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 buses down the other. Shalesmoor tram stop is a useful gateway to the whole area while the buses 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 – 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 the second world war. 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 and regular special events.
Bus 7,8 or nearest tram stop is 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.
Bus 31 or walk up from Gibraltar Street
Fat Cat – Alma Street
The granddaddy 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.
Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street
Forest / Toolmakers – 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. Toolmakers is a separate taproom building behind the pub that opens up on a part-time basis for special events including live music and open-mic sessions – check their social media for details. Both venues were previously associated with an on-site Toolmakers brewery, which is no longer in production.
Bus 7,8 to Neepsend Lane
Gardeners Rest – Neepsend Lane
One of Sheffield’s classic real ale pubs featuring around six regularly changing cask beers. The pub has three 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.
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.
Buses 7,8 or nearest tram stop is Shalesmoor
Harlequin – Nursery Street
Fairly big L-shaped pub, recently reopened following refurbishment under the same management as the Rutland Arms and Crow Inn. The bar features seven 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! Tutored tasting events are held now and again. The lower area at the back of the pub features a dartboard and also hosts live music some weekends. There is a small outdoor drinking area at the rear. A simple menu of good-quality, home-cooked food is served at meal times; look out for the specials board on the bar.
Buses 7,8,75
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.
Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street
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.
Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86 to Gibraltar Street
Neepsend Social Club & Canteen – Burton Road
Themed bar serving beer and food.
Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 7,8
New Barrack Tavern – Penistone Road
Friendly multi-roomed roadhouse pub owned by Castle Rock Brewery but operated independently by Kev and Steph. Popular with the more discerning fans of Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sheffield Tigers Speedway team while 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.
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.
Buses 7,8,75,83
Shakespeares – Gibraltar 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.
Buses 57,81,82 or nearest tram stop is Cathedral or Shalesmoor
Ship Inn– Shalesmoor
Classic pub that won an award for its last refurbishment. Laid back atmosphere.
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 has since been refurbished and become Salt brewery’s Sheffield bar pairing craft beer with bao buns to eat.
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. Also known for its cheap sandwiches and whisky selection! The kind of pub where you sit and enjoy quiet conversation or read the paper. Beer garden also available.
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.
Infirmary Road tram stop or buses 7,8,86
Heist Brew Co – Neepsend Lane
The new kid on the block, a converted industrial building containing a craft beer bar with 30 taps and a fridge full of exotica. Oh, and a mini games arcade. The kitchen is operated by a third party, currently Firepit BBQ. On-site brewery not currently in production.
Infirmary Road tram stop or buses 7,8
Hymn to Ninkasi – Cotton Mill Walk
Small craft beer bottle shop and bar on a modern residential development.
Shalesmoor tram stop or 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.
Buses 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.
Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 7,8
Saw Grinders Union – Shalesmoor
Smart but relaxed bar and dining room serving cocktails and craft beer. Outside courtyard area also offers seating.
Shalesmoor tram stop or buses 57,57a,81,82,86
