Multi-site operator Thornbridge & Co has announced they will be opening a new site ‘The Fargate’ just across from Sheffield Town Hall as part of the new developments taking place throughout Sheffield City Centre.
Thornbridge & Co is a joint venture between Thornbridge Brewery and Pivovar, the company that runs the Sheffield Tap. Other sites include the Bankers Cat in Leeds, Market Cat in York and the Colmore in Birmingham.
Director Jamie Hawksworth explained “The Fargate is going to be one of Sheffield’s most prominent pubs with over £1M of investment being made on the new bespoke interior. This is going to be a wonderful showcase for The Brewery and its beers will be served over a beautiful polished oak island bar surrounded by hand crafted oak panelling and leather banquet seating. We think it will be a great boost to the great work all ready been made to make the City Centre great again. Work is expected to start on the fit-out later this year with an opening date yet to be announced.”
Fellow Director, Simon Webster commented further “We have been working with Sheffield City Council for over a year in identifying this site and then working together to offer outdoor seating as part of the new Fargate development. The views from both inside and out of this prestigious building will add to the customer experience. Thornbridge & Co is delighted to be able to invest in Sheffield City Centre and is delighted to be part of the new development of Fargate and create a great gateway to Heart of The City”
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “I’m delighted to welcome this fantastic addition of Thornbridge & Co to our rapidly transforming city centre. The Fargate will breathe new life into a beautiful building across from the Town Hall and will fit in brilliantly alongside the many new shops, offices and other hospitality venues that are opening up throughout the city centre. The addition of outdoor seating, made possible thanks to the improvements to the surrounding area, along with the bespoke interior will add The Fargate to the list of must-visit places within Sheffield.”.
The Big Gun (13-17 Wicker, S3 8HS), a pub with interior features of Special Heritage Interest, closed in September 2023. In May, several months after building work commenced, a retrospective planning application (24/01523/FUL) was submitted to Sheffield City Council (SCC). Work completed includes the creation of a new shop front, the replacement of windows and the fitting of roller shutters.
In July, SCC produced their verdict: ‘Grant Conditionally’ – hence, the current owners have retrospective planning permission for the building work they have done (and stated that they intend to do). Some Victorian fittings are lost forever.
In the SCC documentation, the Planning Officer Report mentions, that change of use from a pub has not been applied for and refers to the building as a pub throughout. In addition, the decision states: ‘Planning permission will be required for the change of use of the pub (Sui Generis) and ancillary residential accommodation and storage use to commercial use (Class E) and residential accommodation (C3/C4).’
To summarise, there is no planning permission for ‘change of use:’ the Big Gun has been a pub for over 200 years, and will remain so. We await developments, with interest.
We’ve been back at it again with one of our local Brass Band’s, The Oughtibridge Brass Band, touring around Kelham Island, Neepsend & Finishing back at The Dorothy Pax.
We love these tours around some of our favourite boozers in Sheffield. This time around on our summer tour we brought tunes to your ears to raise money for vital band equipment. Music instruments are expensive, especially when they are made of brass. The band, formed in 1890, needs to cover the cost of a new tuba and a new set of drum cymbals to continue teaching, developing and performing with the youth talent of their band for many to years come! Donations welcome!
The Dorothy Pax is going back to its Grassroots for their Tramlines Fringe Event, Canal-Lines. All free, just as it should be!
Richard commented “…we’d love to go big again this year, but it’s been so tough for us all this year that we’ve decided to go back to our roots. We’ve got a stunning lineup of amazing artists, we’re so excited to be working with our partners Waterbear College of Music, Sammy Fangers and of course The Chalton Country Club. I can’t stop waving my arms around with glee like Wallace and Gromit when they know there’s a cheddar moment inbound!”
The DPx will have their usual bountiful inside bar, a Triple Point Tap Takeover on the outside bar and the world exclusive of a new TP release. There’ll be plenty of outside seating and outside speakers so you can hear the performances whilst catching some rays, fingers crossed.
Richard also said “This year’s Tramlines Fringe is simply epic, so many great gigs over the weekend at so many great boozers and venues. We should be extremely proud of what we can achieve collectively in our city. Please support all the venues across the weekend. This is a world-class event, our own SXSW…get involved.”
