If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
Interested in using this article in a magazine? Get in touch and I can provide a shorter version!
Forging Through Sheffield’s Pubs
I had a brilliant day exploring Sheffield with Niall from From Sheffield with Pubs, Aaron from Ale About Leicester, and Dan along with his brother Ash from Find Me in the Pub. We packed plenty into the day, visiting a fantastic mix of traditional real ale pubs, historic favourites, modern craft beer bars and independent breweries across the city. From characterful old boozers full of history to taprooms serving some of Sheffield’s best local beers, there was something different at every stop. It was great to see how much variety the city has to offer, with each pub having its own personality and story to tell. As always, there were plenty of quality pints, lots of good conversation and a fair few laughs along the way. Sheffield never disappoints, and spending the day exploring it with good friends made it even better. It’s definitely a city I’ll never get tired of visiting.
Sheffield Tap
My first visit of the day was to Sheffield Tap. Sheffield Tap sits inside the old Edwardian refreshment and dining rooms at Sheffield Station, right by Platform 1b. The rooms were built in 1904 and later fell out of use for many years before being carefully restored. In 2009, they reopened as Sheffield Tap, bringing this lovely Grade II listed space back to life as a pub. In 2013, the former first-class dining room was also brought back into use, with Tapped Brew Co brewing on site. Today, it’s one of Sheffield’s best-loved station pubs, mixing railway history, beautiful old features and a proper warm welcome.
Inside, Sheffield Tap is full of character, with many of the original Edwardian features carefully restored. The high ceilings, decorative plasterwork, tiled walls and large arched windows give the pub a grand but welcoming feel. Polished wooden floors, timber panelling and traditional furniture add to its classic railway pub atmosphere. The main room is bright and spacious, while the former first-class dining room provides extra seating with the same historic charm. Behind glass, you can also spot the small on-site brewery, adding another point of interest. It’s a relaxed place where history and modern beer come together beautifully.
A huge array of both cask and keg beers available on the bar showcasing a mix of both styles and strengths, with even more to choose from in the fridges behind the bar. I went for Toha by Tapped Brew Co., a New Zealand pale ale with bright lime, gooseberry and tropical fruit notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Fargate
Walking into Sheffield centre brought me to The Fargate. The Fargate may be one of Sheffield’s newest pubs, but the building has a history going back more than 130 years. It was built in 1889 as the headquarters of the Yorkshire Penny Bank and was designed in a Gothic Revival style by architects Henry Perkin and George Bertram Bulmer. The banking hall was on the ground floor, with vaults below, while the upper floors were home to the Albany Hotel until it closed in 1958. The bank remained here until 2020, before the building was carefully restored and reopened as The Fargate in October 2025, giving this historic building a brand new purpose.
Inside, The Fargate makes the most of its grand former bank building. The main bar has high ceilings, dark wood panelling and large arched windows that flood the room with natural light. Comfortable leather booths, polished wooden tables and traditional lighting give it a classic pub feel, while portraits and period-style details reflect the building’s heritage. Upstairs, the atmosphere is lighter, with a mix of cosy seating, large shared tables and window seats looking out over Fargate. Downstairs, the original bank vaults have been cleverly kept, creating a unique space that offers a fascinating reminder of the building’s past.
On the bar a great selection of 9 cask ales and a wide variety of craft keg choices ranging in style. Lots to choose from. I went for AM:PM by Thornbridge Brewery, a session IPA with bright grapefruit, lemon and tropical fruit notes and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Two & Six Micropub
A short walk brought me to Two & Six Micropub. Two & Six Micropub opened on Snig Hill in Sheffield city centre on 5 August 2023, taking over the former home of theSocial bar. It’s a fairly new pub, but it quickly became part of the city’s real ale scene, offering cask ales, craft beer, cider, wine and spirits in a small, cosy setting. The pub sits at 26 Snig Hill and was named Sheffield CAMRA Pub of the Month for January 2025. Simple, friendly and independent, it’s a lovely modern addition to this historic part of Sheffield.
Inside has a cosy, characterful look with deep red walls and timber panelling running around the room. Wooden floorboards and a mix of tables, chairs, stools and bench seating make good use of the long, narrow space. Framed pictures decorate the walls, while pump clips displayed around the top of the room add a nice personal touch. Large front windows let in plenty of natural light and look out onto the greenery outside, with a few plants on the windowsill adding a splash of colour. Simple pendant lighting completes the warm and welcoming space.
