Category: Pubs

By the time this issue of Beer Matters has appeared in the pubs, Freshers’ fortnight will be over; the carnage of parties in bars and clubs around West Street will be done and the normal academic year will be underway and you may be looking to find good beer and chilled vibes. If you are at the University of Sheffield you will probably by now have already found the Interval Café Bar and Bar One in the Student Union and University Arms on the edge of the campus. If you are at Hallam you may have stumbled across the beer meccas of the Rutland Arms and Sheffield Tap or local pubs around the campus like the Old Queens Head, Howard, Globe, Red Lion, Graduate or Roebuck Tavern and possibly also Sentinel Brewhouse. You may even have joined a real ale society! Here are some more ideas of places to try as you get to know Sheffield when you want to add good ale to your night out! Note due to space limitations this article isn’t intended to be a comprehensive guide, just a few ideas to get you started – our pub guide website (www.whatpub.com) lists all the pubs.

London Road area

(note – area gets very busy if Sheffield United is playing at home!) Cremorne – a no nonsense boozer with a great laid back atmosphere featuring a number of handpumps serving various real ales and traditional ciders plus craft keg taps. It is also the HQ for O’Hara’s spiced rum, serves pizzas and look out for bands and DJs playing round the back by the smoking area. Railway Hotel – from the outside this pub across the road from Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stadium looks like a rather unassuming old street corner boozer, venture inside you’ll find tables with built in retro video games, a lovely selection of ales, friendly staff and pool table. There is also a rather tidy patio area outside to drink in should the weather be decent. Albion – a basic, relaxed bar on London Road run by Stancill Brewery showcasing their cask beers at reasonable prices as well as featuring some guest craft taps. The bar also has a beer patio at rear. Clubhouse – a sports bar with lots of TV screens, home made burgers and a range of ales and ciders. Special offers are run from time to time. Beer Engine – Behind the Waitrose petrol station is this great pub featuring an interesting range of real ales and other craft beers plus a tapas menu. There are normally special deals on food on Mondays such as two small plates for a fiver. If you want to venture just a little bit further out beyond London Road then check out some of the pubs in Heeley and also look out for special events hosted at Heeley City Farm. Buses 10, 20, 24, 25, 43, 44, X17 run along Chesterfield Road and will drop you at Heeley Bottom outside Ponsford furniture shop – next door to which is the White Lion, a classic multi roomed pub which retains some heritage features, a range of real ale is served (always including a vegan friendly option) plus a real cider and live music features most nights. Opening soon next door is the Pour craft beer bar and further up is the Crown Inn where you can enjoy ale and pie. Up the hill behind Ponsford you will find the Brothers Arms (associated with the Everley Pregnant Brothers, a local parody ukulele band) with a beer garden with a view out over the city and also the Sheaf View, run by Neepsend Brewery serving their beers and guests at reasonable prices.

City Centre

Washington – So, I know you all will end up clubbing at Corp at some point where the choice drinks are brightly coloured pints of vodka and mixer. However just around the corner is another musically orientated venue open until 3am – theWashy – with two rooms and a beer garden. One room is a relaxed lounge area, the other has a DJ box, mini stage area and dance floor. More importantly it has a number of handpumps, some of them featuring beers from Sheffield or Derbyshire. Devonshire Cat – pretty much next door to Corp, this is a smarter looking and more sit down and appreciate your nice drinks type place and is run by Abbeydale Brewery showcasing their beers plus guest beers, sometimes ones to get fairly excited about. They also do beery versions of classic cocktails and nice freshly cooked food. The bar opens until 2am every night. Dog & Partridge – You may have already tried Molly Malone’s Irish themed bar on West Street, however venture just off West Street onto Trippet Lane (possibly via the passageway next to Maida Vale bar) and you’ll find the Dog, a really old school pub layout with some heritage features, this is run by an Irish landlord and has many Irish customers (likewise the Grapes a few doors down). A range of mainly locally brewed cask beers are available along with a number of quality top shelf spirits from Ireland, this pub can also the place to be for Six Nations rugby on the TV and St Patrick’s Day parties. Food is available here with the kitchen run by Olu of ‘Wing Kings’ who serves some great fried chicken and reasonably priced American style comfort food. Look out for Wing King Wednesday when you can enjoy unlimited chicken wings and sides for a tenner per person. Dove & Rainbow – You may have noticed the Bankers Draft Wetherspoon’s pub at Castle Square tram stop which will need no introduction, however round the back on Hartshead Square (there are walkways by Argos or Pizza Hut) is the alternative world of the Dove offering real ales, ciders, a pool table and music. If you are into rock and metal you may well love the Dove. Bath Hotel – Quite close to the University of Sheffield campus, on Victoria Street just off Glossop Road and near West One is the Bath, an old-school art deco two-room boozer run by Thornbridge Brewery with a great selection of their craft beers on both cask and keg. Food includes hot pork sandwiches and sausage rolls. There is also a darts board and occasional events including quiz nights and live music.