All the Pax Crew have worked so hard to deliver a great program, this truly is a family-focused event. Bring the kids, bring the dawgs and we’ll provide the collective cheer!
Further information on our website here: https://dorothypax.com/canal-lines-2024/
Kate Major & Chris Bamford, the team behind CAMRA award winning pubs The Crow Inn and The Rutland Arms have signed the lease on their third pub, The Harlequin.
Situated down on Nursery Street overlooking the River Don on the edge of Kelham Island, the pub has been closed for a short period since late May after the departure of the previous longstanding tenants.
A refurbishment is being carried out, with a plan to reopen with a focus on real ale, cider and craft beer as well as spirits and wines from independent producers.
Reopening is planned for late July or early August. Good quality pub food and live music will follow in the coming months.
UPDATE – the Harlequin will be opening on Friday 2 August. Opening hours is midday to midnight.
Whilst the main ticketed event takes place in Hillsborough Park over the weekend of 26-28 July, a whole bunch of pubs, bars and clubs across the City Centre, Kelham Island and beyond take part in the fringe festival, which also includes an outdoor stage on Devonshire Green. The majority of fringe events offer free entry. We’ve taken a look at what some of the real ale serving venues are doing to help you plan an enjoyable weekend featuring live music, DJs and good beer!
Of course there will be much more going on than we’ve been able to include here – this should give you a flavour – keep an eye on venues social media for the latest or there is a page on the Welcome to Sheffield website for the official fringe or the Clashfinder website provides a handy listings service for all venues.
The Dorothy Pax at Victoria Quays despite being a small, cosy, railway arch bar has a busy programme of live music and if its busy they’ll be piping the audio outside to their waterside seating area! Their “Canal Lines” kicks off early on Thursday 25th at 6:30pm with a line up curated by Waterbear the college of music then on Friday from 6pm it’s an indie showcase. Saturday is an all-dayer with music kicking off at 1:30pm with a mix of live music and DJs under the “Dorothy Pax presents” banner.
At the Washington on Fitzwilliam Street they have live music inside and DJs outside until 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday followed by the usual late night DJs keeping the party going until 4am (3am Sunday!). On Friday festivities kick off at 4pm with 5 bands on, headlined by “Bag of Cans”, Saturday they’re open from 2pm and the headline band is “The Hot Soles”. Sunday is also a 2pm opening with 7 bands on the roster with “We Hate The Sharkman” headlining.
The Dove & Rainbow at Hartshead Square (off High Street) also has live entertainment over Friday to Sunday and as you’d expect is a little more alternative. Friday is “Reyt Against the Machine” and “Play Dead”, Saturday is “Firegarden” and “Baranovich” whilst Sunday the stage is graced by “Skip Rat”, “Inequality Street” and “Ball Britain”.
The Church House, located by the Cathedral tram stop (and of course by the cathedral too!) is well known for having bands on at the weekend, usually but not always of the classic rock genre, naturally has live music for the Tramlines Fringe and have really pushed the boat out with 15 acts over 3 days. Things kick off at 5:30pm on Friday with Saturday and Sunday seeing all day entertainment – from 2:45pm Saturday and 1:30pm Sunday.
Shakespeares Ale & Cider House on Gibraltar Street is a well known Tramlines fringe venue with a busy programme of gigs in the upstairs room on Friday and Saturday. Friday is “Shamlines” presented by Earwig featuring “Queen Cult”, “Guts”, “Mouthparts” and “Dearthworms” whilst Saturday is “Shakelines” presented by Jarred Up featuring 10 different bands.
Another pub well known for its Fringe action is the Frog & Parrot on Division Street. On the Saturday they will be opening their doors at 11am ready for the first act of 12 coming on at midday!
Alder has goings on all weekend. Things kick off Friday night with a gig by Mass House at 8:30pm (ish) then Saturday has 5 bands on stage from 6pm onwards with a whole mix of genres ranging from pop to post punk whilst Sunday is a more chilled out vinyl playing affair.
