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From Steelworks to Taprooms: A Sheffield Pub Crawl with a Twist
I headed over to Sheffield where I met Dave, Andy, Mike and John from CAMRA Sheffield & District, along with Niall from From Sheffield With Pubs. Dave led a pub heritage walk around Neepsend, starting at Church – Temple of Fun before passing Naomi’s Corner, Ball Street Bridge and local industrial sites. We continued through The Old Workshop, Alder and The Forest, also taking in the Ethan Lemon mural and Rutland Hall. After stopping at Heist Brew Tap and The Gardeners Rest, we passed The Victoria before heading to New Barrack Tavern, blending Sheffield’s history with a wide range of pubs and beers.
Sheffield Pub Heritage Walk – Neepsend Book
Neepsend Pub Heritage Walk is a 32-page, full-colour CAMRA booklet guiding you along a one-mile route through Sheffield’s historic Neepsend. With maps, photos, and detailed pub insights, it brings the area’s industrial past and brewing heritage to life—ideal for walkers, history enthusiasts, and anyone keen to explore Sheffield’s rich pub culture. READ IT HERE
From Sheffield With Pubs
From Sheffield With Pubs is a Facebook project dedicated to celebrating Sheffield’s pub culture, sharing visits, photos, and local history. It documents both existing and lost pubs, aiming to inform and entertain enthusiasts while promoting the city’s rich social and brewing heritage through regular posts and community engagement online. CHECK THEM OUT HERE
Church – The Temple of Fun
Our first pub call of the day was to Church – Temple of Fun. Church – Temple of Fun in Sheffield mixes old industry with modern nightlife. The building began in 1919 as a railway spring workshop called Osborn Works, designed by architect William John Hale, better known for churches, making this his only industrial design. Over time it changed use as the city evolved, before being reborn in 2018 by musician Oli Sykes. Today it’s a vegan bar, restaurant and arcade venue, with live music and gaming inside a historic shell, blending heritage with a relaxed, playful atmosphere.
Inside, it feels like a bold mix of bar, arcade and immersive art space. The décor leans heavily into religious iconography, used in a playful, tongue-in-cheek way — from statues and framed prints to dramatic ceiling murals and stained-glass-style windows. The venue is spread across multiple levels, with a central staircase, mezzanine seating and open floor space that keeps it feeling airy. You’ll find arcade machines tucked into corners, alongside pool tables, long communal benches and smaller tables for drinks. Lighting shifts between warm, low glows downstairs and striking red neon above, giving different parts of the space their own character. It’s relaxed and informal, with plenty going on visually, but still easy to settle into for a drink or a game. There’s also an outdoor balcony overlooking the River Don, offering a quieter spot to step away from the main room.
On the bar a single cask ale along with a variety of keg options to choose from. I went for Synth City by Abbeydale Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s smooth and refreshing.
Naomi’s Corner
Naomi’s Corner in Sheffield occupies part of the former Neepsend Rolling Mills site, where visitors stand on the remains of a small crucible furnace that once operated there. This preserved working area reflects the city’s historic steelmaking industry, which shaped Sheffield’s global reputation during the 19th century. The space is named in memory of Naomi Colcomb, a local volunteer known for her community work, and has been transformed into a quiet garden for reflection. Together, the industrial remains and commemorative purpose create a place where Sheffield’s past and present are thoughtfully connected.
Ball Street Bridge
Ball Street Bridge in Sheffield offers a window into the city’s industrial past. Originally built around 1856 in cast iron as Ball Street Bridge, it was destroyed during the Great Sheffield Flood, when water surged along the River Don through Kelham Island. The bridge was rebuilt in 1900 and still stands today. From here, you can see Kelham Weir, once used to power local industry, along with Alfred Beckett & Sons, known for making files and steel, as well as Cornish Works and Lion Works, where tools and cutlery were once made, giving a real sense of the area’s working past.
At the end of Ball Street Bridge, three painted exchange boxes add a nice, creative touch to the area. Painted by members of the Kelham Island Arts Collective, each one tells a different local story. One, by John Wilkinson, shows Lizzie the elephant, who once helped move heavy steel around Sheffield. Another, by Simon Wigglesworth-Baker, is an abstract take on Kelham Island, using colour and shape. The third, by James Croft, shows the River Don in flood, with trees partly underwater, linking to the area’s history.
Burton & Hicks
This site has planning permission granted for a micropub called Burton & Hicks, set within a small former police building at the corner of Burton Road and Hicks Street in Neepsend. Built in the late 1800s, it once served as part of a busy local police station, with a few holding cells used for overnight stays and minor offences. Prisoners would have been brought in from the surrounding industrial streets, reflecting the area’s working past. After the station closed, the building was later used as a substation before falling quiet. Now, it’s set to welcome people again in a much more relaxed setting.