Kelham Island

This is a newly gentrified up and coming area with some great pubs, bars and cafes. It is easily walkable from the City Centre, however if you are feeling lazy the tram will take you down there with Shalesmoor tram stop providing a convenient gateway to the area. There are some classic real ale pubs with a great selection of beers and good outdoor drinking areas too, many of these pubs have been going for years now – these include Shakespeares, the Kelham Island Tavern (the only pub ever to win CAMRA National Pub of the Year two years running!), the Fat Cat (the tap of Kelham Island Brewery), Wellington and Gardeners Rest. Venture a bit further up the tram line for the Hillsborough Hotel (Langsett stop), New Barrack Tavern (Bamforth Street stop) and the Rawson Spring (actually on the platform of Hillsborough tram stop). Meanwhile also check out Bar Stewards micropub and bottle shop, the Riverside (run by True North Brewery), Harlequin (tap for Exit 33 brewing, has probably the best cider range in Sheffield and also has live music at the weekend), Old Workshop, Stew & Oyster and Church – Temple of Fun (which has vegan fast food, Playstation pods and retro arcade game machines). The first weekend of each month sees the Peddlers Night Market (open Friday 5pm to 11pm and Saturday 2pm to 11pm) with an old warehouse full of craft beer and real ale, street food traders, craft stalls and music whilst nearby Sheffield Brewery and Neepsend Brewery open up a bar in their actual breweries to serve their beers.

Broomhill

Buses 51, 52, 52a and 120 run up to Broomhill frequently. The two highlights from a beer point of view are the Itchy Pig micropub and the York, however there are more pubs that serve real ale too.

Ecclesall Road

There has been an explosion of micropubs along here including the Ale Club, Sport Shack, Garden Room, Portland House and Beer House, you should also manage to find a decent pint in pubs such as the Porter Brook, Porter Cottage and Lescar, amongst others.

The countryside

If you fancy venturing a little further out by bus for a pint that comes with a stunning view of Peak District countryside then it is easily done. Closest to home would be the Bradfield area. Buses 61/62 operated by TM Travel run a circular route from Hillsborough Interchange (connect between trams and buses here) and will take you to the Nags Head at Loxley (the tap for Bradfield Brewery where the beer is quite cheap, also look out for their home made pie and a pint meal deals), the Old Horns at High Bradfield, the Plough at Low Bradfield and the Royal at Dungworth. Hulleys of Baslow – a local independent bus company based in the Peak District – run a number of services out to Derwent dams, Yorkshire Bridge, Bamford, Hope and Castleton (routes 271, 272, 273, 274) that pick up near both Universities and offer a student day ticket for exploring the Hope Valley (currently £2.50). There are a number of pubs in the area including some that put on beer festivals from time to time including the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, the Anglers Rest at Bamford and the Old Hall Hotel in Hope. Castleton is famous for its show caves (including Speedwell Cavern, an underground boat ride) however a pub crawl can also be had with the Olde Nags Head and the Peak Hotel offering local ales and interesting beers sometimes turn up at the Castle pub too.

Public transport tickets

The three main bus operators in Sheffield (First South Yorkshire, Stagecoach Yorkshire and TM Travel) offer a discount flat fare for students within the city of Sheffield (and neighbouring Dronfield), currently £1.20 a ride. If you are travelling every day then student season tickets can be bought online for the week, month or academic year. On the season tickets you can also include tram travel (Supertram doesn’t do student singles although a discounted day ticket can be bought from the Uni of Sheffield Students’ Union box office. Although the student single on the buses is cheap, if you are making several journeys in a day or including tram travel in your plans, an all day ticket may still work out a better deal. A CityWide pass including all buses and trams in Sheffield costs £4.80 or the SYConnect ticket for the whole of South Yorkshire costs £6.60 (or £8.20 with trains included). Andy Cullen

