If you’re wondering Watt Bar we’re talking about, over on Charles Street an old electric substation is finally being transformed into a bar. The project began seven years ago, and the building is now only weeks away from becoming a day and night time venue with long opening hours and an adaptable menu.
Watt Bar will open daily from 8am, with food served from 9am to 9pm. Doors close at midnight, except on Fridays and Saturdays when the party continues until 2am.
The menu will shift throughout the day, starting with breakfast and coffee in the morning before moving through brunch, lunch and finishing with beer-led, late-night vibes. Whether you’re more into dining or dancing, there’ll be something for you, with a packed events programme including comedy, quiz nights, DJs and live music spanning dance, electronic and house.
The new bar will collaborate with new kitchen Goobers to create a menu that includes egg-based breakfast meals, acai bowls and sub sandwiches for lunch. In the evening, customers can enjoy sharing portions of New Orleans style fried chicken. Plus if you’re thirsty, you can pick from popular beers, cocktails, wine, IPAs, lagers and craft beers.
Owner, Andy Grice, spoke with Exposed about his vision for Watt Bar: “We want it to be a place that people can come to daily for coffee, meetings, working on a laptop, meeting friends and family.”
“I think a successful place should be loved by young people and older people and everything in between. I really think that’s the key to success. It doesn’t need to be aimed at any particular demographic. It should feel inclusive for all.”
Andy left the army in 2017 ready to contribute to the local community. He has been working on Watt Bar since 2018 but faced issues getting started due to planning complications. Shortly afterward, the bar had to be further postponed during the pandemic – a problem which continued during the times of post-COVID agoraphobia.
Despite these obstacles, Andy’s passion for hospitality persevered. During the seven-year period waiting to start Watt Bar, he opened Lock Inn Bar, Dark Horse and became the co-owner of Little Mesters Brewery, which will serve beer at all three locations.
“Sheffield is famous for its independent hospitality scene and being part of that is an honour, but also a responsibility because I want to create spaces that everyone can enjoy. Where people can come in after work, can come in on weekends, can bring the family in, can meet people, because if we don’t protect these spaces, then where will people meet?”
Now he’s ready to bring Watt Bar to 150 Charles Street in late February/early March. There’ll be booths, high tables, space to dance and a beer garden.
Once open customers can participate in competitions for discounts, plus the bar will have loyalty schemes and local business owners and tradesmen can enjoy discounted prices.
If you want to follow Watt Bar’s journey, you can follow their Instagram here.
