Category: Pub Guides

This area of pubs is a short distance out the City Centre in a South West direction and is made up of two areas – the “Heeley Triangle” with pubs on the main Chesterfield Road and the hills above it along with venues along Abbeydale Road which combined make up a bigger triangle shaped pub crawl.

Regular buses on the Chesterfield Road corridor (20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17) serve the Heeley side of the triangle, buses on the Abbeydale Road corridor (75/76/86/97/98) run regularly on the Broadfield side with the bit in-between being walkable in under 10 minutes (or there is a limited bus service, the 10/10a).

This can also be combined with a visit to pubs on London Road (see separate article on our website). There are also a number of classic community locals in the Nether Edge area which is walkable from Abbeydale Road. It is also only a short bus ride up to Woodseats where there are three micropubs, a number of traditional locals and a Wetherspoons.

The Heeley area is a classic real ale pub crawl that has been a favourite for many years whilst Abbeydale Road has been a more recent development with an eclectic selection of little bars and cafes springing up alongside the bigger venues.

More information on the pubs is available on CAMRA’s pub database website – whatpub.com; bus timetables and maps are available at travelsouthyorkshire.com.

Sheaf View, Gleadless Road
Previously a failed, closed and boarded up Marstons pub, James Birkett bought the pub in 2000 and transformed it. Two rooms, both clean and simple, good range of real ales and continental beers at reasonable prices, knowledgeable staff and an outdoor drinking area. There have been few substantial changes to the winning formula since, even with recent changes of ownership.
Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17

Brothers Arms, Well Road
Previously known as the Olde Shakespeare, this pub was taken over by a member of the Everley Pregnant Brothers Ukelele Parody band who’s day job is a brewery rep! Inside the pub has a traditional layout with cosy corners and a dart board, there is a great choice of beers at fair prices and basic bar snacks are available. Outside, the pubs hillside situation means the extensive beer garden offers fantastic views over the City.
Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17

White Lion, London Road
One of Sheffield’s Heritage pubs that still has a corridor and multiple small rooms as well as the bigger open plan rooms towards the back. The pub is also known for having live music at the weekend and also has a Wednesday quiz night! The bar features a selection of cask ales on handpump, usually including the more well known favourites such as Oakham Citra and Titanic Plum Porter.
Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17

Crown Inn, Albert Road
Traditional and comfortable two room pub with a great beer garden. A range of cask ales are available, mainly from the better known breweries. Food is available, primarily pies.
Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44/X17

Tramshed, Chesterfield Road
Small neighbourhood bar with craft beer (no cask) and attached dining room.
Get there: buses 20/24/25/43/43a/44

Hardy Pick, Broadfield Close
Part of Greene King’s Hungry Horse chain with the associated food menu, family friendly, feel of a motorway service station, range of cask beers from Greene King plus a couple of guests.
Get there: buses 10/10a

Broadfield, Abbeydale Road
Pub & Restaurant owned by True North Brewery with large patio area at the rear. Always an interesting selection of real ales and other craft beers plus cocktails etc. The dedicated dining area offers table service and booking is advisable for food whilst the relaxed atmosphere of the pub side offers broad appeal.
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

Two Thirds Beer Company, Abbeydale Road
A neighbourhood craft beer bar with 16 lines of varied cask ales & keg beer, and a bottle bar. Slogan – don’t drink shit beer. Sounds fair to me. Food available.
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

Picture House Social, Abbeydale Road
Located underneath the old Picture House, it consists of a lounge bar, pizza diner, games room and music venue. 2 or 3 real ales normally available along with a few other craft options.  There is also an outdoor drinking area accessed via steps from the diner. 
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

Over the Yardarm, Abbeydale Road
A neighbourhood bar inspired by the catina culture of Barcelona and Seville, serving coffee, cocktails, craft keg beers and wine, with bar snacks and sharing platters. Beers include offerings from Abbeydale, Salt and Camden. No cask.
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

Abbeydale Tap & Snap, Abbeydale Road
A small neighbourhood bar with two handpumps and a simple food menu of flatbreads, fries and nibbles. 
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

Cole’s Corner, Abbeydale Road
A record & art shop that is also a cafe with craft beer available in cans! A pretty cool place to sit outside for a snack and drink. No cask or keg.
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

Turners Bottle & Tap, Abbeydale Road
Craft beer shop, as well as a range of bottles and cans there are keg taps with growler fills available. Drink in option offered. No cask.
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

Dead Donkey Bar, Abbeydale Road
Neighbourhood bar offering craft beer on keg along with grilled cheese sandwiches. No cask.
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

The Bear, Abbeydale Road
Small bottle shop and bar with a number of craft beers on keg. Bear is an acronym – Beer Emporium Abbeydale Road. No cask.
Get there: buses 75/76/86/97/98

The real ale trail around Kelham Island, Shalesmoor, Neepsend and Hillsborough – The Upper Don Valley – is pretty much the modern history of Sheffield’s real ale scene. Much of the area is a former industrial district but is now in advanced stages of gentrification with lots of pubs, bars, cafes, breweries and residential developments as well as a little remaining industry.

There are two key public transport corridors through the valley – the Blue and Yellow tram route down one edge and the number 7 and 8 bus down the other.

Shalesmoor tram stop is a useful gateway to the whole area whilst the 7/8 bus will take you close to the Neepsend pubs.

You can also stay on the tram to Hillsborough where there is a run of pubs and bars both small and large, however this article focuses on the Kelham Island and Neepsend area – check out our Hillsborough guide for venues further up the valley.

Alder Bar – Burton Road
Alder bar was previously the Sheffield Brewery Company and is located in the former Blanco Polish factory, which supplied the British troops in World War Two. Beer was brewed here from 2006 until the Coronavirus pandemic, on kit arranged on the traditional tower principle. The bar in the brewery was rescued from a student halls of residence that has since been demolished and fits in style with the Victorian building. Currently brewing has been suspended until further notice and the bar is now operated independently as “Alder” with a range of guest ales.
Get there: bus 7,8. Nearest tram stop Shalesmoor. 

Crow – Scotland Street
One of the newest pubs on the real ale and craft beer scene with the addition of en suite hotel rooms upstairs, brought to you by the same people as the Rutland Arms. Bar snacks primarily include pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls. A short walk up Lambert Street from Shakespeares pub and the rest of the Kelham Island circuit.
Get there – bus 31 (or walk up from Gibraltar Street)

Fat Cat– Alma Street

The grandaddy of Sheffield’s real ale pub scene – the first real ale free house to feature beers from outside the area and the first to offer a no smoking room! An old, traditional multi-room pub that hasn’t changed in many years, has a great beer garden and a simple, affordable food menu that always includes a veggie/vegan and gluten free option. The pub was previously associated with Kelham Island Brewery which has since changed ownership.
Get there – Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street

Forest / Toolmakers Brewery tap room – Rutland Road/Botsford Street
The Forest is just that little bit up the hill away from the popular Kelham Island circuit allowing it to remain a simple locals pub with reasonable beer prices, yet is still welcoming and comfortable. The beer on the bar is from the Toolmakers Brewery located around the corner owned by the same couple as the pub, the brewery has a tap room that opens up on a part time basis for special events including live music and open mic sessions – check their social media for details.
Get there – bus 7/8 to Neepsend Lane.

Gardeners’ Rest – Neepsend Lane
One of Sheffield’s classic real ale pubs featuring around 6 regularly changing cask beers. The pub has 3 rooms – the main lounge, snug (featuring bar billiards table) and conservatory, leading out to the quite wonderfully eccentric riverside beer yard. The pub is now community owned and gets involved with a lot of community initiatives. Note card payment only.
Get there – bus 7,8 stops outside or Infirmary Road tram stop is walkable. 

Grafters – Percy Street
Small container bar boasting a spacious outdoor garden with heating and covered seating areas. Serving cask, keg and bottled delights alongside a carefully selected range of hand picked spirits and mixers. Note this bar doesn’t normally open in the winter.
Get there: bus 7,8. Nearest tram stop Shalesmoor. 