Another chapter in the tumultuous recent history of the Three Tuns has come to a close recently after it was announced that the pub had ceased trading over the August bank holiday weekend. The popular pub has been through several changes of ownership in recent years. It was formerly owned and managed by Reet Ale Pubs (who also had at various times the Punchbowl, the Closed Shop and the Old Crown) but following the demise of the parent company, the pub was forced to close in March 2017. Shaun Price took on the lease on a temporary tenancy from Star Pubs four months later, and for the last few months, the Tuns has been under the stewardship of Ed and assistant manager Kieron. However, after a difficult summer’s trading they have been forced to close to avoid getting into further debt. The hot weather and England’s World Cup success which were a boon for many pubs were unfortunately not so for many places without beer gardens, such as the Three Tuns. A statement on Facebook read: “The Three Tuns pub has ceased trading, myself and Kieron would like to thank all our regular customers for their support in the past year. I am sure the pub will be back open with a new tenant soon and wish them all the best with their new venture.” Dominic Nelson

A couple of issues ago, we brought you the pubs of the Cultural Industries Quarter, and this month we have the comprehensive round-up of all the pubs in another of the city centre’s 11 quarters. As you have probably gathered from the name, the Cathedral Quarter is centred around the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, often simply known as Sheffield Cathedral. Previously just a parish church, it was elevated to cathedral status in 1914 and is one of only five Grade I listed buildings in the city. The real ale venues around this area are a microcosm of the pubs around Sheffield, with traditional locals sitting side-by-side with large chain pubs, restaurants and café bars. There is plenty of choice for discerning and casual drinkers alike, with beers to suit all tastes and budgets.

Church House

St James Street Well-known among Sheffield’s live music fans as a premier rock venue, this Star-owned pub is currently run by Andrew Delemere. The pub has recently undergone a complete refurbishment, including a new recording studio upstairs, and is set to re-open at the end of August. In recent times, there has been a definite move towards real ale with up to four now available at any time, a rotating local beer (often from Kelham Island Brewery) joining the three regulars from national brands.

Craft & Dough

Campo Lane As the name suggests, this restaurant specialises in pizza and craft beer and is popular with drinkers as well as diners. There are three changing real ales available alongside an extensive range of craft cans and bottles. As an added bonus, there is a very pleasant seating area in Paradise Square in which to enjoy them.

Three Tuns

Silver Street Head This peculiarly-shaped pub is full of character, with its myriad wooden and brass features and mixture of seating areas. Loved by real ale fans and nearby office workers alike, the Three Tuns offers up to six cask ales, often including a local brewery such as Blue Bee. The meals are also popular here – think traditional pub fare such as sandwiches, burgers and fish and chips. Of course, there is also a fantastic pub quiz every Thursday from 7pm.

Three Cranes Hotel

Queen Street This traditional pub with guest rooms has recently seen a change of management and unfortunately we have not been able to check in since the handover. Presumably the layout of the pub has not changed; the central horseshoe bar is the main feature, with a number of surrounding seating areas. On our last visit to the pub there were four working hand pumps.

Dove & Rainbow

Hartshead Square Like the Church House above, this pub is known for its affection for rock and alternative music and has either live music or a DJ set most evenings. However, this is a cosier, one-room affair and has a wider selection of real ales, with as many as six available. Kelham Island Easy Rider and Wychwood Hobgoblin are the regulars. There are also two Weston’s real ciders on offer, plus a generous 10% discount for CAMRA members on all real ales.

Bankers Draft

Market Place This large Wetherspoon pub is housed in a converted bank building and offers the chain’s popular combination of cheap beer and reasonably-priced food. On the real ale front, the three standard Wetherspoon regulars are joined by up to seven guest casks, although it is often fewer than this apart from during festival times. Look out for the Steel City Festival beer mats with this pub’s name on them!

Cavell’s Café Bar

High Street If you’re looking for a relaxed venue that takes great pride in both its food and drink offerings, Cavell’s offers both to a good standard. Two changing real ales are usually available at this family-run café bar, alongside a range of draught lagers and an extensive food menu which caters to all tastes.

