With its three-year anniversary just around the corner, we paid a visit to Orchard Square’s Sheffield Plate to hear all about what goes into creating “Sheffield’s friendliest food hall”.
Commitment to Community
Sheffield Plate stands out as more than just a place to grab a bite; it is a community hub where everyone feels at home. The venue prides itself on its friendly atmosphere, supported by a team that goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience for all. “We see Sheffield Plate as the city’s friendliest food hall because that’s what visitors keep telling us,” says Ian France, Sheffield Plate’s venue manager. “It’s a small tight-knit team who love working here, and I think that shows in the service and atmosphere you get.”
Diverse Culinary Offerings
The food hall features six permanent kitchens, with one dedicated to rotating pop-up vendors, providing a platform for new culinary talents to shine. This setup ensures there will regularly be new and exciting foods to try. “The aim is to support new startup businesses by offering them a pop-up space where they can experiment and grow. They can get help with menu planning, pricing, staffing and health and safety, plus there’s also the chance to learn and pick up things from their fellow vendors – it’s a real collaborative mentality,” Ian explains.
Currently, Caribindi, known for its flavourful Caribbean and Indian fusion cuisine, occupies the pop-up kitchen. “Carbindi’s food is fantastic, with most items priced under ten pounds. It’s great quality and great value, which is what we aim for with all our vendors,” Ian adds. Other street food cuisines covered at the venue include Thai, Sri Lankan, Japanese, Peruvian and American BBQ.
Engaging Events and Entertainment
Entertainment is another key part of the experience. With regular events such as a Tuesday quiz night, drag bingo, live music on weekends, crafts workshops and upcoming comedy nights (watch this space), there’s always something happening to keep guests busy. The venue also boasts a downstairs event space available for private hire, ideal for networking events, birthday parties and even weddings. “We’ve hosted a variety of events downstairs in our event space. It’s a flexible area with a private bar and projector, perfect for any occasion,” says Ian.
A Family-Friendly Destination
Sheffield Plate is committed to being inclusive and welcoming to families. Throughout the summer, they offer a “Kids Eat Free” promotion, making it an attractive option for family dining. “We want families to feel comfortable and welcome here. Our Kids Eat Free promotion during the summer is a big hit, where you buy any main meal from a vendor and get a free kids meal with it,” notes Ian. The venue’s strategic location in a safe and friendly square, just a few minutes’ walk from local theatres and parks, adds to its appeal as a family-friendly destination.
An Evolving Space
As Sheffield Plate approaches its three-year anniversary this September, it continues to grow, evolve and look to the future . Despite the ongoing city construction that occasionally poses challenges, Orchard Square is thriving, and the food hall has remained a bustling hotspot, showcasing resilience and community spirit.
Plans are underway for new murals and local art installations, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and making Sheffield Plate an ever-evolving space worth visiting. “We recently had a new mural done by friends of Sheffield Plate, and we’re planning to involve more local artists for future projects.”
Convenience is Key
Accessibility and convenience are at the forefront of Sheffield Plate’s design. Open seven days a week with extended hours, the food hall ensures that you can enjoy a quick, quality meal whenever you need it. “We’ve extended our hours and are now open from 11 AM to 9 PM on Mondays as well. It’s all about making sure people can enjoy what we offer whenever it suits them best,” says Ian.
With efficient service and a variety of dining options, Sheffield Plate is the perfect spot for a quick lunch, a pre-theatre meal or a leisurely dinner with friends. “We’re also introducing a 10% discount for theatre ticket holders, which most of our vendors have agreed to. It’s a great way to offer value and convenience to our customers,” he adds.
Moving forward, Sheffield Plate will continue to grow it offering and the commitment to supporting new businesses remains strong. “We’re proud to be a launchpad for new culinary talents,” Ian emphasises. “Seeing our vendors grow and succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
For more information on the latest updates, events and promotions, follow Sheffield Plate on socials.