Happy’s Bar – Rutland Road
Opened in December 2022, they promote themselves as a neighbourhood bar – with music, food, cocktails, beer and sport. Craft beer options are usually from Abbeydale and Vocation on cask and keg (cask not always available now). Also quite into their Bourbons. Outdoor drinking area available. Bar open until 4am on Friday and Saturday nights.
Get there: Infirmary Road tram stop or bus 7, 8

Harlequin – Nursery Street
Fairly big L-shape pub, recently reopened following refurbishment under the same management as the Rutland Arms and Crow Inn. The bar features 7 varied cask ales plus cider along with an interesting range of craft beers on keg. An ethos of only stocking independent producers where possible applies to all the beers, wines and spirits! The lower area at the back of the pub features a dartboard and there is a small outdoor drinking area at the rear. Food is expected to be introduced September 2024.
Get there – buses 7,8,95,95a 

Kelham Island Tavern – Russell Street
One of the area’s long established real ale pubs that has won many awards over the years including National CAMRA Pub of the Year for two consecutive years.  It is a basic pub with two rooms and a beer garden that is kept well presented, large beer range with all basic styles including mild, stout/porter and traditional bitter alongside popular pale hoppy offerings and more across 13 handpumps, usually including some from Blue Bee Brewery. A recent bar refit has also increased the number of craft beers on keg. Bar snacks include pork pies, bhajis and samosas.
Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street

Lost in West Bar – Gibralter Street
CURRENTLY CLOSED, EXPECTED TO RELOCATE. Small, friendly bar under now ownership that is connected with Lost Industry Brewing showcasing their beers and guests on both cask and keg. Yard at rear offers outdoor drinking with events held there from time to time.
Get there: buses 57,81, 82,86

Millowners Arms – Kelham Island Museum
Formerly a museum exhibit celebrating Sheffield’s pub and brewing history, this traditional pub room is now open full time as a public bar with real ale and other craft beers available along with a simple food menu.
Get there – Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street

New Barrack Tavern – Penistone Road
Friendly multi room roadhouse pub owned by Castle Rock Brewery but operated independently by Kev and Steph. Popular with the more discerning fans of Sheffield Wednesday football club and Sheffield Tigers Speedway team whilst the weekend live music and comedy events also draw a crowd. Usually a good selection of real ales on the bar and an extensive cider and bottled beer selection also features.
Get there: Bamforth Street tram stop or buses 7,8,86.

Riverside– Mowbray Street
Bar owned by True North Brewery offering their beers plus guests and food is available. As the name implies, there is also an extensive outdoor drinking area overlooking the river Don.
Get there: bus 7,8,83,95,95a.

Saw Grinders Union – Shalesmoor
Smart but relaxed bar & dining room. 2 cask ales available on handpump plus a range of craft beers from their keg wall.
Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86.

Shakespeares – Gibralter Street
One of those old places that has been around for years and dates back to the days of being a coaching inn with stables at the back for the horse and carriage, it only really became noteworthy from a beer point of view in recent years since becoming independently owned and operated. The interior is a basic ale house style with several rooms on the ground floor plus a live music room and games room upstairs. The bar offers an extensive range of craft beers on cask and keg served by knowledgeable staff, they also boast quite an extensive top shelf spirit choice.
Get there: bus 57,81,82. Nearest tram stops Cathedral or Shalesmoor.

Ship Inn– Shalesmoor
Classic pub that won an award for its last refurbishment. Laid back atmosphere.
Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop is across the road or buses 57,57a,81,82,86.

SALT – Green Lane
New build pub/restaurant, initially opened as “Stew & Oyster” but since refurbished and become SALT brewery’s Sheffield bar pairing craft beer with bao buns to eat.
Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86

Wellington – Henry Street
Old fashioned two room pub next to Shalesmoor tram stop operated by Neepsend Brewery featuring craft beer on cask and keg from their range plus guests. The kind of pub where you sit and enjoy quiet conversation or read the paper. Beer garden also available.
Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86

CRAFT BEER VENUES WITH NO CASK ALE

Church Temple of Fun – Rutland Road

Former industrial building expensively renovated with part of it converted into a bar (the other part is a clothes warehouse for the Drop Dead Clothing designer brand). The bar features craft beer, cocktails, vegan fast food, photo booth, classic coin-op arcade games, Playstation pods, pool table, music and riverside balcony. Sounds hipster as hell, actually a really cool, relaxed place to chill with a beer. Cask ale sometimes available.
Get there – Infirmary Road tram stop or buses 7,8,86

Factory Floor – Burton Road
Beer from Neepsend Brewery next door, two of which are served from a tank, along with drip infused spirits. Run by the same people as Peddlers Market and is part of the same complex.
Get there: Infirmary Road tram stop or bus 7, 8

Heist Brew Co – Neepsend Lane
The new kid on the block, a converted industrial building containing a brewery, burger joint, coffee and craft beer bar with 30 taps and a fridge full of exotica. Oh and a mini games arcade. Cask beer sometimes available for special events.
Get there: Infirmary Road tram stop or bus 7, 8

Hymn to Ninkasi – Cotton Mill Walk

Small craft beer bottle shop and bar on a modern residential development.
Get there – Shalesmoor tram stop, buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street

Old Workshop – Hick Street
Bar in, as the name suggests, an old former workshop! Features a range of craft beer, premium spirits and vegan fast food, in a laid back atmosphere.
Get there: bus 7,8 or Shalesmoor tram stop

Peddler Market – Burton Road, Neepsend
Takes place the first weekend of most months in an old warehouse and surrounding courtyards, featuring a craft beer bar with a different guest brewery each month, numerous street food traders, makers stalls, music and more.
Get there: Shalesmoor tram stop or bus 7, 8

There are a number of good pubs that don’t really fit into any of our local area guides as they aren’t somewhere that makes a pub crawl but are still worth the trip! Here’s a round up of some of them.

Craftworks, Mosborough

Small bar with a different mood depending when you go – it opens from 9am with decent coffee and nice cakes – as well as the range of craft beers on both cask and keg. After lunch the cakes are moved out of sight and it then has more of a micropub feel. Some evenings see entertainment such as quiz nights and live music.

Getting there: Buses 50, 50a and 53 stop outside. Buses 30a and 55 nearby.

British Oak, Mosborough

True North brewery owned pub with dining area offering freshly cooked food.

Getting there: Buses 50, 50a and 53 stop outside.

Oxbow, Woodhouse Mill

Friendly micropub offering a range of craft beers on cask and keg. Card payment only.

Getting there: bus 52 stops outside or bus X5 stops close by.

Commercial, Chapeltown

One of the areas classic multi-roomed real ale pubs, the Commercial has made it into many editions of the Good Beer Guide.

Getting there: bus 2/2a stops outside or Chapeltown railway station is a short walk away.

Guzzle Micropub, Killamarsh

The second branch in a chain of two Guzzle micropubs! Offers a range of mainly local session ales plus of course gin and other pub favourites to enjoy in a friendly atmosphere. If you are visiting Fuggle Bunny Brewhouse then Guzzle is a 10 minute walk away.

Getting there: bus 26/26a, 74 or 80/80a from Crystal Peaks.

Guzzle Micropub, Woodseats

The first of the Guzzle micropubs to open and the first micropub on Woodseats. It is a traditional local in miniature and offers a range of real ales.

Getting there: buses 24,25,43,44,75,76,76a and X17 stop outside.

Boston Arms, Woodseats

The second and perhaps more modern micropub on Woodseats serving real ale. This one also offers good coffee and has an upstairs dining area serving pizza.

Getting there: buses 24,25,43,44,75,76 and 76a stop outside.

Railway, Wadsley Bridge

A basic multi-roomed boozer that spent many years opening part time, now under new ownership and gradually being transformed into a worthwhile destination pub with a range of real ales and other craft beers, old fashioned juke box, pool table, TV screens showing sport and occasional live music.

Getting there: buses 7,8 and 86 from Sheffield Centre; bus 97 from Hillsborough Interchange.

Strines Inn, Strines

At 309 m above sea level, this pub is the most remote in Sheffield. In addition to rough stone walls, oak beams and flagstones from the original 1560 building, cask beer and an extensive menu are available.

