Hillsborough is going through quite the transformation. It’s always been an area full of life and local businesses entrenched in community values. Tramlines relocated to the S6 area in July and after some sticking points with the locals, had undoubtedly the most successful festival to date in Hillsborough Park with 40,000 people travelling in and out of the area without a hitch.
Just opposite the park on Middlewood Road is Brass Monkey – a brand new craft ale and artisan gin bar. Opening in December 2018, the intimate bar has settled into the area nicely, offering something unique to the community, but respecting its already-established neighbouring businesses and residents. Owner Stacy Reed tells us the reaction has been surprising. “It’s been fantastic and to be honest, a lot better than we thought. We looked at a few places and decided on this one as we really wanted to be a part of this community.
“It’s been hugely important to us to bed in with the community. We said from the start if there was any big concerns from shops or from neighbours, come and see us and we’ll work something out. Since speaking to the neighbours we have some things in the pipeline, like an appropriate cigarette bin for example.”
Since opening, Stacy and his business partners (Martin McGrail, Ben Duckenfield and Bob Johnson) have had a helping hand from bar manager Wendy Willis, whose experience has been hugely helpful. “Wendy from has been a godsend! She’s helped us out with training and licencing and stuff like that, so it’s nice to have that help from the community – it’s invaluable, really.”
Of course, being bang opposite a park which hosts a huge inner-city music festival plus fortnightly games at Hillsborough Stadium isn’t a bad place to be. “We’ve got some big plans for Tramlines next year – we’ll be doing a lot of promotional things for sure. Talking to the organisers, it’s going to be even busier next year with hopefully more people in the park. We’re introducing gin and wine tasting sessions this month, as well as pub quizzes and local beer giveaways, so we’re looking forward to that!”
Not content with opening Hillsborough’s first micro-pub, Stacy’s team are branching out and expanding their craft beer and gin brand. “We’re opening a place called Bonobo next year in the city centre on Pinstone Street. I think it will be the biggest craft beer and gin bar in the city. We’ll have more room for gins and there’s even talk of having our own distillery, but that’s still to be confirmed!
“We’ve also got Northern Monkey down in Kelham Island which will be a speakeasy-type bar, so it’s an exciting time!”
The Brass Monkey // 185 Middlewood Road // 0114 233 2916