Saw Grinders Union have their own little festival on the Friday with food, drink, music and an exhibition.
The Fat Cat starts their party on Friday night with blues from Rocket 88 at 8pm; then on Saturday 11am to 11pm the entertainment is both kicked off and concluded by DJ sets from Big Shaun, in-between are performances from Sarah Mac, Banjo Jen and Kiziah & The Kings. The weekend here is finished off on Sunday with Billy & The Axe Man playing at 3pm.
If you are wanting to go somewhere a bit fun, perhaps after seeing a few bands, then the Three Tuns has karaoke from 8pm until 2am on Friday and Saturday night then on Sunday it’s a “Laughternoon” with comedy and music from 4pm.
Meanwhile out at Heeley (get there by bus 20, 24, 25, 43, 43a, 44 or X17) the Sheaf View are hosting “Sheaf Lines” with live acts over the weekend.
Jabbarwocky on London Road are also participating in the festivities on Saturday with “Jabzlines” featuring live entertainment from 3pm until 11:30pm. Buses 20, 43, 43a, 44, 75, 76, 86, 97 and 98 go there.
If you are looking for something more laid back the Old Shoe in Orchard Square have acoustic live music along with vinyl DJ sets. If you want something to eat whilst in the area the Sheffield Plate food hall across the square will be open and also have entertainment!
If you’re visiting the outdoor stage on Devonshire Green on the Saturday and fancy some decent beer and a burger then True North Brewery is next door and hosting an open day.
The Red Deer, freshly reopened, has live performances on Saturday with Harri Larkin from 4pm and Martha Makes Mistakes from 6:30pm.
The Dog & Partridge have their usual Sunday acoustic session in the back from from 6pm.
The Foresters has been at the heart of the Sheffield City Centre scene since 1828. Nestled on the corner of Division Street, the pub is now a hub for its younger community of students and professional clientele, but has welcomed regulars of the original pub back, according to manager Gabe Thornton (pictured).
The venue is part of the Rockingham Group, among the owners of which are James O’ Hara of Kelham Island Brewery and James Hills. The pub has been extensively refurbished and consists of a large open plan room, portioned with comfy seating and pictures of old Sheffield. Upstairs is a small meeting room which is currently being redecorated for any group wishing to gather there in the autumn months.
Double doors at the rear lead to a nicely decorated beer garden.
Currently the pub has two cask ales, with another anticipated shortly due to demand. This is complemented by five keg and a cider. CAMRA discount is offered at 10% off a pint of cask, but anyone can take advantage of the pubs happy hour where between Mon-Fri at 4pm until 7pm, cask ales will only set you back £3.50.
Food is covered by Steven Mullins-Griffiths who cooks up traditional pub fayre, as well as weekly specials available 12-9pm Mon-Fri and 12-5pm Sun. For those on a budget, 3-4-2 deals can be obtained Mon-Fri 12-3pm.
Entertainment comes in the form of a quiz on Mon from 7.30pm with a picture round and 40 questions, a bonus is a £50 bar tab for the winners. Tues sees a welcoming jam night where anyone is encouraged to get up and give it a go from 7.30pm. Through the day and weekday evenings an eclectic playlist is in the background, but Fri and Sat sees local DJs playing differing genres from dance to indie.
Full details of the pub are available on What Pub, or by visiting their website: theforesterssheffield.co.uk.
Longbow, who own a number of pub/hotel venues in the Peak District including the George in Hathersage, have a Thornbridge house cask beer, It is a rebadge of AM PM.
Walkley festival saw a number of pubs in the area team up for a festival pub crawl promotion where you had a drink in each of the different pubs to get a card stamped which then went into a prize draw. It ran from 28 June to 7 July, with the Blake Hotel hosting a beer festival on the second weekend.
The S17 area has gained another new cask ale outlet with the Summer House bistro’s Eden Bar adding a handpump to serve Abbeydale Moonshine. This venue is next door to Dore & Totley railway station.
Cross Scythes in Totley are running a cask ale club with a loyalty card offer and discounted prices on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Lost in West Bar on Gibraltar Street has closed down with the premises declared unviable with new premises being sought in the Kelham Island area. All being well a new and improved Lost in Kelham Island should open later in the year – watch this space!