Getting there: Bus 257 stops about a mile away.

King & Miller, Deepcar

Bradfield Brewery owned and dating from over 200 years ago, good value meals complement a wide selection of their beers. There are several fine etched Tennant Brothers windows each with a colourful stained and leaded crest. 

Getting there: Buses 57 & 57a stop outside.

Castle Inn, Bolsterstone

Dating from the nineteenth century, this pub remains the hub of the village, providing cask beers and a food menu.

Getting there: Buses 57 & 57a stop near-by.

Old Horns Inn, High Bradfield

Provides a wide menu and a range of cask beers: Thwaites plus guests. The beer garden provides extensive views across the ‘Sheffield Lakelands’ and into the Peak District. 

Getting there: Buses 61 & 62 stop outside.

Plough, Low Bradfield

Offers good value meals and a wide range of Bradfield beers. 

Getting there: Buses 61 & 62 stop outside.

Ye Olde Mustard Pot, Midhopestones

Dating from 1790, a country pub with exposed stone walls, low beamed ceilings and three open fires. Extensive menus and cask beer. Three double en suite letting rooms.

Getting there: Buses 57 & 57a stop about a mile away.

Friendship Hotel, Stocksbridge

Extensively rebuilt in 1903 and renovated in 2015, this one* heritage pub serves two cask beers. Nine en suite letting rooms are available in ‘the Outdoor Town in the Outdoor City.’

Getting there: Buses 57 & 57a stop outside

Hillsborough is an urban centre that as well as being a residential area it contains many shops, restaurants, a park and of course the famous football stadium. The established area for pubs is Hillsborough corner, where the main tram stop is located (Blue and Yellow routes) along with a bus station and river, whilst numerous micropubs have sprung up further along Middlewood road around Hillsborough Park tram stop (Yellow route).

Rawson Spring

Cavernous Wetherspoon in the former Hillsborough swimming baths, entrance on the outbound tram platform at Hillsborough!

Beer House S6

New bar located on the inbound platform of Hillsborough tram stop in a converted shop unit. It is run by the same people as the original Beer House micropub on Ecclesall Road, however this one is a little bigger. 5 cask ales are available, one of which is usually Gluten Free, there is also a range of keg craft beers along with your usual range of pub drinks plus proper coffee. Open midday to 11pm daily.

Hillsborough Tap

Small independent lively bar offering a selection of ales, pizza at the weekend and a programme of entertainment along with sports on TV.

Northern Monkey

A gin, rum and ale micro bar with a couple of hand pumps for real ale.

Beekeeper

Micropub offering two cask beers and three craft keg taps.

Pangolin

Craft beer bar and shop located on the inbound platform at Hillsborough Park tram stop. Two rotating cask lines in addition to craft keg offerings. Two-pint containers are available to take away draught beers. Regular events include cheese and wine nights and quizzes.

Brass Monkey

Micropub.

Queen’s Ground Hotel

Traditional pub with an impressive exterior. Inside a large open plan bar serves several drinking areas including a snooker room (with a 3/4 sized table) and a charming wood panelled snug.

Garrison, Guardhouse Bar & Restaurant

A hotel with a bar and restaurant open to non-residents.

New Barrack Tavern

Included on the Regional Inventory of historic pub interiors, this multi-roomed pub has an original 1936 floor plan. It has a ‘Gilmour’ branded door step, some original windows and distinctive and colourful exterior tiles. Available are up to five guest beers, including seasonal ales from Castle Rock. Outside is an award-winning, heated, covered patio garden. Events including live music and comedy are held some weekends.

ALSO A SHORT BUS RIDE AWAY…..

Railway at Wadsley Bridge (bus 97 from Hillsborough Interchange bus station)

Horse & Jockey at Wadsley (bus 57a from Langsett Road or Middlewood Road)

The Hope Valley is West of Sheffield in the Peak District National Park and served by bus service 271/272, generally on an hourly frequency, along with an hourly train service on the Sheffield-Manchester line. Additionally bus 257 runs from Sheffield a different route serving the village centres in Bamford, Hathersage and Grindleford. (Note bus 257 doesn’t serve the Hope Valley on Sundays, it instead goes over the Snake Pass to Glossop, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Castleton)

The area offers some breathtaking scenery, Castleton is also known for its show caves, including one where underground boat tours are available! There are of course many country pubs too, along with Intrepid brewery.

Note that the Hope Valley is in Derbyshire when choosing your travel ticket. Buses are operated by a combination of First South Yorkshire and Hulleys of Baslow, trains are operated primarily by Northern although there are two a day provided by East Midlands Railway. Information on public transport in Derbyshire can be found here.

Maynard, Grindleford

A large ’boutique hotel’ with modern public bar, lounge and restaurant. Impressive views from the large garden. Casual walkers and dogs welcome. Snacks are served in the bar from 12pm-9pm. Real fires in the lounge and bar area.

Get there: train, bus 65

Millstone, Hathersage

Built to serve the nearby millstone quarry, now popular with walkers and climbers. Open plan with large well furnished seating/dining areas. Extensive outdoor area partly under cover.

Get there: bus 271 or 272.

Plough Inn, Hathersage

The central bar serves the two level main lounge areas each with a splendid fire place. The building is a converted farmhouse on the banks of the river Derwent with an extensive beer garden.

Get there: bus 257 or train followed by a short walk.

Little John Hotel, Hathersage

Large stone built pub which has had extensive internal renovations refurbishment and the new bright clean interior now has a carvery style servery, dining and seating areas and a bar area. Three ever changing cask beers are on offer.

Get there: train, bus 257, 271 or 272.

George, Hathersage

Formerly a 500 year old inn, this luxury Derbyshire hotel in the heart of the Peak District has been transformed into a pub offering a range of real ales in their public bar.

Get there: train, bus 271 or 272.

Scotsman’s Pack, Hathersage

Comforting pub dating from the Edwardian period decorated with horse brasses and ornamental plates. The pub features a main bar area, two seated dining areas and a bar-side room around the central bar servery. The pleasant garden overlooks a stream.

Get there: bus 271 or 272.

Anglers Rest, Bamford

At the heart of Bamford and not far from Ladybower reservoir, this is a community hub in every sense, where the locals have been running the pub (and associated Post Office and Rest Cafe) since 2013. The main bar is the focal point and is extremely popular with families, walkers and particularly cyclists who have access to dedicated cycle parking and a DIY repair shop. There is also a quieter snug. Good value, rustic bar food is served Wednesday to Sunday. Walkers and dogs are welcome, and there is secure parking available for cyclists, and disabled car parking spaces.

Get there: bus 257

Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Set in a glorious location adjacent to the Ladybower reservoir. Serves quality drink and food using local produce. 14 comfortable bedrooms. Cycle friendly pub, includes a cycles repair tool station in the garden.

Get there: bus 257

White Hart, Bradwell

Exposed low beams and stone walls lend a rustic feel to this quiet relaxed village local, dating from 1676 and just uphill from the village green. A popular community pub offering a very diverse range of entertainments, complemented by a choice of three real ales as well as excellent food.

Get there: bus 271 or 272 (note not all journeys serve Bradwell)

Travellers Rest, Brough

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

Get there: bus 271 or 272.

Old Hall Hotel, Hope

Typical village corner pub with a large open plan bar area. Traditional, relaxed and friendly atmosphere maintained. The snug features a real fire. Five B&B rooms available. Tea room adjoins building serving 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm. Beer festivals held most bank holiday weekends.

Get there: bus 271 or 272, alternatively train followed by a short walk.

Cheshire Cheese Inn, Hope

A cosy country inn dating from 1578 with an open plan bar area and a smaller room at a lower level that was probably originally used to house animals, but now is mainly used as a dining area. Home cooked meals using local produce are served lunchtimes and evenings.

Get there: bus 271 or 272 followed by a short walk.

Woodroffe Arms, Hope

Uncomplicated Greene King owned local village boozer split into two drinking areas with rear car park and outdoor seating area. Recently renovated following damage to the building.

Get there: bus 271 or 272, alternatively train followed by a short walk.