The Old Workshop
A short walk brought us next to The Old Workshop Kelham. The Old Workshop is a modern bar created from a former industrial building in the Neepsend/Kelham Island area. Originally a working workshop or warehouse linked to the city’s steel and light-industry heritage, it reflects Sheffield’s wider pattern of reusing old industrial spaces. After falling into decline, the building was saved and restored by a community effort in the 2010s. The Old Workshop pub is part of that revival, bringing new life to a place shaped by Sheffield’s working past.
Inside feels relaxed and full of character, with its industrial past still clearly on show. Exposed brick walls, visible ductwork and timber beams give it that workshop edge, softened by strings of warm overhead lights. The space is more open than it first appears, with a mix of long wooden benches, smaller tables and booth seating spread across different levels. A compact bar sits slightly raised at the back, while details like handwritten boards, board games and colourful wall art add a more playful touch. Natural light filters in through the covered roof and front windows during the day, keeping it bright, while the lighting takes on a warmer glow later on. It feels easygoing and unpretentious — somewhere you can settle in comfortably, whether you’re there for food, drinks or just passing time.
A great line up of keg options on the bar with a variety of different styles and strengths to choose from. I went for Lully by Lost Cause Brewing Co., a pale ale with soft citrus and tropical hop notes that’s smooth and easy to drink.
Alder
Alder was our next visit. Alder has a long history behind its modern look. The building dates back to the 1840s, when it was a factory making Blanco polish. Over the years it changed with the area, used as stables, workshops, a builder’s yard and later a brewery. It eventually became the Sheffield Brewery Tap before closing. In 2021, it reopened as Alder, keeping a lot of its original features. Today, the old red-brick walls and hints of its brewing past still give the pub its character, connecting it to nearly 200 years of local history.
Inside feels warm, characterful and slightly industrial, with its red-brick walls, timber beams and original features still clearly on show. The central bar has a traditional feel, covered in pump clips, stickers and memorabilia, giving it a lived-in, personal touch rather than anything too polished. Around it, you’ll find a mix of wooden tables, bench seating and softer corners, with walls filled with posters, artwork and old brewery signage. Overhead, colourful hanging decorations and greenery soften the space, adding a bit of contrast to the industrial backdrop. There are also clear nods to its brewing past, including a full top-to-bottom brewery setup from the old Sheffield Brewery still in place, now unused but visible through the building. Lighting is warm and relaxed, and there’s also an outdoor yard with picnic benches for when the weather’s good. It feels informal and welcoming, blending working brewery heritage with a laid-back bar setting.
A brilliant line up of 5 cask ales on the bar to choose from along with a variety of keg options. Interestingly the bar is from Ranmore Hall of Residence of the University of Sheffield. I went for Ladders Outside by Beartown Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus hop notes that’s light and refreshing.
Ethan Lemon Mural
The mural by Ethan Lemon in Neepsend feels like a friendly nod to the area’s past. It picks up on the old Blagdens Garage, with the “57” marking when it began, and includes a classic car to reflect its roots. The bold blue “S” links to Sheffield-Simplex, while the factory shapes echo the working history of the area, tying everything back to the people and industries that once filled these streets.
Rutland Hall / Woodhead Railway
Rutland Hall was built in 1906, right in the middle of Neepsend’s busy industrial years, when the area was full of workshops and steelworks. Over time, the hall has been used for a mix of purposes, including industrial workspaces, storage, and later creative studios and event use as the area changed. Just behind it ran the Woodhead Line, opened in 1845, carrying coal, steel, and goods between Sheffield and Manchester. Although the railway closed by 1981, its presence helped shape the character of the area that still surrounds the hall today.
The Forest
An uphill walk under the Woodhead Line Railway brought us onto The Forest. The Forest on Rutland Street dates back to the late 1800s and was originally known as the Woodside Tavern. It served workers from the nearby steel and engineering works in what was once a busy industrial area. Over time, the name changed to The Forest, but it stayed a well-used local. In 2013, Toolmakers Brewery opened just behind the pub in a former toolmaking workshop, adding a new chapter to its story, with the beers named after traditional glassmaking tools. Today, it still reflects Sheffield’s working history, now with its own small brewery continuing that tradition in a more modern way.
