Regeneration: The 10 best Boozers in Kelham Island & Neepsend
Once the beating heart of industrial Sheffield, the Kelham Island and Neepsend areas have long been associated with old mills, factories and workshops. However, following a vast and ongoing regeneration project, these adjoining city suburbs are now hugely in-demand as places to live, work and play – due largely to an offering of quirky businesses ranging from modern restaurants to traditional ale pubs. It’s also the home of your friendly neighbourhood Exposed, so next time you’re in the area feel free to pop in for a cuppa, yeah? In the meanwhile, here a few other places certainly worth checking out.
The Old Workshop
A winning collaboration between booze aficianado Tom Harrington of the Beer Engine on London Road and the owners of The Bhaji Café, this hip venue is one of the latest additions to local bar scene. Open Thursday to Sunday, it prioritises good beer, great music and a chilled atmosphere. A botanical theme runs throughout and Sheffield artist HINEink helped decorate the place with a colourful giant jellyfish spread across the bar wall.
The Riverside
Right on the edge of Kelham Island you’ll find the ever-popular Riverside Bar & Café, which is loved by students and professionals alike. Not only does the pub serve up some of the best home-cooked dishes, but it also sources a wide range of ales and spirits and is looked after by one of Sheffield’s finest bar groups – True North Brew Co. Its beer garden is the main attraction of the venue all year round, nestled on side of the River Don. Plus you can spot its Instagram-worthy neon sign from a mile off, so get yer cameras out.
The Fat Cat
A regular post-work haunt for the Exposed team, it’s nigh-on impossible not to be charmed by the traditional, old-school atmosphere in the Cat – plus the well-priced food and ale is hard to turn down! When you’re feeling nesh, the pub’s outdoor heaters in their picturesque beer garden make winter bar-hopping so much easier.
Ship Inn
Awarded the National Pub Designs Award 2016, the standout Ship Inn interior makes it one of the cosiest, most interesting pubs in the area. The historical boozer has grown in popularity since coming under new ownership in 2015. Serving a delectable range of craft beers, ales and bar snacks, it also hosts live music and quiz nights every Wednesday.
Kelham Island Tavern
With a seemingly endless list of awards to its name, you can always count on the Kelham Island Tav for a great pint in a comfortable setting. Don’t believe us? See their recent accolades of Sheffield CAMRA Pub of the Year 2017 and Yorkshire Pub of the Year 2017 for proof. Hosting quiz nights, it stands out from the rest by playing live folk music every 4th Sunday, Acoustic nights every 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday, and Blues sessions every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 9pm. Well worth a visit, it is a friendly, intimate pub that will always be free from the rowdier crowds.
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Shakespeares
Another pub situated on the real-ale trail, Shakespeares is another traditionally furnished venue with an expansive beer garden. Once a Georgian coaching inn, this large pub was restored to its former glory six years ago and prides itself on quality hand-pulls and a vast whisky selection for punters to browse.
The Gardener’s Rest
Something of a hidden gem and for our money boasting one of best beer gardens in Sheffield, this traditional pub was purchased by a community group via a crowdfunding scheme earlier this year. As well as offering a wide selection of beers and ales, they also work with various charitable causes and host regular community events.
Bar Stewards
Open in the evenings on Tuesday through to Sunday, this small independent bar and bottle is all about handpicked beers and ales. Situated opposite Shakespeares in West Bar, not only does it offer up national and international real ales and craft, as well as wine and lagers, it also serves as a well-stocked off-licence. Owners Alan and Charlie are always keen to talk everything beer with customers, so swing by next time you’re looking for something new to sample!
Yellow Arch Studios
Today the UK’s first fully-licensed recording studios, this venue in Neepsend has provided rehearsal space to some of the city’s finest musical exports, with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Tony Christie, Richard Hawley and Bring Me The Horizon all treading the boards there. Keep an eye out for some of many top events taking place there over the year.
Kelham Island Brewery
Based next-door The Fat Cat, Kelham Island Brewery have been knocking up some of the finest ales in Yorkshire to keep city drinkers well-nourished for almost 30 years now. The microbrewery has won many awards for its beers and regularly treats visitors to tours followed by beer tastings and a mighty pie and pea supper!
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