SwissTap, Castleton

A family run B&B with a bar open to non-residents offering a range of four real ales. The opening times are ‘flexible’. They serve bar snack types of food from burgers, wraps, sides and sharing platters from 3pm-8pm Tue-Sun.

Get there: bus 271 or 272.

Olde Cheshire Cheese, Castleton

An excellent traditional village inn. A central bar separates the dining and bustling lounge areas. Names of landlords inscribed on low wooden beams. Walkers welcome. Six real ales on offer, all from local brewers.

Get there: bus 271 or 272

Peak Hotel, Castleton

Refurbished under new management, offering en-suite B&B accommodation, good pub food, a range of four real ales, quiz night, live music and more.

Get there: bus 271 or 272

Olde Nag’s Head Inn, Castleton

The bar areas include a feature fireplace, exposed stone walls and carved wooden chairs. Stylish dining room and busy family food trade. Live Music every Saturday from 9pm. Excellent range of real ales including beers from several local breweries, and also real cider. Serve Breakfast from 8am until 11am each morning.

Get there: bus 271 or 272

Bulls Head Hotel, Castleton

High quality home cooked food provides the backbone of this family run hotel. A spacious wood panelled dining room, while leather sofas feature in the smaller bar area. Six different Robinsons real ales are offered. Courtyard drinking area and newly refurbished barn for indoor/outdoor eating and drinking.

Get there: bus 271 or 272

Castle Inn, Castleton

A chain pub aiming to create an authentic atmosphere with local pictures adorning the walls, candlelit tables and wooden beams. Walkers welcome. Dogs allowed in the bar and water and dog treats provided.

Get there: bus 271 or 272

George, Castleton

Cosy two roomed back street pub. The flag stoned tap room welcomes walkers and dogs, while the carpeted restaurant is for diners only. Attractive forecourt seating. Three real ales are offered.

Get there: bus 271 or 272.

Dronfield is a small town just south of Sheffield over the county boundary in Derbyshire. It can be reached by train in about ten minutes or Stagecoach bus 43/44 provides a regular service from Sheffield with a “Silver Dayrider” ticket offering good value all day travel on Stagecoach services.

The town centre is in two parts, “Dronny Bottom” in the valley where the rail station is, from there head uphill via Church Street past, you’ve guessed it, the church and onto the High Street where the more modern civic centre has been built alongside the historic buildings.

There are a number of pubs and bars in the town centre plus more in the suburbs and surrounding villages, which are linked to Dronfield Civic Centre by local rural buses 15 and 16, also operated by Stagecoach.

The area is surprisingly good for real ale and craft beer, partly down to having its own local CAMRA branch which was previously part of a mixture of Sheffield & District and Chesterfield branches; and partly down to being home to some great enterprising publicans and brewers, some of who jointly put on a beer festival every June.

DRONFIELD TOWN

Beer Stop, Callywhite Lane
Small, specialist independent beer shop. Massive selection of craft beers in bottle and can, many of which are bottle conditioned ales. They also have interesting craft beers on draft on their keg taps, available to drink in or takeaway.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 which stops outside.

Blue Stoops, High Street
The Blue Stoops reopened in November 2016 after being closed and becoming near derelict. After two years of closure True North Brew Co bought this historical pub and gave it a completely new lease of life, by completing an extensive refurbishment including a function room, restaurant and beer garden. It has since been leased on and is now operated by The Chilled Out Pub Company and has a selection of more well known national real ale brands.
Getting there: buses 15/16 to the Civic Centre or bus 43 is a short walk away outside Sainsburys.

Coach & Horses, Sheffield Road
Small, cosy pub located next to Sheffield F.C, (the world’s oldest football club}’s ground on the northern edge of Dronfield. It is operated by Thornbridge Brewery and showcases a good range of their beers and guest ales across a wide range of beer styles. The large outdoor drinking area is particularly popular when Sheffield F.C. have a home fixture, or when live music is being played.
Getting there: bus 43 stops outside

Dronfield Arms, Chesterfield Road
The Dronfield Arms became Dronfield’s first brewpub when a brewery kit was installed downstairs in the former restaurant in 2015. This is on display to customers through a glass panel in the floor of the main bar. The original brewery name was Hopjacker which has been disbanded although the name still appears around the pub. A new brewery Temper are leasing the kit and is brewing without tie to the pub. The Arms features a very long bar with the real ale dispensed at the top end which has a large comfortable seating area. Also on the bar are several keg fonts including KeyKeg. There is an outside raised seating area at the rear of the pub.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office

Green Dragon, Church Street
Cosy historical pub with the addition of a heated outdoor drinking area constructed alongside the car park. Selection of well known real ales both local and national. Operates as a traditional local midweek and has quiz nights Monday and Thursday whilst it becomes a livelier town centre venue at the weekend with a DJ Friday nights and entertainment Saturday nights.
Getting there: train or 44 bus to Dronfield station or bus 15/16 to the Civic Centre

Manor House Hotel, High Street
The Manor House is a beautiful 15th Century Grade II listed building, full of original features and olde world charm, and located in the centre of the historic town of Dronfield. The vibrant bar and restaurant are both very popular with local residents and hotel guests. DJ plays on most Friday nights – either in the bar or the heated outdoor drinking area behind the hotel. Abbeydale Moonshine available on handpump.
Getting there: buses 15/16 to Civic Centre

Pioneer Club, Stonelow Road
A family orientated, award winning club where all visitors are welcome. Membership is not required to drink in the lounge bar although members enjoy a discount. Satellite sports channels are available. A varied programme of entertainment is planned for the Concert Room. Extensively refurbished to provide a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere, 4 real ales on the bar including some local beers.
Getting there: buses 15 and 44 stop at the end of the drive

Underdog, Chesterfield Road
Following an extensive refurbishment of the former Smiffy’s bar (previously a cafe) the Underdog opened its doors in Sept 2019. It is a large single room with a very high ceiling, wooden floors and is furnished in a contemporary design. The long bar hosts five real ales, four ever changing, and several keg lines including some interesting craft options alongside a varied selection of spirits. The bar welcomes dogs and children (check times restrictions) but not vaping.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office

Victoria, Stubley Lane
Traditional, friendly street corner boozer. Although the Vic is in the town centre it is a proper local featuring reasonably priced real ales, comfortable corners, pool table, darts and football on the TV.
Getting there: buses 15 and 43 stop around the corner outside Sainsburys.

White Swan, Chesterfield Road
Reopened following refurbishment in 2018, this is a classic town centre pub. Two rooms – one a comfortable lounge and the other containing a pool table with sport on TV. Two real ales available.  Beer garden accessed via a door at the back of the lounge.
Getting there: train to Dronfield station or bus 44 stops at the nearby Post Office

DRONFIELD WOODHOUSE

Jolly Farmer, Pentland Road
A former Shipstone’s house, the Jolly Farmer was renamed in the late nineties from the Gorsey Brigg and retains much of the artificial rustic character it was given then. Different levels and alcoves give this large pub a very intimate feel. Up to six real ales available, usually including some local guests.
Getting there: bus 43 stops close by.

Miners Arms, Carr Lane
Situated in Dronfield Woodhouse this Pub serves the local community. The Miners reopened late August 2022 after a two-year closure. Entertainment Thursdays and Fridays. Real ale is usually Timothy Taylor Landlord.
Getting there: bus 16 stops right outside.

Gosforth Fields Pavilion, Bubnell Road
Dronfield’s Premier Field Sports Facility – open to the general public. 2 Bars 4 Screen HD Sky/ESPN Sports – Function room available for hire. Opening times are approximate and may vary according to times of televised sporting events! The facilities are jointly owned and operated by Dronfield Town F.C., A.F.C. Dronfield and Dronfield Rugby Club. Two real ales available.
Getting there: bus 43 a short walk away on Stubley Lane

DRONFIELD HILLTOP

Hyde Park Inn, Hilltop Road
A traditional country inn on the western outskirts of Dronfield. Food served until 9pm. Nice beer garden in summer months. Quiz night Thursday.
Getting there: bus 43 a short walk away on Gosforth Lane

UNSTONE

Drone Valley Brewery, Unstone Industrial Complex, off Main Road
A brewery run by a community interest society, their tap room operates in a marquee next to the brewery at the weekend.
Getting there: bus 43/44 stops on the main road at the end of the drive.

