Just under three years ago, Adam Heyes opened the doors to a cosy 12-seater cafe, fuelled by a long-held dream and a post-pandemic crowdfunding push. Since then, Mandala has grown in size and is now approaching its third birthday (or Mandala-verseary, if you will), having become one of the city’s most cherished community hubs – serving up comforting brunches, Indian-inspired plates, weekend DJ sets, creative workshops, and a strong sense of belonging.
“It’s insane how big this place has got, in many ways,” Adam says, reflecting on the café’s journey. “Obviously, we’ve doubled the size, but the attention it’s got, the support we’ve had from the community and all the lovely local singers and artists that come down – it’s just been overwhelming.”
Over the past year, Mandala expanded into the unit next door (formerly The Bhaji Shack), a move that allowed them to elevate their food offering while still honouring their roots. “We still use the bhajis on the menu – they’re so tasty, and people kept asking for them,” Adam explains. Now, alongside brunch staples, you’ll find comforting thali plates, zingy homemade slaw, dhal, curries and more, all crafted with care. “I’m not a chef, so watching the food side of things grow has been amazing.”
But it’s not just the food that’s evolved – Mandala has also transformed into a fully licensed evening venue, adding yet another new dimension. “We started doing Saturday night bar sessions, got the premises licence sorted, and now we’ve got DJs and live music coming in regularly,” Adam says. “We’re not trying to be a bustling bar, but if people are out for the night, maybe they’ll pop in for one and then head on. It’s just about adding a bit of choice around here.”
The thing that sets Mandala apart, though, goes far deeper than dhal or DJs. It’s the atmosphere: inclusive, comforting, and completely unique. “I always said if I had my own place, nothing would match, and everything would feel like I’ve exploded into a space,” Adam laughs. “I want people to feel like they’re in my house.”
That ethos has nurtured a loyal following, particularly among Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ community. “I think people feel comfortable and safe here. We’ve become more than just a café – it’s a lifeline for some. People come in who’ve been signed off work, who maybe don’t have family around… and this is the thing they do that day.”
From mother-and-baby groups to poetry nights, acoustic gigs to lazy Sunday DJ sessions, Mandala is now as much a community space as it is a café. “The biggest part of the role is just being there for people,” Adam adds. “The food and drinks are great, but the connections you make here – you don’t get that everywhere.”
Mandala currently sits in the top three cafés on TripAdvisor.
Running an independent venue in 2025 is no mean feat. Costs are up, pressures mount and many small businesses have struggled to stay afloat. But Mandala’s still here, and still growing. “It’s staggering, really,” Adam admits. “We’ve faced the same challenges – rising bills, post-pandemic difficulties – but the love and support from the community have carried us through. That crowdfunding three years ago? Those people still come in. They feel like part of this.”
And the reviews speak for themselves. Mandala currently sits in the top three cafés on TripAdvisor for Sheffield, thanks in no small part to its welcoming vibe and Adam’s hands-on social media presence. “I post all the time, and people share their own pictures too. It all helps spread the word.”
Adam is keen not to get too ahead of himself though. “I try to be present. There’s always a temptation to do more – more events, more changes – but I don’t want to spread myself too thin. I just want to keep making this a safe, vibrant, joyful place. If the bar side grows, great. If we can put in some beer taps and host more nights, amazing. But I’m happy with where we’re at.”
As Mandala heads into its birthday celebrations – another day-long mini-festival is on the cards – there’s a sense of real pride in what’s been built. “It’s not just a job anymore,” Adam says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m just glad we’re still here – and grateful for every single person who walks through the door.”