Inside feels traditional and quietly comfortable, with a more laid-back, stripped-back character than you might expect. The space is fairly compact, with smaller rooms set up for seating rather than a big open bar area. Upholstered bench seating runs along the walls, paired with solid wooden tables and a mix of chairs and stools. Natural light comes in through the windows during the day, giving it a brighter feel, while details like framed prints, vintage-style signs and the odd bit of equipment add a bit of personality.
A great warm welcome from Marion when we arrived. On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales (2 brewed on site alongside a guest), along with a range of keg options. I went for Lynch Pin by Toolmakers Brewery, a bitter with gentle malt flavour and a smooth, easy finish.
Stones Brewery
Stones Brewery began in 1847 when William Stones started brewing in Sheffield. It later moved to the Cannon Brewery in Neepsend and became a well-known local name, especially for Stones Bitter. The brewery was bought by Bass in 1960, marking a big change as production gradually scaled up and then declined. Brewing stopped in the early 1990s, and the site was left empty for years. Most has now been demolished, with just two historic buildings remaining, and plans approved for new homes, shops, and green space.
Heist Brew Tap
Next was onto Heist Brew Tap. Heist Brew Tap in Sheffield is a recent addition to the city’s pub scene, based in Neepsend near Kelham Island. It opened in 2021 as the taproom for Heist Brew Co, with brewing happening on site at first. However, the brewery has since been removed entirely, and the space now runs purely as a taproom and bar. Heist beers are now brewed off-site at another brewery, alongside a rotating selection of guest beers. Even so, it still reflects Sheffield’s modern beer scene, with a focus on independent brewing. It’s a newer kind of pub, built around a former industrial space rather than a long, traditional history.
Inside feels spacious and industrial, set within a large, warehouse-style unit with high ceilings, exposed steel framework and big skylights that flood the space with natural light. Long communal tables and benches dominate the floor, giving it a sociable, shared feel, while smaller seating areas sit around the edges. One side is lined with a long run of taps, while the opposite wall is covered in bold black-and-white mural artwork that adds a strong visual focus. Large screens and open sightlines make it feel geared towards groups and events as much as casual drinking. The layout is open and uncluttered, keeping the focus on the space itself and the beer.
A fantastic line up of 30 keg lines to choose from showcasing a huge mix of styles and strengths. I went for Gazpacho Gose by Hackney Church Brew Co., a sour beer with savoury tomato and a light salty edge that’s sharp and refreshing.
Gardeners Rest
Right next door to Heist was The Gardeners Rest. The Gardeners Rest in Sheffield has roots going back to the early 19th century, with a pub on the site recorded as early as 1833. However, the current building dates from a rebuild in 1899–1900, when it reopened to serve workers from the nearby steel and grinding trades in what was then a busy industrial area along the River Don. Over time it became a well-known local for people working in the surrounding workshops and factories. In more recent years, it was taken on by a community group and reopened in 2019 after a period of closure. Today, it remains community-run, keeping its long history alive while still feeling like a friendly, traditional pub.
Inside feels traditional and full of character, with a central bar and a series of connected rooms that give it that classic pub layout. There’s a mix of seating, from tucked-away corners with bench seating to more sociable tables where groups gather, and the walls are filled with artwork, local touches and bits of pub history that give each space its own identity. One room even has a Bar Billiards table, adding something a bit different — I had my first game there against Dave and, unfortunately, didn’t win. Lighting is warm and relaxed, and there’s a natural, easy flow between spaces that makes it comfortable to settle in.
Outside, the riverside beer garden adds another layer to it. Set right by the water and surrounded by old brickwork, it’s a mix of picnic benches and smaller seating areas, with quirky features, bits of signage and unexpected details dotted around. It feels a bit tucked away, with views across to the old industrial buildings, giving it a strong sense of place while still being a good spot to sit out in the sun.
On the bar a fantastic range of 5 cask ales, a few ciders and a range of keg options. I went for Double Chocolate Mild by Peak Ales, a dark mild with rich chocolate flavour that’s smooth and easy to drink.
The Victoria
En route to our next pub visit we passed The Victoria on Parkwood Road, a former pub dating back to the late 1800s. It once served the local workforce and later became part of Wards Brewing Company, pouring their beers for many years. What really caught the eye were the old leaded windows advertising “Wards Fine Malt Ales,” still hanging on while so many others have gone. The pub has long since closed, but those details give the building a quiet charm and offer a small, lovely glimpse into Sheffield’s rich brewing past.