COAL ASTON

Cross Daggers, Brown Lane
A comfortable and welcoming true village local tucked away in the heart of Coal Aston. The Cross Daggers is a 19th Century pub which has been home to Landlord, Anthony Hutchinson since 2000. A viewing window in the floor shows the immaculate cellar below.
Getting there: Bus 15 stops on the main road nearby.

Royal Oak, Eckington Road
A traditional village local, also known as the Pond.
Getting there: Bus 15 and 44 passes the pub.

Yew Tree, Holmley Lane
A large one room pub, split into two levels. Traditionally, old style decor, clean and spacious. Pool table. Live music some weekends. One real ale.
Getting there: Bus 15 a short walk away on Green Lane.

APPERKNOWLE

Travellers Rest, High Street
A constantly changing range of cask beers and cider/perries are a feature of this traditional country pub at the edge of the village. The outdoor drinking area provides sweeping views over the Drone Valley – one of the best views in Derbyshire. Good quality food is available at all times, with the cheese platters and pork pies being noteworthy.
Getting there: Bus 15 passes the front door and stops close by

HUNDALL

Miners Arms, Hundall Lane
A compact, cosy and comfortable wet-led traditional pub with a well-appointed beer garden. Multi-award-winning pub at local and regional levels which hosts up to five quality real ales, including the nearby community Drone Valley Brewery and numerous ciders and perries. Extremely dog friendly, games and TV sports areas. Oversized lined pint glasses used, limited bar snack served at all times.
Getting there: Bus 15 will drop you outside the pub

HOLMESFIELD

Rutland Arms, Main Road
A popular traditional village country pub with open fires and low wooden beams which offers a relaxing, warm and snug atmosphere. Up to six well kept cask ales available. A handsome collection of Wards breweriana is contained throughout the pub. Extensive outdoor seating area with grassed children’s play area.
Getting there: Bus 16 stops outside the pub

George & Dragon, Main Road
Popular refurbished (2020) stone built pub opposite the church with a main bar plus comfortable snug featuring a log burning stove. Outdoor decking area popular in summer. Four upstairs rooms converted in 2021 for guest accommodation including one pet friendly room and one family room.
Getting there: Bus 16 is a short walk away

Angel Inn, Main Road
Traditional freshly prepared gluten and dairy free pub food and at least one gluten free cask beer always available. A comfortable bar area for non-diners is available in addition to the main dining room and conservatory. Beer terrace at front and beer garden at rear popular in summer.
Getting there: Bus 16 is a short walk away

MILLTHORPE

Royal Oak, Cordwell Lane
A delightful traditional stone built country pub with the main bar and small separate room.
Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by

BARLOW

Peacock, Hackney Lane
Large pub, smart and comfortable. Extensive menu available starting with breakfast from 9:00 am. A Micro Brewery (Collyfobble Brewery) to supply in-house needs and those of the nearby Tickled Trout opened in July 2017. Guest Accommodation is available. Charging point for electric cars installed in the car park (Purchase tokens from the bar).
Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by.

Tickled Trout, Valley Road
Recently re-opened after an extensive refurbishment and enlargement. Food locally sourced with Italian inspiration.
Getting there: Bus 16 stops close by

A growing number of breweries in our area have opened taprooms offering the chance to drink the beer at source. Some others own their own pubs that can be considered a brewery tap. Here is my beer tourist guide to local brewery taps.

Abbeydale

Established in 1996 and is now the oldest in the city! It is most famous for their Moonshine pale ale which is widely available in cask. Over the years the brewery has expanded, now producing around 220 barrels a week, including more modern craft beers such as their Funk Dungeon and Brewers Emporium range alongside the classics. Many of the beers have the addition of Brewers Clarex to make them suitable for most gluten-free diets. They own the Rising Sun at Nether Green which acts as their tap, showcasing their range of beers and serving good food. This pub was Sheffield CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2022. Buses 83 and 120 (towards Fulwood) stop right outside.

Blue Bee

Established in 2010 and produces a range of quality cask ales on their ten barrel kit with no fuss or hype. The range is mostly focused on well-hopped pale ales but also look out for their Ginger Beer. They also produce a traditional bitter and a stout. They don’t have an official tap, however under the same management is the Kelham Island Tavern where you will normally find their beer on the many handpulls. Alternatively Reet Pale and Hillfoot Best Bitter are regular house beers at the Rutland Arms.

Bradfield

Established in 2005 on a working dairy farm on the edge of the Peak District, initially as an exercise in diversification but following the success and expansion of the brewery it has pretty much replaced the farming business! The brewery has its own Millstone Grit spring providing the water to brew with and produces a range of mostly simple, classic beers with the biggest selling being Farmers Blonde. There is a shop at the brewery while the original tap pub is the Nags Head Inn, a short distance from the brewery in Loxley (bus 61/62 Hillsborough-Bradfield go there); since then three other tap pubs have been added – the King & Miller in Deepcar and Wharncliffe Arms (both on bus route 57/57a Sheffield-Stocksbridge) along with the White Hart in Bradwell (on bus route 271/272 Sheffield-Castleton).

brewSocial

Launched in 2022 and is owned by social enterprise Yes2Ventures, which is all about training up people who are disadvantaged in the labour market. The brewing, in an Attercliffe railway arch, is led by Richard Hough, an experienced and well known local brewer who in the past has worked for Abbeydale Brewery and was involved in the initial setup of Blue Bee Brewery. They don’t have a tap, keep an eye out for their beers in local pubs!

Chantry

Based in Parkgate, Rotherham and founded in 2012. The name is taken from Rotherham’s most historic building – the Chantry Bridge and Chapel. It has since expanded with an 80 barrel capacity and lagering tanks. A range of mostly traditional cask ales are brewed along with a couple of lagers. The most recent developments is the opening of a Chantry Brewery Tap and live music venue within the brewery, a short walk from the Parkgate tram train terminus. Note on gig nights (including the Saturday of the CAMRA Members’ Weekend) tickets are required to enter. They also own three pubs – the New York Tavern and Cutlers Arms in Rotherham town centre, near the football ground; and the Chantry Inn at Handsworth in Sheffield (buses 30, 30a, 52, 52a, 80 and X5).

Collyfobble

Based in the Derbyshire village of Barlow, near Dronfield (bus 16 Dronfield-Chesterfield). Beers names are generally reference to local dialect and sayings. The brewery is attached to the Peacock pub and hotel.

Dead Parrot

The brewery name is a bit of a family in joke, as the brewer’s brother is the manager of the Frog & Parrot which used to have a brewery in the cellar under previous ownership and the family used to run Henry’s bar and associated Aardvark brewery which has since been demolished – much of the equipment has come from both dead ventures! The brewery produces a broad range of cask ales at their site on the edge of Sheffield City Centre, shared with their tap bar Perch and an events yard which will be hosting a beer festival on the CAMRA Members’ Weekend.

Drone Valley

A community interest company owned by members and partly staffed by volunteers with much of the profits going to local good causes. The beer range is fairly traditional and produced in a unit on a small industrial yard alongside the river Drone in Unstone, just south of Dronfield. Tap sessions are hosted in a marquee attached to Drone Valley brewery every weekend (buses 43/44 Sheffield-Chesterfield).

Emmanuales

This is a very small scale brewery producing interesting beers with a Christian theme to the names. Originally it was a cuckoo brewing operation, now the kit is based at the brewer‘s home! The beer is usually available only in bottles but occasional cask is produced for special events.

Eyam

Started life in 2017 with a 1.5 barrel plant in the famous Peak District plague village of Eyam which has inspired many of the beer names. In 2019 they relocated up the road to the village of Great Hucklow with a bigger kit.

Fuggle Bunny

Opened in 2014 as a family business with a theme of beers that tell a story – the pumpclips are designed like bookmarks. Ownership has since changed but it remains independent. A bar in the Fuggle Bunny brewery opens for tap sessions every Friday and it is a ten minute walk from Halfway tram terminus (Blue route) or buses 26, 26a, 80 and 80a stop close by.