The micropub revolution continues to change the face of beer drinking across the country, and Sheffield is no exception. Since the city’s first micropub – the Beer House on Ecclesall Road – opened in December 2014, a number of new venues have now joined the scene. In the last month alone there have been two micropubs opened in the Steel City, both of which serve real ale. Brewer & Hop (40 Wostenholm Road, S7 1LJ) is a classic micropub with a one-room layout dominated by the bar. Owned by husband and wife team, Lauren and Dom Seigies, the pub is located within the Dalbury & Palmer hotel complex. On our first visit there were three real ales on the bar: Sheffield Brewery’s Seven Hills and Five Rivers, as well as Sentinel SG. There was also a selection of traditional bottled ales, plus a lager and keg cider. According to the owners, there are plans to introduce a craft keg line in future. During the recent warm weather there has also been a number of outdoor tables to allow drinkers to enjoy their pints outdoors.

Just a 10-minute walk away, the Garden Room (287 Ecclesall Road, S11 8NX) is a café cum wine bar cum micropub located in the former Captain’s Cup coffee shop, opposite the Portland House. This is another husband and wife operation, with new owners Gary and Julie undertaking their first independent venture having previously been in charge at the Cock & Magpie in Chesterfield. On our visit, Thornbridge Jaipur and Castle Rock Harvest Pale were available on handpump, alongside a selection of keg beers. Meanwhile, just as we were going to print we received news that the keys had been handed over for the Chapeltown Tap House, a new micropub located in a railway arch opposite Chapeltown station. We look forward to visiting soon! Dominic Nelson

The Bull’s Head on Fulwood Road is now under new management, after landlady Heather Gamwells moved from the Springvale on Commonside earlier this year. A number of new events have been introduced, with band nights and DJ nights taking place every Friday and Saturday respectively. Also starting on 4 September from 12-3pm is a series of friendship lunches which will feature a set two course meal for £6 with a live singer. These will be held every two weeks. Heather’s famous Sunday lunches are back too and are bigger and better than ever, while there are also fish and chip Fridays and a new-look menu set to be introduced in September alongside the current pizza offerings. On the bar you will find Abbeydale Moonshine, Bradfield Farmers Blonde, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Sharp’s Doom Bar, plus a guest ale. The pub is open from 11am every day and closes at 11pm Sunday to Thursday, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

The pretty little village of Bradwell lies on the edge of the Hope Valley, a short detour off the road to Hope and Castleton. The community holds a carnival every year, with this year’s taking place on 4 August. To coincide with this we have put together this short guide to the pubs of Bradwell. Despite its small size, Bradwell is home to a number of good pubs serving quality real ale. Intrepid Brewing is also based in the neighbouring hamlet of Brough so there is certainly a fine beer heritage in the area. Bradwell is well-known for its ice cream company too, so if the weather’s as warm as it’s been recently why not try a scoop or two with your pint? The village is well served by buses from Sheffield, with the 271 and 272 calling several times a day into the late evening, even on Sundays. Hope railway station is also a walkable distance away and is served by regular direct services from the city.

Samuel Fox

Stretfield Road Completely renovated a few years ago, this light and airy inn formerly known as the New Bath Hotel is now named for one of Bradwell’s most successful sons, a 19^th-century industrialist who invented a new type of umbrella frame. The attached restaurant features good home cooked food to 2-star AA rosette standard and has an extensive wine list. On the bar you will find three handpumps; two featuring guest ales from local breweries and another offering a traditional cider.

Olde Bowling Green Inn

Smalldale Currently one of our District Pub of the Season nominees, this historic inn dating back to 1577 is full of character with its maze-like interior, low wooden beams, brass ornaments and real fires. The pub is very popular with ramblers and welcomes dogs, and there is also a large beer garden which is perfect for summer. You will find up to four real ales on offer here – the regular, Tetley’s Bitter, plus a selection of guest ales. There is a pub quiz with free food and a cash prize on Tuesday evening.

White Hart

Towngate 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 locally brewed real ales and excellent food. Like the other pubs in the village, it is popular with walkers and their dogs alike. The pub holds a pub quiz on Wednesday evenings, when all cask ales are priced at a very reasonable £3.00 per pint.

Shoulder of Mutton

Church Street Like many of the pubs in the area, the Shoulder of Mutton is food-led nowadays but is still very welcoming to drinkers. There are three handpumps; Tetley’s Bitter and Sharp’s Doom Bar are the regulars, plus a changing guest ale. 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 a dartboard and pool table. The food on offer is traditional pub fare, with a roast dinner on Sundays, all at reasonable prices. On Sunday evening there is a pub quiz with free supper and bingo.