New Barrack Tavern
Just under a mile walk away saw us next come to New Barrack Tavern. The New Barrack Tavern in Sheffield has roots in the mid-1800s and was closely linked to the nearby High House Brewery, later becoming known as its brewery tap. Some further information and photo is shown further down. The original pub was rebuilt and extended in 1936, creating much of the layout still seen today. Another important part of its story is Duncan Gilmour & Co., which acquired the New Barrack in 1901 when it bought the remaining pubs tied to High House Brewery. That link is still visible today in the surviving Gilmour-branded doorstep steps at the entrance. Over the years the pub passed through later brewery ownership, including Tetley and then Castle Rock. Today, it remains a much-loved local, owned by Castle Rock Brewery and run day to day by long-time publicans Kevin and Steph Woods, with a strong connection to Sheffield’s brewing past and its long-standing place in the community.
Inside, the New Barrack Tavern feels traditional, cosy and full of character. Much of the 1936 rebuild is still there, with a classic multi-room layout rather than one open space. There are separate snug areas alongside a central bar, with wood panelling, etched glass and original features carefully preserved. Seating is a mix of stools, benches and small tables, giving plenty of choice whether you’re by the bar or tucked into a quieter corner. The walls are full of local history and memorabilia, including Sheffield Wednesday programmes and vintage brewery signage, adding to the sense of place.
Beyond the main rooms, a dedicated cider room offers a strong range of traditional ciders, reinforcing the pub’s reputation for variety. There’s also a small collection of retro arcade machines and tabletop games, adding a bit of character and nostalgia without distracting from the pub’s traditional feel. Outside, the beer garden is a sheltered, enclosed space with benches, bunting and a covered seating area, making it usable year-round. Throughout, the lighting is warm and soft, and the overall feel is welcoming and full of character, making it an easy place to settle in and stay awhile.
A fantastic warm welcome from Steph when we arrived and it was fantastic meeting and chatting to you. On the bar a fantastic range of 7 cask ales, a huge variety of ciders and further keg options. I went for Barrack Bitter by Bradfield Brewery, a classic bitter with gentle malt flavour and a smooth finish.
High House Brewery
High House Brewery in Sheffield was founded between 1841 and 1845, starting out as part of a large house before becoming a small local brewery. It brewed ales and porter for nearby pubs during Sheffield’s industrial years and, like many at the time, built up its own tied houses. These included the Royal Oak, New Inn, Brunswick Hotel, Little Tankard, and New Barrack Tavern. In 1901 it was taken over by Duncan Gilmour & Co. Ltd., along with three of those pubs. The brewery was later sold for use as a mineral water works, and eventually closed. Today, its old brewing tower still stands as a quiet reminder of Sheffield’s past.
Burton Street School
Burton Street School in Sheffield, built in 1879 by the Sheffield School Board, started life as Langsett Road School and taught local children for generations. You can still see the carved stone reading “Sheffield School Board 1879,” a small reminder of that Victorian push for education. Many people recognise the building from The Full Monty, especially the job centre queue where the men start dancing. The job club scenes (including the group meeting) were filmed there too, using the school’s interior, which adds to its lasting connection with the film and the city’s story.
Beer House S6
My next visit was to The Beer House S6. Beer House S6 in Sheffield is a recent addition to the city’s pub scene rather than a historic one. It opened in May 2023 on Langsett Road in Hillsborough, created as a second venue by the team behind the original Beer House on Ecclesall Road. It was set up as a small, independent beer bar in a former shop unit right by the tram stop. Unlike older pubs, it doesn’t have a long industrial past, but reflects Sheffield’s newer wave of local venues. Since opening, it’s quickly become a steady local spot, adding to the area’s growing pub scene.
Inside feels compact, warm and easygoing, more like a small social space than a big pub. It’s set across a couple of rooms, with booth seating and tables near the front and more tucked further back, including raised seating by the windows. The walls are lined with colourful pump clips and soft lighting, giving it character without feeling overdone, while a central board keeps the beer list clear and easy to follow. Downstairs, there’s a larger room with extra seating alongside a pool table, darts and a retro arcade machine, adding a social edge. Overall, it’s a welcoming space that’s easy to settle into and spend time in.
Drinks wise a choice of 4 cask ales, alongside a great variety of keg options. I went for Embrace The Strange by Big Trip, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s smooth and refreshing.
Hillsborough Tap
Further up the road was Hillsborough Tap. Hillsborough Tap in Sheffield is a modern addition to the area rather than a historic pub. It’s a locally owned bar in the centre of Hillsborough, set within a busy shopping area that grew during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Unlike older pubs nearby, it wasn’t built during Sheffield’s industrial era but opened more recently as part of the area’s newer independent scene. From the start, it was designed as a welcoming, community-focused space. Today, it reflects Hillsborough’s shift from traditional industry to a mix of local shops, cafés and bars, while still keeping that strong local feel.