Grizzly Grains

Started out in 2020 producing small batches of bottled beers in the Walkley area of Sheffield but has since relocated to a small industrial unit on the edge of the City Centre not far from the Sheffield United stadium. As well as producing a number of traditional cask ales, some more experimental brews are produced, often in collaboration with organisations such as Heeley City Farm who can supply locally produced ingredients such as honey, apples and fresh hops. There is no associated pub, however look out for occasional pop up tap sessions at the brewery.

Heist

Started life as a craft beer bar in Clowne, Derbyshire, in 2017 with an on site brewery opening a year later. Heist relocated to an old industrial building in the Neepsend area of Sheffield in 2020 and converted it into a brewery and taproom, which opened to the public towards the end of the pandemic. The brewery produces mostly modern craft styles of beer in keg and can, although now and again do very interesting one-off cask ales. The taproom features 30 lines showcasing their beers and guests, a gaming area and is home to a branch of Slap & Pickle burgers. Buses 7 and 8 stop outside or Infirmary Road tram stop (Blue and Yellow routes) is less than ten minutes walk away.

HQ Brew

Sheffield’s newest brewery is associated with the Harlequin pub, whose regulars contributed to a crowdfunder to start the brewery which raises funds for local good causes. The first beer hit the bar in December 2022. Buses 7/8 and 95/95a stop outside the pub.

Intrepid

Based at Hope Valley in the Peak District National Park. They commenced brewing in the summer of 2014 on an eight barrel plant. There are four core beers plus seasonal specials supplied in cask, keg and bottle. A popup shop opens in the Intrepid brewery most weekends and there are occasional open days in the summer when they have a bar in the brewery while outside in the yard they put seating, music and a food vendor. Buses 271/272 (Sheffield-Castleton) that are routed via Bradwell stop at the end of the drive.

Little Critters

A small batch, family-owned microbrewery opened in 2015 operating on a ten barrel plant. The regular beers carry wildlife themed names and artwork (their Nutty Ambassador hazelnut milk stout won Champion Beer of Sheffield in 2018) alongside a series of one-off specials.

Little Mesters

Based at Meadowhead and named after the traditional Sheffield craftsmen who manufactured things like knives on a small scale. This is a small brewery based in a shop unit, neighbouring Mitchell’s Wine Merchants, who sell their range of bottles and cans. There is a small range of regular beers plus the occasional special – mostly traditional beers given a twist. The Little Mesters brewery has an upstairs taproom which is currently just used for special tasting events but there are plans to open it as a public bar in the near future.

Lost Industry

Run by a family of beer enthusiasts and opened in 2015. They brew a range of creative beers that is ever changing, although some popular beers do make a comeback from time-to-time such as the Mojito Sour.

Loxley

Based at the Wisewood Inn, established in 2018 and uses a five barrel plant. Buses 61/62 (Hillsborough-Bradfield) go there. They also have a second pub where you can try their beers, the Raven in Walkley.

Neepsend

An independent brewery established in 2015 that has since moved premises to Burton Road. Their regular beer is a Blonde with an ever-changing line-up of beers brewed alongside it, available in cask, keg and can. Their nearby tap pub is the Wellington, located by Shalesmoor tram stop (Blue and Yellow routes), where cans and minikegs can also be picked up.

Saint Mars of the Desert

SMOD to its friends, opened in the Attercliffe area of Sheffield after Dan Paquette and Martha Holley relocated from Boston, Massachusetts in 2018 with over 20 years brewing experience. The brewery is one of only a few in the UK with a koelschip and the beer range has an international influence including rustic ales, monastic type beers and koelschip hopped lagers. The beer is available in keg and can. The brewery site is two small buildings – brewery and taproom around a courtyard. The taproom, which opens at the weekend, offers table service. Dan and Martha are usually around to answer any questions about the brewery. Note no cask beer and payment is card only.

Stancill

Brews a range of simple session ales and a lager using equipment relocated from the closed Oakwell Brewery, which had been known for its Barnsley Bitter. They have two tap pubs – the Albion and Closed Shop.

Steel City

Cuckoo brews at Lost Industry Brewing about once a month, usually collaborations producing something a bit fun!

Tapped

Following the successful conversion of the old Edwardian dining rooms and first class refreshment rooms at Sheffield Railway Station into the Sheffield Tap bar, brewing began in 2013 at an onsite brewery with viewing gallery. Tapped Brew Co supplies beer to all the venues under the same ownership.

Temper

Based underneath the Dronfield Arms pub, Temper was established in 2021 leasing the brewery originally installed as Hopjacker. The kit is a five barrel plant and their aim is to produce beers that are approachable and balanced that suit an enjoyable afternoon or evening in the pub with friends. Beers are available in cask and keg, and there are usually some available on the pub’s bar. You can get there on bus 44 (Sheffield-Chesterfield) or it is a short walk from Dronfield station.

Thornbridge

Started out life in a tiny outbuilding next to Thornbridge Hall but now based on the Riverside Industrial Estate in Bakewell on a much bigger scale with a complex featuring two breweries, taproom and barrel-ageing store. The smaller of the two breweries, in the taproom building, produces the smaller batch cask beers. The Thornbridge taproom also features a shop and pizza kitchen. Bus 218 (Sheffield-Bakewell) will get you to within 15 minutes walk of the brewery.

Toolmakers

Located behind the Forest pub in a former toolmaking factory (hence the name), the brewery was established in 2013 with a five barrel plant, principally supplying the pub and the brewery taproom which operates as a live entertainment venue.

Triple Point

Triple Point brewery is in converted former carpet showroom is home to their brewery, bar and the Twisted Burger Company. The brewery is visible from the bar area and includes modern equipment, manufactured by a German company using Sheffield steel! Beer is dispensed from a mixture of cask, keg and tank. Many of the beers are gluten free.

True North

Small brewery and gin distillery in Sheffield City Centre. The brewery was opened in 2016 and the company changed their name from Forum Café Bars to True North. They supply their bars which include the Broadfield, Waggon & Horses, British Oak, Forum Café Bar, Old Grindstone, Punchbowl and Horse & Jockey plus the free trade. In 2020 they started brewing the cask version of Stones Bitter, which is now a Coors brand but was originally brewed at the long since closed Cannon brewery in Sheffield.

Woodseats is a suburb sitting on the A61 heading South out of Sheffield towards Dronfield and Chesterfield at a higher altitude than the City Centre and hosts a number of shops, pubs and restaurants on the main road. Buses 24/25, 43/44, 75/76/76a and X17 go there from the City Centre via either Heeley or Abbeydale Road. Norton Lees is a residential area uphill from Woodseats with bus 18 providing a ride up and down the steep hill!

Boston Arms

A micropub offering locally roasted coffee and bakes during the day, and a selection of beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails in the evening, including three changing cask beers and eight craft keg lines. Pizzas served some evenings.

Woodseats Palace

Single level, open plan Wetherspoon pub comprising a large number of tables but with a more relaxed area to the right.

Mesters Tap

Micropub under the new ownership of Little Mesters Brewing with the beer range running to 5 kegs and 2 casks showcasing both their own beers and guest brewers.

Chantrey Arms

Popular local, bearing the name of the great Norton born sculptor. Although open plan, the layout splits the pub into separate drinking areas. Regular live music at weekends.

Big Tree

Large Greene King pub fronted by tabled patio area and beech tree. Features smartly furnished open plan lounge with pool area to the right. Popular with young people of all ages!

Guzzle Micropub

New and popular micropub offering five regularly changing real ales, mostly from local breweries, e.g. Emmanuales, Fuggle Bunny, Sheffield Brewery Company, Abbeydale, Toolmakers, Little Critters, Stancill … and the list goes on!

Abbey

Former coaching inn at the busy Chesterfield Road/Abbey Lane Junction, comprising comfortable lounge and separate public bar. An extensive tabled patio area overlooks the delightful bowling green.

Cross Scythes

Large pub with smart lounge, separate tap room with darts and pool, and a function room. A further children’s room is open in summer. Large outdoor area with children’s play equipment. Four regularly changing cask beers, and Facebook posts provides updates of what’s on and what’s coming.

