Steeped in history, The Moor quarter of Sheffield has served as a popular shopping destination going right back to the 1930s. In a bid to ensure it remained as one of the city’s busiest areas, a recent regeneration drive has seen the council spend close to a quarter of a billion pounds restoring to its former glory. Exposed went to take a closer look at what’s on offer.
The Moor Market
Since opening its doors in 2013, The Moor Market has served as a haven for supporting local businesses and offering Sheffielders a wide selection of choice when it comes to their weekly shopping; from butchers to beauty salons, flowers to fishmongers, there’s not much you won’t be able to find. However, more than just being a destination for a spot of retail therapy, a number of popular food and drink outlets have recently thrived at the venue, which amongst other things has helped it become a popular hangout spot for students in the city. Not only that, but it now hosts monthly cooking demos, welcomes regular pop-up stalls and serves as an Amazon pick-up point. What more could you want?
So, for the benefit of any new or returning students – or any resident Sheffielders yet to try out the market – here are some of Exposed’s favourite places to visit.
Coffee @ Moor Market
Popular for that all-important caffeine fix, this busy outlet situated next to the main entrance serves up some mighty fine local brews courtesy of Foundry Coffee Roasters. There’s also a nice selection of treats on offer as well as seasonal specials such as soups, iced coffee and smoothies.
Beer Central
One of our favourite places to get stocked up for the weekend, there’s not much that owner Sean Clarke doesn’t know about beer – and he’s got the stock to back it up! Whether you’re after the latest in top craft beers, traditional real ales or artisan ciders, you’ll be very well catered for here.
Mr Gao’s Handmade Baking
This family-run bakery is the perfect spot if you’re seeking out a bit of dessert-based self-indulgence. Specialising in hugely tasty cakes, they make an effort to cut down on the sugar overload and provide light desserts without going overkill on the sweetness. Exposed tip: their caramel crepe cakes are amazing.
MonSavon
Stocking a wonderful selection of artisan soaps, MonSavon are the place to visit if you’re seeking out a bit of luxury. Also on offer are a mix of luxury oils, incense, candles, diffusers and bath/shower treats – a perfect venue to bring a touch of ambience to the household.
Infinity Nails
Another family-run independent stall which offers the latest styles and trends in nail art. There’s a great customer loyalty scheme for getting discounts, and even if you’ve never visited before it offers competitive pricing all year round.
Cheeky takeaway?
Nothing wrong with a bit of comfort food every now again, is there? Here’s a few of the places Exposed have been known to frequent when our tummies start rumbling.
The Market Chippy
When those fish and chips cravings start kicking in, The Market Chippy is there to make things better. Touted widely as one of the city’s finest chippies, give it a nudge and see what all the fuss is about.
La Sania
A bustling grill bar serving a mouthwatering mix of kebabs, curries, burgers, chicken, wraps and steaks. The portions are more than generous here, and you can throw in a few tasty bhajis and samosas for side options!
Snake Chinese Café
All the guilty pleasure classics are served up here: large portions of chow mein, salt and pepper chicken, sweet and sour pork, crispy won tons, beef in black bean sauce and all the other usual tasty suspects. Perfect for a quick lunchtime bite or something more substantial to take home for tea.
Hungry Buddah
Serving up super-tasty traditional Nepalese food, there’s a reason you’ll find a queue each lunchtime for this place. There’s a good choice of meat and vegetarian curries, served with rice and dal. Wash it all down with traditional Nepalese tea or a soft drink!
Light entertainment
The Light Cinema
Opening earlier this year, The Light Cinema has quickly established itself as a firm favourite of locals. The nine-screen cinema complex, which is currently the largest of the chain open in the country today, offers the latest in blockbuster, independent and international film; not to mention showings of the best live opera, ballet, theatre and pop concerts from around the globe. And whilst you wait to enjoy one of the spread of silver screen specialities that the cinema offers, you can dine and recline in their comfortable licensed café bar, The Green Room.
Head up the escalators situated next to Primark and you’ll find a number of popular restaurants including Handmade Burger Co., Zizzi’s and Pizza Express (and soon to be joined by poultry professionals Nando’s). What are you waiting for? Move towards The Light, get a date organised and enjoy their brand of big screen entertainment with intimate care and attention.
So there it is, independent shopping, top notch food and one of the best cinema experiences in town – you can’t say there’s nothing to do at the Moor.
The Moor Market is open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 8am until 5.30pm. Find more info www.sheffieldmarket.com, and follow them on social media Facebook/moormarket, Twitter/ @TheMoorMarket
Find cinema listings at The Light here.