York in Broomhill is now open again following a refurbishment. The bar offers a choice of six cask ales plus a further six craft beers on keg.
Old Shoe in Orchard Square, Sheffield City Centre, is hosting a beer festival on 17 August with beer spread across their own bar and a pop up in the downstairs function room of the Sheffield Plate food hall. They also recently celebrated their first birthday over the weekend of 12-13 July with a fancy range of beers on both cask and keg.
Bear on Abbeydale Road recently celebrated their third birthday.
Rutland Arms on Brown Street in Sheffield City Centre has taken delivery of some birthday beers from Finland’s CoolHead Brew, including IPAs brewed in collaboration with Flok, Beak, Verdant and Burnt Mill, along with Dutch White Dog, which includes a DIPA and a rather ludicrous smoothie sour. These beers are all in keykeg and expected to hit the Rutty’s taps at some point in August.
Psalter hotel has been closed down a while but it is to reopen under the new ownership of local chef Tom Lawson as a stylish hotel and restaurant. The focus is to be dining although it is expected to feature a public bar.
Wig & Pen, which has been closed since Covid, is to finally reopen as the Beaten Track coffee lounge and cocktail bar.
Springwood Hotel, an abandoned pub in Woodthorpe, has suffered a fire.
Kiveton Tap is now open to drink inside with a selection of craft beers on their keg taps as well as a selection of bottles and cans in their shop area. Buses 21, 26/26a and X5 pass the front door.
The good folk of S8, particularly those that live near an unspecified big roundabout, may have a new local micropub opening to look forward to. More details are to be announced when all the licenses and permissions are in place.
If you attempted to visit the Bath Hotel on 15 July and was disapointed to find it closed, that was because it was being used to film scenes in a new BBC drama, Reunion.
Thornbridge Brewery’s tap room is hosting a Summer Social event from 16 to 18 August featuring live music, street food and of course beer. Entry is free and no tickets are required. The brewery is walkable from the centre of Bakewell where buses 218 and 257 from Sheffield terminate, the Peak Sightseer open top bus tour also passes the end of the brewery drive.
Triple Point Brewing are hosting a beer festival in conjunction with SIBA on 2 August from 5pm featuring keg beers that have been judged in their competition. It will see the number of taps on the bar increase to 27 for one evening only. The event will also feature live music and table bookings are recommended.
Pangolinare hosting a tap takeover with Pig Love of Leeds on Friday 21 June while every Wednesday it is chess club at 8pm.
Old Shoelaunched this year’s batch of Exemption cider on the bar on Saturday 25 May which a choice of two available – one being Generous Flavours, a dry, bitter cider made with Sheffield windfall apples whilst the other The Fox & Lazy Dog is a blend involving juice from Ross Cider (50% Foxwhelp apple) and Sheffield windfall apples.
King & Millerin Deepcar is now serving food again. The menu includes classic pub dishes such as steaks, burgers, pies, sausage & mash, fish & chips and chilli.
Farmyard Inn at Youlgrave is hosting their annual Pommie Fest 9-11 August.
Peak Hotel in Castleton will again be hosting their Peaktober fest in September, details to be confirmed.
Tunnel Tapin Totley has had a handpump installed and started serving real ale from 7 June. It will be used for beer from Thornbridge Brewery and started with the Wild Swan session pale ale.
Kiveton Tap, which has been operating as a specialist off licence since opening, now has the appropriate permissions to expand and offer the option of drinking in. By the time this issue of Beer Matters is out, the bar area should be open with a range of craft beers on tap to enjoy, and a choice of bottles and cans in the shop area, with a small extra charge to drink in.
Harlequinon Nursery Street has now closed following a career change for landlady Liz! Some building maintenance is forthcoming and the pub is expected to reopen later in the year under new management.