Mount Pleasant

Small, welcoming two roomed pub housed in a former quarryman’s cottage built in 1820, and largely unspoilt by progress. The two rooms comprise a public bar to the right of the entrance and a comfortable quieter lounge where the Whisky Club meets. There are two quiz nights weekly, a darts team and a fishing club. There are also occasional beer festivals. The current licensee is only the eleventh since 1841. A genuine community pub where time has arguably stood still. The guest beers are provided under Punch’s “Finest Cask” initiative and through SIBA.

Also in Woodseats…. is Herd, a mini food hall and bar. No real ale available but there are usually a couple of craft beer options on the keg taps.

The Supertram network, currently operated by Stagecoach Supertram, provides three tram routes across the city of Sheffield along with a Tram-Train service between Sheffield and Rotherham, with all four routes operating all day every day. All day unlimited travel passes are available if you want to hop on and off doing a tram based pub crawl, alternatively thanks to funding from the South Yorkshire Mayor single journeys currently (until 31 March 2023) cost a very reasonable £2 a ride regardless of how far you are travelling. Tickets are available to buy on board from the conductor or alternatively unlimited travel passes are available slightly cheaper on the Stagecoach app.

FUGGLE BUNNY BREWHOUSE

Fuggle Bunny Brew House brew a range of real ales and host tap sessions at the brewery every Friday where an on site bar opens for you to sit inside and enjoy their beers. The brewery is about a 10 minute walk from Halfway tram terminus, on the Blue route. Trams operate every 12 minutes in the daytime and every 30 minutes in the evening, last trams back from Halfway are 23:17 on the full route to Malin Bridge via the City Centre or 00:17 to Sheffield Station. If you wish to visit some pubs in the area it is walkable to the Guzzle Micropub in Killamarsh or you can jump off the tram at Beighton or Crystal Peaks where there are various pubs to try such as the Scarsdale Hundred, Gypsy Queen and the Milestone.

CHANTRY BREWERY

Chantry brew a range of real ales and lagers in their brewery based in Parkgate, Rotherham, a short walk from the Tram-Train terminus. They have constructed a tap room bar on a mezzanine level and also adapted part of the brewery building into a small live music venue and there are regular gigs (some requiring tickets) most weekends. The bar is open on Fridays from 5pm and Saturdays from 4pm. Check their social media for whether it is a public night or gig night before going. The Tram-Train service runs roughly every 30 minutes with the last departure back to Sheffield at 23:59. There is also the option of jumping off at Rotherham Central en-route to visit some town centre pubs (such as the Bridge, Cutlers Arms, New York Tavern, Three Cranes Inn and Bluecoat) alternatively the Little Haven micropub is a short walk from the brewery.

Other beery stop offs along the Tram Train (and Yellow) route includes the Wentworth pub located across the road from the Arena and Valley Centertainment along with the Brewery of St Mars of the Desert in Attercliffe.

This trip can also be extended by using the 22X bus which runs between Rotherham and Barnsley via Parkgate and Wath upon Dearne, offering the opportunity to visit the Wath Tap micropub, which has won numerous awards from Rotherham CAMRA.

KELHAM ISLAND / NEEPSEND

This district of Sheffield, which has benefited from some significant gentrification in recent years, was named by Time Out magazine in their list of the top 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world! Shalesmoor tram stop provides the gateway to the area with a frequent service provided by the Blue and Yellow routes (about every 6 minutes in the daytime and every 15 minutes in the evening, up to midnight).

When you alight at Shalesmoor, you are next to the Wellington pub, which acts as the tap for Neepsend Brewery or across the roundabout in the Krynkl shipping container development is the Cider Hole, a specialist bar that makes its own cider as well as offering tutored tasting flights of cider from both the UK and overseas. There is also an awesome circuit of real ale pubs including the Kelham Island Tavern, Fat Cat, Shakespeares Ale & Cider House, West Bar Tap, Crow Inn, Riverside, Harlequin, Alder and Gardeners Rest as well as various other bars.

HILLSBOROUGH AREA

Hillsborough tram stop is at the heart of this suburb, two real ale outlets here are the Rawson Spring Wetherspoons and the Hillsborough Tap. However get off the tram a stop early at Bamforth Street and you can visit the New Barrack Tavern or stay on the Yellow route tram an extra stop to Hillsborough Park where there is a number of different micropubs including Pangolin, a craft beer specialist. Trams run regularly until about midnight.

SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE

Sheffield Tap, also home to Tapped Brew Co, is located at the railway station so easily accessed by the Sheffield Station tram stop. Walkable from the Fitzalan Square tram stop is the Old Queens Head and the Dorothy Pax, Castle Square tram stop is handy for the Bankers Draft Wetherspoon, the Dove & Rainbow and Cavell’s Cafe Bar. Cathedral tram stop is close to the Church House. City Hall tram stop is handy for the likes of the Dog & Partridge, Grapes, Fagan’s, Benjamin Huntsman, Sheffield Water Works Company and various bars along Division Street. West Street tram stop is near the Red Deer, Beehive, Bath Hotel and Washington. University of Sheffield tram stop is a short walk from the University Arms.