There’s an awesome variety of 4 cask ales at the bar, highlighting different styles, plus a few ciders and some keg beers to pick from. I went for CBA…Because Reasons…Probably by Imperial Brewery, a golden ale with gentle citrus hop notes and a smooth, easy-drinking finish.
The Crow Inn
A quick stroll along Scotland Street brings me to The Crow Inn. This pub first opened in 1797 as The Crown Inn, also known as the Old Crown, and was originally run by Thomas Rawson & Co. Scotland Street was once lined with pubs, with around 14 serving the area during its industrial heyday, though most have now disappeared. The building later became The Sleep Hotel after the pub closed in 2010. It was taken over in late 2018 and reopened as The Crow Inn in 2019 by the team behind The Rutland Arms. The pub also has a fascinating past, with links to Chartist meetings in the 1840s and the 1859 murder of local sawgrinder James Lindley.
Inside, The Crow has a warm, cosy feel that mixes historic character with a fresh finish. The entrance is welcoming, with a tiled ceramic floor featuring a crown design, while leaded windows add plenty of traditional charm. The pub is split into three comfortable rooms, all centred around the main bar, creating plenty of spaces to settle in with a pint. Exposed brickwork, timber beams and wooden floors add to the character, while vintage signs and framed pictures decorate the walls. One of the highlights is a copy of the 1884 Sheffield Drinks Map, showing just how many pubs once lined the surrounding streets.
The bar boasts an impressive selection, including three cask ales and eleven keg beers. I went for Simcoe the Dank – Faithless 234 by RedWillow Brewery, a hazy pale ale showcasing Simcoe hops with resinous pine, grapefruit and tropical fruit notes, finishing soft and refreshing.
Shakespeares
Next up was Shakespeares. Built in 1821 as a coaching inn, Shakespeares has been welcoming travellers and locals for more than 200 years. The wide passage on the right-hand side was once the entrance for horse-drawn coaches and is now a cosy seating area, giving a lovely reminder of the building’s past. For many years it was part of the famous S.H. Ward’s brewery estate before later passing to Punch Taverns. After closing in 2010, the pub looked destined to disappear, but it was rescued, carefully restored and reopened in July 2011 by the owners of The New Beehive Inn in Bradford, preserving one of Kelham Island’s historic pubs.
Inside, Shakespeares feels like a proper traditional pub that has kept its historic character. Several separate rooms create a cosy, relaxed atmosphere, each with its own feel. Stone-flagged floors, exposed brickwork, timber beams and wood panelling all reflect the building’s age, while open fireplaces add extra warmth on colder days. The old coach entrance has been thoughtfully converted into a comfortable seating area without losing its original charm. Traditional tables, framed brewery memorabilia and vintage photographs complete the look, celebrating the pub’s long history. It feels welcoming, unhurried and full of character, making it an easy place to settle in with a pint.
There’s an awesome selection at the bar with 7 cask lines, 13 keg lines, and a massive variety of bottles and cans to pick from. I went for Usual Suspects by Duality Brew Co., a hazy pale ale with juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes and a soft, smooth finish.
Kelham Island Tavern
Up next was Kelham Island Tavern. Kelham Island Tavern first opened in the 1830s as part of a terrace on Russell Street. Originally called the Saw Maker’s Arms, it was later renamed the White Hart before coming under the ownership of Stones Brewery in 1860. The pub took on its current name, Kelham Island Tavern, in 1995, but sadly closed in 1999. After being bought and carefully restored, it reopened in 2003 with a strong focus on real ale. Since then, it has become one of Sheffield’s most celebrated pubs, winning Sheffield & District CAMRA Pub of the Year many times and making history as the first pub to win CAMRA National Pub of the Year in consecutive years, in 2008 and 2009.
Inside, Kelham Island Tavern feels traditional, cosy and full of character. The main room is centred around a handsome wooden bar, with polished wood, exposed brickwork and large windows that fill the pub with natural light. Timber floors, old photographs and brewery memorabilia celebrate Sheffield’s rich brewing heritage without making the space feel cluttered. Seating is spread across several comfortable rooms, giving plenty of choice whether you want a quiet pint or a chat with friends. At the back, a covered courtyard provides extra seating all year round, while the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to see why the pub is so highly regarded.
