One of the people behind Sheffield’s much-loved Alder Bar, Joe Spriggs, and his long-standing business partner Jonny Harrold are set to expand their vision this autumn with a second Kelham Island venture.
The new bistro-style bar and eatery, Merchants House, opens on Wednesday 24 September in the up-and-coming Merchants Court development, joining courtyard neighbours Pad 12, Paradise Garage and Brew and Bloom.
Merchants House promises a refined yet approachable offering that builds on the ethos of Alder, blending European food and drink culture with the warmth and hospitality the team are known for.
“It’s going to be a multi-faceted venue – taking aspects from Parisian neighbourhood wine bars, Italian cafés and the casual experience of eating and drinking in San Sebastián,” explained Jonny Harrold.
“From lunchtime into early evening, the drinks offer is going to be premium, featuring European lagers we feel represent the major beer-producing regions – such as Estrella Galicia from Spain, Spaten Helles from Munich and Kronenbourg Blanc from France.”
“The wine list will be extensive, with a lot of options by the glass, giving you the opportunity to try something new. There’s also our favourite Basque sidra, poured the traditional way from the bottle or on draught.”
“Cocktails are inspired by aperitivo culture – drinks to enjoy with food – highlighting spritzes, Negronis and Martinis,” Jonny added. “Alongside that, we’ve got a range of vermouths, bitters and amaros to complement the offer.”
Speaking about the curated nature of the drinks menu, Joe Spriggs said: “The concept came together naturally, as it’s something me and Jonny have spoken about for a long time. We wanted it to be inspired by places we’ve enjoyed visiting in Europe, and reimagine that culture.”
Described as a “bar you can eat at, rather than a restaurant you can have a drink in”, the menu at Merchants House will focus on modest, casual dishes that pair perfectly with a drink in hand. “Everything on the food menu is designed around drinking,” said Joe. “You’ll see things like arancini, pretzels with mustard and mini Camembert.”
The standout feature of the food offer will be the rotating pintxos menu – a nod to Basque bar culture. Expect small but flavour-packed bites like pork belly with spicy mayo, chorizo, squid tentacles and Cantabrian anchovies.
A separate space within the bar will also serve as a flexible venue for events, with a particular push on corporate bookings, parties and cultural happenings. “It’s a bookable space for businesses and private dos,” Joe said. There are also plans for film nights and community get-togethers.
The new 160-cap venue is a vibrant addition to the growing Merchants Court courtyard and if all this wasn’t enough, it’s gonna to be a proper suntrap in the summer months.
Merchants House is tomorrow (24 September) in Merchants Court, Kelham Island. Go give em a follow on socials here.
