On an ever-busy stretch of Ecclesall Road, just a stone’s-throw from the lush glass pavilions of Sheffield Botanical Gardens, sits The Botanical Arms – a cosy neighbourhood boozer with deep local roots.
For co-owner Richard Tims, this venture is as much personal as it is professional. “I left Sheffield FC last year,” he tells Exposed. “I sort of took a bit of time out, really, and then the idea of taking on a pub started to take hold.”
Encouraged by support from his son, who works in brewing, and business partners with hands-on experience in the industry, the idea gathered pace – and before long, Eccy Road had a new addition.
Location, he says, was everything. “We had a look at a couple of pubs on Ecclesall Road, but I really wanted something up this end in particular. This area seems to be buzzing and when a former café unit became available, we went for it.”
The result is a bright, welcoming space that nods proudly to its green-fingered neighbour. The name itself is a tribute to the nearby gardens, where Richard spent much of his childhood. “I was brought up on Ecclesall Road. And as a young lad, my mother used to let me wander into Botanical Gardens and it was always a special place for me – and, of course, the city as a whole.”
His memories of the gardens in the late 60s and early 70s are vivid. “The greenhouse was a bit run down. The middle one was for plants and the right-hand one, believe it or not, was a birdhouse. The left-hand one was for fish.” Inside the birdhouse were two macaw parrots. And in the fish house? “Piranhas – red belly piranha.”
Those early visits inspired the pub’s interior. Look closely and you’ll spot parrots, fish and squirrels – the latter of course famously associated with the gardens. There’s even a tribute to Robert Marnock, the gardens’ designer in 1833.
And then there’s the monkey tale.
Richard explains that when the gardens first opened in Victorian times, hot air ballooning was all the rage. “They set one off from the Botanical Gardens, this husband and wife. But it wouldn’t go because the husband was too heavy, so the wife went on her own.” Accompanying her was a monkey, allegedly, who was unceremoniously dropped from the balloon with a parachute as it ascended. “It is an absolutely crackers story,” says Richard. “We don’t know what happened to the monkey, but hopefully it was a safe landing.” The wife, for the record, crash-landed in Conisbrough Castle.
A framed image of the airborne monkey now hangs inside the pub – a conversation starter if ever there was one.
Beyond the plant-based touches and local folklore, the small but perfectly formed aims to strike a careful balance. With cask-led and craft-heavy venues already catered for in the area, The Botanical Arms sits comfortably in between.
As such, you’ll find premium lagers and local drops from the likes of Thornbridge on tap, plus the odd craft option and a thoughtfully curated wine list. There are canned cocktails for those who fancy one, but as Richard puts it, “we haven’t really got the space or the time to be doing a Tom Cruise here!”
The emphasis instead is on atmosphere and community. “Friendly and relaxed, really. We’re not elitist, we’re not snobby.” It’s a place designed for connection – something Richard believes people are craving more than ever. “After Covid, I think people have realised how important these places are. These smaller, cosy spaces are great for interaction and become real community hubs.”
There’s outdoor seating planned for summer, perfect for people-watching as the sunshine returns to Sheffield. “This end is now really buzzing,” he says, pointing out the cluster of restaurants and bars that have revitalised the area. “It’s got a great feel to it – whether you’re a local or a student settling into the area. It’s a nice mix.”
There are personal touches throughout – including two small rose ornaments Richard bought for his mum when he was a 12 on a trip to Skegness. “She died recently, so that’s a nod to me mother.” Nearby sit two salt and pepper hedgehogs from her home.
It is these details – part history lesson, part love letter to family and place – that give this small watering hole a real sense of warmth and care.
“Give it a try,” Richard says to anyone unsure about joining the micropub movement. “You’re guaranteed a friendly welcome and no gimmicks here – just somewhere to sit and enjoy a good pint.”
And really… what more could you ask for than that?
@thebotanicalarms
507 Ecclesall Road