Tramlines music festival takes place at Hillsborough Park over the weekend of 26-28 July, this also sees the Tramlines fringe take place in various venues including pubs in and near the City Centre. Not much had been announced at the time of going to press. Shakespeares on Gibraltar Street are running their very popular annual Shakelines event with a busy programme of live music upstairs over the weekend. Washington on Fitzwilliam Street are also hosting a busy weekend of free live music in the pub along with the usual late night DJs. However, expect all the usual places that regularly host live music to be doing something.
Traveller’s Rest in Apperknowle has opened a farm shop alongside the pub car park.
Dog & Partridgeon Trippet Lane in the City Centre is very much hoping for a positive change of government as a result of the election and, on the Friday 5 July, is holding a party at the pub hosted by drag artist Bipolar Abdul and fundraising for S6 Food Bank. Check out the details on their Facebook page and get yourself down there for a few beers!
Yorkin Broomhill closed for a refurbishment as soon as the students went home for the summer holiday and is expected to reopen on 27 June, with a relaunch event planned for 5 July. As well as a refreshed interior there will be a new food menu.
Building on the success of their Wednesday chip butty night (which features a weekly changing special topping!), Commercialin Chapeltown has launched a Thursday tacho night. Choose from tacos or nachos loaded with a choice of beef, chicken, mushrooms or pulled pork, served with lettuce, tomato, Mexican coleslaw, cheese, potato wedges and dips. A range of real ales are of course available to wash them down!
One Valley Festival sees numerous venues across the Dronfield area including pubs, clubs and brewery tap rooms all put on special events involving beer, cider, street food and music all on the same day. The 2024 event takes place on Saturday 8 June.
Here is a quick guide to the venues expected to take part. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Most of the venues are close to the railway station and can be walked between; All the venues are served by one of the four local Stagecoach bus services – 15, 16, 43 and 44 – all charge just £2 per ride or a Silver DayRider pass is available offering unlimited travel on them all (£6.20 adult or £16 for a group of 5, buy from the driver or on the Stagecoach app).
Until 5pm there is also the Travel Derbyshire On Demand minibus that can be booked on their app for any journey in North East Derbyshire at a cost of £4 per ride, subject to availability.
CORE ONE VALLEY FESTIVAL VENUES
Manor House Hotel, High Street, Dronfield (get there by bus 15 or 16): As normal their coffee shop will be open serving cooked breakfasts from 8am and the hotel bar will open at 10am, however festivities kick off outdoors at the rear of the building from noon with two outside bars – one of them serving Abbeydale cask beers. Pellizco will be there slinging Mexican food and Britpop Resurrection will be performing live at 5pm and 6pm, followed by DJ Brad Gee playing an outdoor set from 7:30pm. https://www.facebook.com/manorhousehotel.co.uk
Blue Stoops, High Street, Dronfield (get there by bus 15, 16 or 43): Features a large outdoor drinking area and outside bars will be in place for the festival. Inside the normal bar and restaurant will be operating. https://www.facebook.com/thebluestoopsdronfield
Victoria, Stubley Lane, Dronfield (get there by bus 15, 16 or 43): Old Skool street corner local boozer with a small outdoor drinking area.