For the benefit of those of you who are new to Sheffield, here is our mini guide to real ale venues in Sheffield City Centre. All are walkable, however all are also easily accessible by bus or tram! Where possible a link to the Whatpub entry has been provided for more details and a map. Bankers Draft (JD Wetherspoon) – Castle Square tram stop Typical Wetherspoon pub with very affordably priced real ales, standard food menu and down to earth clientele over two floors. Get there: all tram routes stop outside, various buses nearby. Bath Hotel – Victoria Street Classic two room art deco back street boozer featuring a selection of ales. Simple bar snacks available, dart board, occasional music nights. Listed on the CAMRA National Inventory of pub interiors. Get there: University tram stop or buses 6,51,52,52a,95,95a,120,271 Beehive – West Street City Centre bar owned by Stonegate with well known beers, sports TV and affordable pub grub. Now one of their Craft Union venues. Get there: West Street tram stop or buses 6,51,52,52a,95,95a,120,271 Benjamin Huntsman (JD Wetherspoon) Modern Wetherspoon bar on two floors, beer range, prices and food menu as you would expect from this chain. Get there: City Hall tram stop Bessemer – Leopold Street By day and night the Bessemer is two very different animals… in the daytime like many pubs in the Stonegate chain it serves value for money food to tables in various cosy corners and real ale is available – generally a mix of national and local brands. However Friday and Saturday night the pub is open until 2am with a DJ playing golden oldies, attracting a very mixed crowd! Pub is owned by Stonegate. Get there: City Hall tram stop, buses to West Street. Brown Bear – Norfolk Street Classic two room pub owned by Samuel Smiths Brewery exclusively serving their products. Obey the Smith’s old fashioned values of no swearing or electronic devices such as mobile phones and you will be rewarded with very affordable beer prices! Get there: Castle Square tram stop or Arundel Gate bus stops. Cavells – High Street Unpretentious cafe bar Get there – Castle Square tram stop, buses on High Street/Arundel Gate. Church House – St James Street Gothic looking pub next to the Cathedral, owned by Heineken Star Bars but independently operated, relaxed atmosphere during the daytime then livelier at night with the pub featuring live bands at the weekend, usually leaning towards the classic rock genre. Get there – Cathedral tram stop or any buses on High Street/Church Street Common Room – Devonshire Street American Pool Lounge, sports bar and diner owned by True North Brewery Get there –  West Street tram stop or any bus on West Street Dog & Partridge – Trippet Lane Traditional multi roomed pub with a range of real ales. Classically part of the ‘Irish Triangle’ of three Sheffield pubs (others being Grapes and Fagans) that for many years have had Irish ex pat landlords and customers. Sporting events are regularly shown on TV, the pub hosts a quiz night and classic video games night. Also check out the old fashioned snug room, which thankfully remained unspoilt when the pub was refurbished. Get there – City Hall tram stop. Sheffield Connect minibus stops close by. Dorothy Pax – Victoria Quays Great little canal side drinking venue located in a railway arch with a bar made from an old boat. Choice of real ales, regular live music events. Friendly and relaxed, when the weather is good you can enjoy sitting outside by the water observing boats moored in the canal basin and trams passing over the viaduct in the distance! If going in the evening check their event programme as some gigs are ticketed. Get there – Fitzalan Square tram stop across bridge, various buses to the Wicker or 24/25 to Broad Street/Blast Lane. Dove & Rainbow – Hartshead Square It certainly isn’t posh or smart and the limit of the bar food menu is a Pot Noodle, the Dove has been a home to the rock and alternative crowd for many years with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Real Ale, Cider, Pool Table, music, pinball and murals feature here. Get there – Castle Square tram stop, buses to High Street/Arundel Gate/Angel Street Fagan’s – Broad Lane It may be described as a reyt proper pub and a Sheffield institution. It has recently changed hands after the retirement of the long standing licensees however it is still a traditional pub with folk music. Frog & Parrot – Division Street Landmark corner pub owned by Greene King featuring their beers plus local guests and their usual food menu. The pub is quite music orientated both with the decor and occasional live entertainment. Get there – West Street tram stop Foresters – Division Street Recently refurbished and made into a laid back traditional pub that looks reasonably smart. Cask Ales usually from Thornbridge/Kelham Island. Food served. Outdoor drinking area at the rear. Getting there: West Street tram stop. Grapes – Trippet Lane Classic multi roomed heritage pub that has been Irish owned and operated by the same family for many years. Get there – City Hall tram stop Head of Steam – Norfolk Street Large venue with island bar in a building that was once a bank, part of a chain owned by Cameron’s brewery offering and extensive range of craft beer, real ales, European beers, food and more. Get there – Castle Square tram stop, any bus to Arundel Gate Howard – Howard Street Comfortable pub owned by Marstons Brewery by the rail station and Hallam University campus. Get there – buses to Sheffield Interchange, trains and trams at Sheffield Station. Industry Tap – Sidney Street Craft beer bar opened by local experimental brewers Lost Industry but now independent, serving an extensive beer range served on a 21 line keg tap wall and bar snacks in a new build development on the site of the old Niche nightclub. Get there: buses to Moorfoot or Shoreham Street, nearest tram stop is Granville Road (Note – keg only bar, craft beers may or may not be real ale depending on range featured) Lord Nelson – Arundel Street Typical friendly old fashioned local boozer. 4 handpumps for real ale, sport on TV. Museum – Orchard Street Compact but comfortable Greene King pub attached to Orchard Square shopping courtyard. Local guest beers available and food served. Get there: Cathedral tram stop or any buses on Leopold Street/Church Street. Old Queens Head – Pond Street A Thwaites pub attached to the Sheffield Interchange bus station, the original part of the pub is one of the oldest commercial buildings in the City and is now used as the dining area with the more modern parts of the pub offering a comfortable place to relax with a beer or bite to eat. On the bar the real ales are mostly from Thwaites, however there are two guest pumps, one of which is always usually something interesting from a local brewery. The food menu leans towards traditional pub grub with some cheaper lunchtime deals. Get there: any bus to Sheffield Interchange or tram/train to rail station over the road. Old Shoe – Orchard Square A City Centre bar and shop where cider is made on the premises and served alongside a range of bottled ciders from the UK and beyond along with a wide range of craft beer served from keg, cask, bottle and can. They also feature natural wines and other artisan drinks. Get there: Cathedral tram stop; buses to Church Street or Arundel Gate. Perch – Garden Street A modern bar that in its previous life was the base for Sheffield City Council’s parking enforcement officers!  Perch is the tap for Dead Parrot Brewery with a range of their beers on handpump. The brewery is next door alongside the sheltered outdoor drinking area at the rear of the venue which hosts special events from time to time. A food menu of good quality burgers and pizzas is offered along with snacks such as chicken wings. Red Deer – Pitt Street Classic ex Tetleys pub popular with University staff that feels like a country pub in the heart of the City. Range of real ales and fresh food served, regular events including quiz nights and music, small beer patio at rear. Get there: West Street tram stop, various buses. Red Lion – Charles Street Traditional multi room pub with snug and conservatory, pool table and lunchtime food. Get there: buses to Arundel Gate, Castle Square or Sheffield Station tram stop Roebuck – Charles Street A fairly traditional pub located in the heart of the City Centre with real ale and food. Get there: any bus to Arundel Gate. Nearest tram stops: Castle Square or City Hall. Rutland Arms – Brown Street Classic traditional street corner boozer that has been around the Sheffield real ale scene for years, however look beyond the heritage building and the interior that is a bit scruffy around the edges there is a little bit of a modern punk attitude – the pub offers a great range of real ales, some quite interesting craft beers on the keg lines, bistro standard fresh food cooking (as well as chip butties) from the kitchen and an extensive selection of top shelf spirits. They also have a beer garden. Keep an eye on their social media for special events planned including tap takeovers and themed parties, keep an eye on the walls for examples of staff humour and customer politics too! Get there – buses to Brown Street or Arundel Gate, nearest tram stop Sheffield Station. Sheffield Tap – Sheaf Street The Tap is located on platform 1b of Sheffield Station in a building that was previously a derelict storage area – although long before that it was the old first class refreshment rooms, buffet and station masters accommodation. It has all been restored and opened as a craft beer bar with its own on site brewery – Tapped Brew Co. Listed on the CAMRA National Inventory of pub interiors. Get there: tram or train to Sheffield Station, any bus to Sheffield Interchange. Showroom Cafe Bar – Paternoster Row Part of the independent cinema complex, this is a large single room with some art deco features. Get there: Sheffield Station (train and tram) & Sheffield bus Interchange is just around the corner. Three Tuns – Silver Street Head Fairly unique wedge shaped pub building, traditional and comfortable interior with friendly bar service and a choice of classic ales from breweries on the Heineken list such as Theakstons. Entertainment at the weekend including disco and karaoke on Friday/Saturday and a drag queen on some Sundays. Get there: Cathedral tram stop Triple Point Brewery + Bar – Shoreham Street Modern brewery and bar in a converted building. Enjoy a range of cask and keg beers brewed on site plus the occasional guest beer. Many of the beers tend to be classic English or European styles with a subtle twist. The bar is also home to the Twisted Burger Company. Get there: buses 1,1a,11,24,25. Nearest tram stop is Granville Road. University Arms – Brook Hill Formerly the University staff club and originally a vicarage, this slightly gothic looking building is now a pub open to all offering a timeless environment to enjoy beer and food inside and a proper beer garden outside.It also has a number of function rooms upstairs well used by University societies. Get there: University of Sheffield tram stop or buses 51,52,52a Vocation & Co – Devonshire Street Small but perfectly formed bar originally opened by True North Brewery as the Old House, now a branch of Vocation & Co which launched on 14 April 2023 with 5 cask ales and 22 keg lines featuring beer from Vocation and guests. Food is described as upmarket burgers and subs. Get there: West Street tram stop or any buses on West Street. Washington – Fitzwilliam Street Traditional pub building with imposing doorway and two rooms – one a comfy lounge, the other more basic seating/tables with DJ box, dance floor and stage. The pub is very music orientated with DJ and live music nights and a decent soundtrack the rest of the time. The pub also has a great outdoor drinking area. 4 real ales are available – Black Sheep Bitter and Abbeydale Moonshine on the regular pumps and two local guest ales. Open until 3am most nights and welcomes a wonderfully eclectic crowd. Get there: West Street tram stop, buses to Moorfoot or West Street. Waterworks (JD Wetherspoon) Originally converted from offices into a bar as a Lloyds No1 venue, this has since become a Wetherspoons pub with the usual reasonably priced ales and chain pub food menu that you come to expect. Get there: City Hall tram stop Yates – Cambridge Street A chain that probably needs no introduction. By day it operates as a pub with reasonably priced beer, basic pub food menu and sports news on the TV whilst at night it becomes a party venue with a DJ playing mainly latest pop hits (and I now feel really old writing those words). Get there: City Hall tram stop or any bus to West Street or Pinstone Street/Leopold Street