Located in the heart of Neepsend, Victoria, the latest creation from the team behind The Mowbray and The Chimney House, is a remarkable transformation of a once-derelict 1884 chapel into a premium event space. With a deep commitment to restoration, reuse and high-end design, the venue is redefining hospitality while staying true to Sheffield’s industrial heritage.
“This has been the ultimate reuse project,” says co-owner Sally Hubbard. “Our way – as with all of our buildings – is to use sustainable and thoughtful ways to tackle and raise vital awareness for topics such as recycling, reducing impact and re-use. We set ourselves the goal to design and build a space that radiates a feeling of doing good as well as a place that is, of course, beautiful and soulful.”
Saul Brown Photography
The venue is an architectural showcase of reclaimed materials, featuring restored antique Art Deco brass chandeliers, cinema and theatre lights, salvaged timber floors and roll-end fabrics used to reupholster seating. In total, over 85% of its custom furniture, fixtures and lighting have been crafted from reclaimed and repurposed materials.
The space is designed to inspire, offering a dynamic mix of events that range from private weddings to business gatherings, wellness retreats and music showcases. With a 500-guest capacity spread across multiple unique spaces, there’s a wealth of possibilities on offer.
At its heart, The Chapel serves as a breath taking ‘Feasting Hall’, complete with a reclaimed mirror-clad altar and a Juliette balcony, making it an ideal setting for weddings and grand occasions. The Lodge, a space above the in-house kitchen, offers a private retreat for pre-ceremony moments and interviews. The Clubhouse, a low-seated cocktail bar, shifts from daytime coffee spot to evening drinks lounge. Meanwhile, the expansive Courtyard plays host to outdoor weddings, antique fairs and music festivals, creating a stunning open-air setting.
Every detail has been meticulously considered, down to the tiniest historical touch. A Victorian tea cup was found bricked into a fireplace, and a scrap of an old prayer sheet with the words ‘be thou my light’ was discovered in a wall cavity. These finds, now preserved within Victoria, serve as reminders of its rich past.
For the team behind Victoria, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it’s at the heart of proceedings. Having spent the last 18 years restoring three derelict buildings into vibrant spaces, their commitment to lowering impact is evident in every decision.
During Victoria’s transformation, the team made a conscious effort to work with Sheffield-based tradespeople and businesses, ensuring that most materials and expertise were sourced within a 10-mile radius. Original brick, timber and stone were restored rather than replaced, and a full roof of solar panels now powers the venue.
The venue also champions local independents, working with Sheffield-based suppliers such as Greystone Flowers, whose blooms are grown and cut just miles away from Victoria. The Wedding Club, a curated collection of local creatives, florists and designers, ensures that every event is infused with artistry and sustainability.
No expense has been spared in Victoria’s culinary offering, with a kitchen designed for ‘Spectacular Eating’. Led by Head Chef Emma Tophill-Reed – previously Group Head Pastry Chef at The Pig Hotel – the kitchen prides itself on seasonality and provenance.
The food experience is diverse, offering everything from seated supper clubs and grazing tables to festival-style plates and brasserie dining. The addition of an outdoor fire kitchen further connects guests with the craft of cooking, bringing an extra dimension to the venue’s immersive dining experiences.
With its breath taking interiors, deep-rooted history and commitment to hosting a wide range of events, Victoria is set to become an iconic Sheffield destination. Whether it’s for a wedding, a business gathering or a celebration, guests will find themselves stepping into a space that is not only visually stunning but with a clear mission statement behind it.
As Sally puts it, “If you can be sustainable, why wouldn’t you? We don’t believe in throwaway culture. Great materials are at the heart of great design, and therefore, beautiful interiors. Reclamation and reuse are more than just aesthetics – they create legacy.”
Ben Barron Photography & Saul Brown Photography
Find out more at thevictoriasheffield.com