Inside, it feels intimate and inviting, with a cosy, lived-in character. Seating runs along the front windows, where people gather around small tables, giving it a social, close-knit feel. The lighting leans warm and amber, creating a soft glow throughout the space. It’s not a large or open layout — instead, it’s compact and focused, encouraging conversation and easy interaction between groups. The look is simple and unfussy, with dark framing, warm wood tones and subtle decorative touches, making it a comfortable spot for relaxed drinks and informal catch-ups.
A choice of 3 cask ales to choose from on the bar along with a range of keg options. I went for The Wednesday by Thornbridge Brewery, a pale ale with soft citrus hop notes that’s light and refreshing.
Northern Monkey
Further along brought me to Northern Monkey. Northern Monkey in Sheffield is a modern bar rather than a historic pub, opening in 2022 on Gibraltar Street near Kelham Island. It was created by a group of friends with backgrounds in Sheffield’s hospitality scene, aiming to build a relaxed, independent spot from the ground up. The venue was set up in a former industrial unit, reflecting the area’s shift from working factories to bars and social spaces. While it doesn’t have a long past, it fits into Sheffield’s wider story, where old industrial buildings are given new life. Today, it’s part of the city’s growing independent scene.
Inside feels lively and full of character, with an industrial edge softened by warm, ambient lighting. Exposed brick walls, dark ceilings and hanging plants give it a slightly raw but welcoming look, while wooden tables and bench seating keep things relaxed and sociable. The layout is compact and busy, with tables set fairly close together, adding to the atmosphere and sense of energy. Bold monkey-themed artwork and a large mural bring personality to the space, while the bar acts as a colourful focal point. There’s also a back area with additional seating, offering a slightly more tucked-away spot within the same easygoing setting.
A single cask ale on the bar alongside a wide range of keg options. I went for Moonshine by Abbeydale Brewery, a pale ale with light citrus notes that’s smooth and refreshing.
The Beekeeper
Over the road brought me to The Beekeeper. The Beekeeper in Sheffield is a newer addition rather than a historic pub. It opened in 2022 on Middlewood Road in Hillsborough, set up as a small independent micropub. Before that, the unit was a shop called Pets & Gardens, so it began life as a regular retail space rather than a pub. Unlike older venues nearby, it doesn’t have a long industrial past. Instead, it’s part of Sheffield’s newer wave of small, local pubs created in converted shop units. Today, The Beekeeper keeps things friendly and relaxed, showing how the city’s pub scene continues to grow in new ways.
Inside feels small and intimate, with a proper micropub layout that keeps everything close together. Seating is tucked along exposed brick walls and around the front windows, with small tables and stools creating a relaxed, sociable setup. The lighting is warm and low, giving the space a soft amber glow that adds to the cosy feel. A compact wooden bar runs along one side, while simple décor and features like the brick fireplace add a homely touch. It feels friendly and informal, more like a quiet local spot where conversation naturally takes centre stage.
On the bar alongside choice of 3 cask ales, all local along with a cider and a number of keg options. I went for Triple Hop Red with Citra, Mosaic & Ekuanot by Blue Bee Brewery, a red ale with bold citrus hop flavour and a smooth finish.
The Pangolin
The final visit of the day on Saturday was to The Pangolin. The Pangolin in Sheffield is a newer spot rather than an old pub. It opened in 2021 in Hillsborough, set up by local owner Nick Davy as a small independent bottle shop that also works as a taproom. It started mainly as an off-licence for takeaway drinks, then later added seating so people could stay in. The space is a former shop unit, not a historic pub, so it doesn’t have a long backstory. Today, Pangolin is part of Sheffield’s newer wave of independent places, mixing a bottle shop and bar in a relaxed, friendly way.
Inside feels relaxed and sociable, more like a bottle shop you can sit and enjoy than a traditional pub. The space is narrow but well used, with shelves of bottles lining one wall and simple wooden tables and chairs filling the room. Seating is fairly close together, giving it a friendly, communal feel, especially around the front windows where people gather. The décor is clean and modern with a few playful touches, while warm lighting keeps it easy to settle into. There’s also a downstairs area with additional seating, offering a bit more space while keeping the same informal, welcoming atmosphere.
2 cask ales, 5 keg options and a huge range of bottles and cans to drink in or takeaway. I went for Plum Sour Blend by Little Earth Project, a tart sour with juicy plum flavour and a sharp, refreshing finish.
Micropub Adventures 