On the bar today a fantastic range of 13 cask ales, 8 craft keg beers and a selection of ciders to choose from. I went for Sungazer by Chin Chin Brewing Company, a pale ale with bright citrus, coconut and tropical fruit notes from Simcoe and Sabro hops and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Bulls Head (CLOSED)
Walking from Kelham Island Tavern to The Wellington we passed “The Bulls Head Hotel”. The Bulls Head Hotel was once a busy Sheffield pub and is best remembered today for its stunning stone frontage. Although the pub closed in the 1990s and was converted into offices, the outside has been carefully preserved. Across the front you can still see the beautifully carved “OLD ALBION 6X” and “BEERS & STOUTS” lettering, advertising beers from Sheffield’s former Old Albion Brewery. The grand entrance, with “BULLS HEAD HOTEL” carved above the door, along with the detailed columns, arches and decorative stonework, shows the skill of the stonemasons who built it. It’s a brilliant reminder of Sheffield’s rich brewing and architectural heritage.
The Wellington
A short walk brought me into The Wellington. The Wellington has been welcoming drinkers since 1839 and is one of Kelham Island’s oldest surviving pubs. It was given a major refit in 1940, and much of that historic interior still remains today. Over the years it was owned by Tennant Brothers and later Whitbread before becoming a freehouse in 1993. The pub briefly traded as the Cask and Cutler and became home to the tiny Port Mahon Brewery, which began brewing in 2000. After that brewery closed, Little Ale Cart Brewing Co took over the site in 2008 before moving elsewhere in 2013. Today, The Wellington is the welcoming taproom for Neepsend Brew Co.
Inside, The Wellington has a cosy, traditional feel that reflects its long history. The main room features dark wood panelling, a tiled floor, etched glass and a striking curved bar, while the walls are decorated with brewery memorabilia, old mirrors and historic photographs. Large windows bring in plenty of natural light during the day, and seating is spread between wooden tables, benches and stools, creating a relaxed place to enjoy a pint. At the back, a separate room offers extra seating, while the covered outdoor area provides a comfortable space to sit whatever the weather. The pub’s historic character has been carefully preserved throughout.
Drinks wise a selection of 6 cask ales alongside a solid selection of keg beers and a variety of cans available for sipping in or taking out. Don’t miss the homemade sandwiches; the potted beef was a standout. I went for Aurora by Neepsend Brew Co., an American pale ale brewed with Galaxy, Strata and Amarillo hops, bringing juicy tropical fruit, citrus and a fresh, easy-drinking finish.
Church – Temple of Fun
An extra visit 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 Hop Me Baby One More Time by Blue Bee Brewery, a collaboration with Little Critters Brewing Company, brewed as an English pale ale with zesty citrus hop notes and a fresh, refreshing finish.
The Gardeners Rest
Next was onto 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 6 cask ales, a few ciders and a range of keg options. I went for Push On by Chin Chin Brewing Company, an English pale ale with Mosaic hops bringing bright citrus, tropical fruit and a clean, refreshing finish.
Heist Brew Tap
Right next door was 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 Weisse Quelle by Buxton Brewery, a dry-hopped Berliner Weisse with lemon, citrus and pine notes, a gentle tartness and a crisp, spritzy finish.
Peddler Market
Peddler Market was my next call. Peddler Market launched in Sheffield in 2014 as a monthly night market, bringing together street food, music, drinks and independent makers. It first made its name on Arundel Street before moving to its own home at Peddler Warehouse, a 7,500 sq ft former industrial warehouse at 92 Burton Road in Neepsend, on the edge of Kelham Island. Today it runs on the first Friday and Saturday of the month, with craft beer, cocktails, live music and changing food traders. It’s more event space than traditional pub, but still a big part of Sheffield’s modern beer and food scene.
Inside, Peddler Market has a spacious industrial look that suits its warehouse setting. High ceilings, exposed steelwork, brick walls and polished concrete floors give it plenty of character, while strings of lights create a warm atmosphere when the market is open. Long shared wooden tables and benches encourage people to eat and drink together, with the layout changing slightly depending on the event and traders. Shipping containers and pop-up stalls are used for food and drink, while a stage hosts live music and DJs. The whole space feels relaxed, lively and full of independent Sheffield character, with plenty of room to wander.