Green Dragon, Church Street, Dronfield (walkable from Dronfield station and bus 44): The car park will be closed off to make a bigger outdoor area with an outside bar open from midday, Smiths fish & chip van and music – DJ Higgz 2pm to 4pm, Vocalist Hayley-Lou 4pm to 6pm and DJ Higgz from 6:30pm until late. https://www.facebook.com/GreenDragonDronfield
Dronfield Arms, Chesterfield Road, Dronfield (walkable from Dronfield station, bus 44 stops close by): This pub is the home to Temper Brewing and a branch of Pizza Pi, for the festival the car park is closed off for a party with outside bar and music stage with live acts during the afternoon from 1pm then a DJ taking over at 6pm to keep things swinging as the sun sets. (stage line up: 1pm Magenta Apricot, 2pm Kickback, 3pm Issac, 4pm Dronny Bottom Buskers, 5pm Chris Paul, 6pm to midnight DJ Phil). https://www.facebook.com/dronfieldarms
Underdog, Chesterfield Road, Dronfield (walkable from Dronfield station, bus 44 stops close by): A barely noticable passageway runs down the side of the building to a rear courtyard area where for the festival an outside bar will be serving a range of craft beer, flavoured ciders and alcoholic slushies. Also present will be Butlers Family Bakers’ selling hot pork sandwiches. https://www.facebook.com/TheUnderdogDronfield
White Swan, Chesterfield Road, Dronfield (walkable from Dronfield station, bus 44 stops close by): If the weather is good their patio area proves popular and for the festival they have an outside bottle bar. Also featured is a pizza van and Bethany Grace will be singing between 1pm and 3pm. https://www.facebook.com/whiteswandronfield2023
Pioneer Club, Stonelow Road, Dronfield (get there on bus 15 or 44): Expect a full range of drinks on the club bar inside, live entertainment, DJ and food stalls. It will be a family friendly venue too with a bouncy castle, childrens entertainer and other kids activities. https://www.facebook.com/PioneerClubS18
Miners Arms, Carr Lane, Dronfield Woodhouse (bus 16 stops outside or bus 43 is a short walk away): This is a suburban community local with a decent beer garden. On festival day real ale on the pub bar will be joined by a cider shack outside, there will be live music at 1pm and 8pm with a DJ providing the music inbetween, returning later on in the evening to host a throwback disco once the band has finished. BBQ food will be served from midday to 6pm and there will be a dessert van from 4pm to 7pm. In the daytime there will be a bouncy castle for the kids. https://www.facebook.com/theminersarmsdronfieldwoodhouse
Jolly Farmer, Pentland Road, Dronfield Woodhouse (get there on bus 43): A suburban community pub that serves food. Festival day routine sees them open early serving cooked breakfasts (advance booking essential!) then into the afternoon their outdoor area hosts a pop up bar, BBQ and live entertainment. https://www.facebook.com/jollyfarmerdronfield
ONE VALLEY EXTRA VENUES
Beer Stop, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield (walkable from Dronfield station or bus 44 stops right outside): A small craft beer shop that offers on site drinking with a patio area at the front – expect as usual a choice of beers in keg, can and bottle www.facebook.com/BeerStopDronfield
Drone Valley Brewery, Unstone Industrial Complex, Main Road, Unstone (bus 43 and 44 stop at the end of the drive): For the festival their brewery tap operation cranks it up a gear or two – bigger bar in the brewery showcasing their range of cask ales plus lager and cider, separate outside cocktail bar and a food stall provided by Gow’s Kitchen of Coal Aston. There will be live music throughout the afternoon: Simon Lancaster at midday, Tony Bovill at 12:45pm, Ed Hulse at 1:30pm, Dog & The Enigmas at 2:15pm, Shambles Duo at 3pm, Charlotte Hall at 4pm and Cobalt Tales at 5pm. https://www.facebook.com/dronevalleybrewery
Miners Arms, Hundall Lane, Hundall (get there on bus 15): Always a popular destination on festival day is this rural pub up in the hills! On the day the beer garden gains an outside bar with a range of ales, lagers and ciders along with a food stall and outdoor live music stage. Music kicks off from 2pm with Steve Birks and Hallowed Travellers. https://www.facebook.com/minershundall
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND DJ SCHEDULE
Here is a summary of what all the venues have announced so far. Please check for any changes directly with the venues before making any special journeys!
12:00 – Drone Valley Brewery: Simon Lancaster
12:00 – Pioneer Club: DJ John
12:45 – Drone Valley Brewery: Tony Bovill
13:00 – Dronfield Arms: Magenta Apricot
13:00 – Jolly Farmer: Ding & John – live singing and DJ sets throughout the afternoon
18:00 – Pioneer Club: Alan Squires (guitar & vocals)
18:30 – Green Dragon: DJ Higgz
19:30 – Manor House: DJ Brad Gee (until closing time)
20:00 – Miners Arms (Dronfield Woodhouse): Brude (classic rock band)
BUS STOPS / RAIL STATION
Use these links to view the next buses scheduled from the nearest stop to each venue, there are separate links for each side of the road. Click on the time of the bus and it will show you where the bus is and if it is on time or click on the map link so you can see on a map where the bus stop is and where the buses are.
