taken advantage of the Coronavirus closure to get a bit of decorating done. The Beer House micropub on Ecclesall Road is planning on setting up a beer delivery service. Keep an eye on their Facebook or Twitter accounts for announcements. The Joiners Arms at Bakewell is looking to recruit a new manager for when they reopen post lockdown. The Harlequin on Nursery Street are selling home made pies to take home. Advance order is required. The Two Thirds Beer Company is offering a delivery service of beer and snacks. Customers within 3 miles of the bar on Abbeydale Road can enjoy free delivery by their staff, if you are further away you can order via the Citygrab app (the City Taxis delivery service). The Wisewood Inn is taking advantage of the Coronavirus closure to get their planned refurbishment done early, meanwhile Loxley Brewery which is based on site is now bottling beer available either by bulk local brewery or via selected specialist beer shops. Abbeydale Brewery is offering free local delivery on orders over £25 from their webshop which are being undertaken by brewery staff whilst delivery further afield is available via courier for a fee. Available to order are minikegs, cans and merchandise with Moonshine soon to be added to the canned range. Eyam Brewery are offering delivery of bottled beers. The area they cover stretches roughtly speaking from Buxton to Dronfield. Chantry Brewery now have an online shop selling bottles and minikegs with delivery available to addresses within 15 miles of their Parkgate based brewery. Beer Central based at the Moor indoor market are now offering beer boxes to order for delivery. Those already engaged with “save boxes” where new beers that come in stock promoted on social media are put to one side can pay and have their beers delivered once the order is big enough whilst others can order a “thrifty for fifty” mixed box containing £55 worth of beer for £50 on a lucky dip basis! The Red Deer are offering local delivery of drinks on selected days, order in the morning and receive delivery in the afternoon. Check their social media for details. Turner’s Bottle Shop on Abbeydale Road are offering delivery. Check their website or social media for details. Archer Road Beer Stop off licence in Millhouses are open for business as usual including hand pulled real ale to take home. Bradfield Brewery are offering home delivery of beer in bottles and minikegs. Minimum order £30. Hop Hideout have their webshop back online to order beer from their shop for delivery. Original Infused are delivering their bottled beers. Triple Point Brewery are selling beer in cans and bag-in-box online, either for collection from the bar or delivery via courier for a fee. Thornbridge Brewery continue to sell beer online for delivery. Peak Ales are back up and running, bottled beer can be ordered online for collection or delivery. Drone Valley community Brewery are offering free local delivery of bottled beers ordered online by their members (membership also available online). The Beer Stop at Dronfield are offering local delivery. Order your bottles, cans and minikegs via email and pay via Paypal or BACS. Check their Facebook page for details. The White Swan in Dronfield are offering delivery of “PieMinister” meals on Friday and Saturday nights, this needs to be ordered in advance via the pub’s website. The Norfolk Arms at Ringinglow are doing takeaway 3 course meals at the weekend on a simple set menu that changes each week. Collection or local delivery is available and must be ordered two days in advance. Real Ale is available to takeaway with your meal too! See their Facebook page for more information. The Old Hall Hotel in Hope are now serving a takeaway food menu with local delivery available. The Gardeners’ Rest at Neepsend has been having beer takeaway days, check their Facebook page for details.

Development next to Washington

Posted on by Andy Cullen
An issue faced in many cities over the last few years by long established music venues including pubs is new residential developments, normally city living apartments, getting built next door with the new residents then complaining about noise with reactive council action damaging the business of that venue. The latest concern in Sheffield is a planning application for a development of apartments aimed at post graduates on Fitzwilliam Street, next door to the Washington. The Washington pub, as well as serving real ale has a busy programme of live music and DJs, has a beer garden and opens until 3am most nights. If this was suddenly subject to restrictions on noise due to new neighbours not only would it be very damaging to its late night business but would also be another hit on Sheffield’s music scene. If you are a regular at the Washington and have a view on the planning application, please make your views known by commenting on the Sheffield City Council planning portal.