During my visit, the bar was being run by Triple Point Brewery + Bar from Sheffield, showcasing a range of their own keg beers. It was a great addition to the market, giving people the chance to enjoy some locally brewed beer while soaking up the lively atmosphere and everything else Peddler Market has to offer. I went for Spectator by Triple Point Brewing, a table beer with light lemon, papaya and subtle tropical hop notes, making for a crisp, highly refreshing finish.
Alder
Alder was my 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 Glacier by Neighbourhood Brew Co., an English IPA with citrus, floral hop notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
Hymn to Ninkasi
Heading back into Kelham Island brought me onto Hymn to Ninkasi. Hymn to Ninkasi is a small independent craft beer bar and bottle shop at The Wedge on Cotton Mill Walk, in Little Kelham. It opened towards the end of 2021 and takes its name from Ninkasi, the ancient Sumerian goddess of beer and brewing. The bar sits in one of Sheffield’s oldest industrial areas, where Kelham Island grew around mills, workshops and the city’s famous steel industry. Cotton Mill Walk also reflects the area’s textile-making past. Today, Hymn to Ninkasi blends modern craft beer culture with the rich industrial heritage that has made Kelham Island one of Sheffield’s most distinctive areas.
Inside has a modern industrial look with dark-painted walls, exposed metalwork and warm pendant lighting that gives the space plenty of character. A compact wooden bar sits at the heart of the room, while large front windows let in lots of natural light and make the space feel bright and open. Simple wooden tables, benches and high stools provide a mix of seating, creating a relaxed setting without feeling crowded. Outside, there’s a pleasant seating area with wooden benches surrounded by timber planters, making it a lovely place to sit with a drink and enjoy the surroundings on warmer days.
Drinks wise a selection of 3 craft keg lines to choose from, alongside a few fridges packed full of cans and bottles to enjoy. I went for Steady Rolling Man by DEYA Brewing Company, a pale ale with juicy mango, peach, grapefruit and soft pine notes, finishing smooth and refreshing.
The Fat Cat
Around the corner was The Fat Cat Sheffield. The Fat Cat first opened its doors in 1850 as The Kelham Tavern before being renamed The Alma in 1856, taking its name from the Battle of the Alma during the Crimean War, fought in September 1854. In 1912, the pub became part of the William Stones Brewery estate and remained a traditional Stones pub for almost 70 years. Everything changed in 1981 when Dave Wickett and Bruce Bentley bought it at auction, transforming it into The Fat Cat, one of Sheffield’s pioneering real ale free houses. Today, it remains one of the city’s best-loved historic pubs and a true Kelham Island landmark.
Inside, The Fat Cat is full of character, with a cosy collection of traditional rooms linked together to create a warm and welcoming space. Wooden floors, classic furniture, old brewery memorabilia and historic photographs reflect the pub’s long history, while open fires add extra comfort during the colder months. One corner features a striking mural by Sheffield artist Matt Cockayne, completed over three days. Outside, a spacious beer garden is split into several seating areas, with a large mural recreating the old The Alma pub sign. Flood level markers on the exterior also remember the devastating Sheffield floods of 1864 and 2007.
There’s an awesome lineup of 8 cask ales at the bar, plus a variety of keg beers and ciders to pick from. I went for Canuck by Stancill Brewery, a blonde ale with woody, resinous Columbus hop character, subtle lemon notes and a clean, refreshing finish.
The Harlequin
Next up is The Harlequin, Sheffield, a pub with roots stretching back to 1845 when it opened as the Manchester Railway Hotel, providing accommodation for travellers using nearby Bridgehouses station. Passenger trains stopped serving the station in 1851, although freight traffic continued until 1965. The pub was badly damaged in the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864 and later partially rebuilt. It eventually closed in the early 2000s before reopening in 2006 as The Harlequin, named after a nearby Wards pub that had been demolished. It later became home to HQ Brew’s taproom and reopened under new management following a refurbishment in 2024.
Inside has a cosy, traditional layout with several connected seating areas full of character. Patterned carpet, dark wood panelling and red upholstered bench seating give it a classic pub feel, while wooden tables and chairs are spread throughout the different rooms. A fireplace sits at the heart of one seating area, surrounded by old brewery signs, framed pictures and memorabilia, with shelves displaying pump clips above another section. There’s also a small raised area with a stage for live music and events. Outside, a covered courtyard and beer garden provide plenty of extra seating in warmer weather.
The bar boasts an impressive selection, featuring 6 cask ales, 13 keg lines, a variety of ciders, and a wide range of cans and bottles. I went for Cardon Cactus by Abbeydale Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus, tropical fruit and fresh lime notes, finishing crisp and refreshing.
