Tucked between the office blocks on Queen Street, the historic Three Cranes Hotel is stirring to life once again. Having stood as a pub or inn since the late 18th century, the building is now home to a set of sleek serviced apartments, with a cosy, locally stocked bar aiming to reconnect with its Sheffield roots.
The transformation has been spearheaded by new owner James Hanotu, who took over the site earlier this year. Though the building underwent an £850,000 refurbishment in 2021, becoming a boutique hotel post-lockdown, it’s since evolved further into a self-service apartment model to meet shifting demands and streamline operations.
The team are hoping to bring a new life to this late 18th century establishment by providing fully renovated apartment suites.
James brings a unique background to the role – one that started far from the world of hospitality. “I used to work as a research manager at the university,” he says. “Masters, PhD, lecturing, the whole lot. I’m a chemical engineer by training, but I just got bored. I’d pushed the limits of my research and there wasn’t much new to explore.”
A chance conversation with his landlord – a property developer – prompted a shift in direction. One construction company and several serviced accommodation ventures later, James found himself drawn to the Three Cranes.
“I still play with the idea of it being a boutique hotel,” he adds. “The finish, the quality – it still feels like one. But functionally, the self-check-in system just works better for guests.”
Though the serviced apartments now cater largely to professionals and business travellers, it’s the ground-floor bar that holds real promise for the local crowd. That’s where Eve Mukerjee steps in.
Having worked in Sheffield’s pubs since she moved from Whitby at 18, Eve recently took the reins as bar manager. With a background that includes a seven-year stint at The Washington and a clear passion for one-to-one hospitality, she’s eager to bring some buzz back to the once-loved watering hole.
“Most of the guests are from out of town,” she says, “so I wanted to make sure the bar gives them a proper Sheffield welcome.” That welcome includes pints from Thornbridge Brewery, local gins, quality affordable wines, and cheese boards from Porter Brook Deli. Local rums and further collaborations are also in the works.
The refurbished bar is overflowing with a wide range of drinks and a new charm.
Beyond the hotel crowd, she’s hoping to draw in after-work drinkers and nostalgic walk-ins – those who remember the pub’s rock ‘n’ roll heyday or the pre-gig pints before nights at the Boardwalk.
“A lady came in recently who used to drink here in the early 2000s,” Eve recalls. “She told me stories about standing on the tables and kicking bar stools over! Maybe not quite that extreme, but that’s the sort of energy I’d love to revive.”
As the city centre continues to reshape itself, James is keen to ensure the Three Cranes doesn’t get left behind.
“This place has always been a part of Sheffield,” he says. “There are plenty of Three Cranes around the country – but this is the only Three Cranes Hotel. It belongs here. It’s important to keep it alive.”
Whether you’re a traveller seeking boutique comfort or a local longing for a proper pint with some character, their doors are open, and the Cranes are flying again.
You’ll find the Three Cranes at 74 Queen Street. For updates and more info, follow them on Instagram.