The Brewery of St Mars of the Desert
Next was a taxi ride out to The Brewery of St Mars of the Desert. The Brewery of St Mars of the Desert opened here in Attercliffe in late 2018, giving a former industrial unit on Stevenson Road a new lease of life. It sits right in the middle of one of Sheffield’s old steel-making areas, where foundries and engineering works once filled the streets. Taking inspiration from Belgian brewing traditions, the brewery has built a great reputation for producing creative and flavour-packed beers. There’s also a small taproom where you can enjoy a pint just a few steps from where it’s brewed. In a short space of time, it’s become a popular stop for both locals and visitors to Sheffield.
Inside has a colourful, quirky look that’s full of character. Bright turquoise walls are covered with vintage beer signs, framed artwork, hand-painted murals and plenty of interesting little touches. A mix of wooden tables and mismatched chairs gives the space a relaxed, informal feel, while large industrial windows let in plenty of natural light. Dried hops hanging from the ceiling add to the brewery atmosphere, and every corner has something different to catch your eye. Outside, there’s a spacious courtyard with picnic benches, planters and climbing greenery, making it a great place to sit with a beer on a sunny day.
An interesting mix of 8 keg lines, offering a variety of different styles, alongside a fridge full of cans for even more options. I went for Welcome to the Neighbourhood by Saint Mars of the Desert, a collaboration with Neighbourhood Brew Co., brewed as a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical fruit notes and a soft, refreshing finish.
Triple Point Brewery
My penultimate visit was to Triple Point Brewery + Bar. Triple Point Brewing opened in 2018 after taking over the former Sentinel Brewing Company site on Shoreham Street. The brewery and taproom are housed in a converted industrial building that was once a carpet showroom, just a short walk from Sheffield station. Since opening, it has built a strong reputation for brewing its own craft beers on site, with the bar looking straight into the working brewery. It remains an independent brewery and taproom, making it a popular stop for both locals and visitors exploring Sheffield’s beer scene. It’s a great example of an old industrial building finding a new life through great beer and a warm welcome.
It has a modern industrial look both inside and out. Outside, the converted warehouse is instantly recognisable by its large brewery sign, while the spacious covered beer garden is packed with benches, colourful planting and climbing hops that create a surprisingly green setting in the middle of the city. Inside, the long taproom has high ceilings, exposed brickwork, polished concrete floors and warm hanging lights. A full-height glass wall lets you look straight into the working brewery, with its gleaming stainless steel tanks taking centre stage. Booth seating, tables and stools provide plenty of space to settle in with a fresh pint.
On the bar a fantastic selection of 12 keg lines featuring a variety of different styles, alongside a single cask ale. I went for Sundancer by Triple Point Brewing, a hazy pale ale with bright citrus, peach and tropical fruit notes and a soft, juicy finish.
The Rutland Arms
My final visit in Sheffield was to Rutland Arms. The Rutland Arms has been serving Sheffield city centre since 1902, although the striking building you see today was rebuilt in 1936 for Duncan Gilmour & Co. on the same site. Its colourful tiled frontage and Art Deco details have made it one of the city’s most recognisable pubs, and parts of the original layout can still be spotted inside despite later alterations in the 1950s and 1980s. Over the years it has become a favourite with locals, students and visitors alike, while keeping its character as a proper city pub. Today, it’s a well-loved stop for anyone exploring Sheffield’s excellent pub scene.
Inside is one large, welcoming room with a mix of tables, booths and bench seating that makes it easy to settle in. Dark wood panelling, patterned carpets, stained glass windows and vintage light fittings give it plenty of character, while the walls and shelves are packed with framed artwork, pump clips, bottles, posters and quirky ornaments, so there’s always something new to spot. A well-used jukebox adds to the pub’s personality, and despite being busy, it still feels relaxed and friendly. Outside, a surprisingly spacious beer garden offers picnic benches, a covered seating area, mature trees and colourful planting, creating a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.
An impressive selection on the bar featuring 7 cask ales, 2 still ciders and a fantastic choice of 14 keg lines. I went for Holidays In the Sun by Courier Brewing Co., a hazy pale ale with juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes and a soft, refreshing finish. I also went for Brombajer by To Øl, a fruited sour packed with blackberry flavour, balanced tartness and a clean, refreshing finish.