Despite being smaller than cities like Manchester and Leeds, Sheffield is still able to provide an incredibly strong and diverse music scene. Aside from the standard club nights that I’m sure everyone has come accustomed to, there exists a variety of venues that covers everyone’s tastes and expectations, from techno and dub DJs to indie bands and live shows, you won’t be disappointed by what Sheffield has to offer. The list below covers a small selection of places in the city that demonstrate the strength of the local music scene, that in my opinion, are some of the best places in Sheffield.
The Leadmill
Perfect for: Indie bands, live shows and cheap club nights.
It would be difficult to start a list on Sheffield’s music scene without mentioning The Leadmill. As the longest running music venue in the city, The Leadmill has a lot to offer, and it provides. I’m sure everyone new to Sheffield is by now aware of Leadmill Fridays, a staple student night out in Sheffield, but this is only the beginning of what Leadmill brings to the table. If you haven’t heard of their student night it’s certainly worth a go, with cheap entry of £5 on the door (with your student ID) and even cheaper drinks inside, especially with the regular’s card, it’s hard to go wrong. Leadmill Fridays will always be a good place to start for people who haven’t had much experience going to clubs, but also for those who just generally want a good night out.
Aside from Leadmill Fridays, they also host other club nights throughout the week, some with a more specific music focus, such as emo night. The Leadmill is, in general, one of the best venues in Sheffield for live music. As a nationally renowned venue, it hosts a great array of popular acts at prices much cheaper than venues in Manchester and Leeds, alongside up and coming acts, giving them a great space to perform. Leadmill works even better for live shows than it does club nights, catering for a small standing crowd whilst maintaining a strong sense of local identity. Leadmill has been the host of some of the best musical acts for the last forty years, but principally, has been a platform for the rise of Sheffield’s greatest musical offerings like Arctic Monkeys, ABC, Human League, and Pulp, all of whom performed at Leadmill at the start of their career. (Pulp even have a plaque outside to commemorate their very first performance on the 16th of August 1980.) Ultimately, there are not many venues with a history like the Leadmill that continues into the present day, so seeing live music at The Leadmill isn’t just an encouragement for anyone in Sheffield but rather a rite of passage. It creates an incredible atmosphere that revolves around the music, and nothing else, with cheap ticket prices and drinks, and a stage steeped in history.
Hope Works
Perfect for: Techno, house, and electronic music.
An ex-gun barrel factory in the industrial district near Kelham Island, Hope Works is a warehouse venue that provides some of the best nights in Sheffield. Whilst the entry price can come out quite expensive in comparison to other places in the city, it’s certainly worth the price. Hope Works plays host to some really great names in the techno and electronic music scene. Any night spent at Hope Works will leave you not wanting to leave till at least the first bus back at 5.40 am. The venue provides an immersive experience, with a great sound system and a good light set up that can’t be matched elsewhere in Sheffield. This is an impressive feat for what is a relatively small location, covering one medium sized room and occasionally another the size of a cupboard. The overall atmosphere of Hope Works can vary depending on the line up on the night and the specific crowd they draw but usually it’s a respectful environment that is not overly packed, providing a great space for dancing and just generally having a good time.
Whilst the general vibe of Hope Works is unmatched, it should be noted that the drink prices are not the cheapest, so it would be advisable to drink beforehand. But, to be honest, the prices are understandable for the small space they have. The only real issue that can become a problem is the location, as it is quite far away from the centre and requires either a lengthy walk which can take you past the canal, or a taxi. It’s certainly not a major issue though, as Hope Works is worth the effort but it’s just good to note that planning how you will get there and back can be important, especially if it’s your first time. Hope Works ultimately provides one of the best nights in Sheffield especially for those who like techno and electronic music, and I’m sure it will meet the high expectations I’ve set.
Sidney&Matilda
Perfect for: House and disco DJs, as well indie bands and local acts.
Sidney&Matilda is a shining example of what Sheffield’s music scene has to offer. A laid back, intimate venue, it has something for everyone. With a three room venue covering a bar, basement club and a separate room for hire, there is ample space available for having a good time. The venue creates an incredibly comfortable environment without sacrificing any of the excitement. The all-round vibe gives off a strong personal touch that emphasises the simultaneously close knit, yet welcoming environment that Sheffield itself perfectly creates.
Aside from the ambiance of the venue itself, Sidney&Matilda is sold on the varied selection of music it offers, being a perfect place to enjoy house and disco music from great DJs as well as indie bands and local gigs. There really is something for everyone here, more so than most places, and this can’t be overemphasised. Entry prices are consistently good, with events spaced across the week, so not entirely concentrated on the weekend which is always a plus. Bar prices however are a little bit more expensive than other venues in Sheffield but the selection of drinks they provide makes up for this, you won’t be stuck drinking something just out of necessity here. Like a lot of the venues on this list, the crowd and atmosphere is primarily dependent on the night you attend, but whilst you can’t rely on the same sort of music each week you can rely on the welcoming environment provided by the venue, and you can usually guarantee a good night a Sidney&Matilda.
Plot 22
Perfect for: DnB, jungle, and garage
Despite being one of the smaller venues on this list, Plot 22 makes a big statement. A compact but fresh space, it provides a more intense atmosphere without being overwhelming, that is perfect for a great night out at the end of the week. Ticket prices are relatively cheap too and they occasionally offer free nights as well which is certainly something to look out for, so you don’t have to worry about going into your overdraft. You shouldn’t expect as good music as Dryad Works (a larger warehouse venue that plays similar music you should also definitely check out!), but for the cheaper price and the all-round atmosphere of the place, you can’t complain.
Plot 22 serves as a great space for general enjoyment, drawing a diverse crowd that is not explicitly student orientated, whilst simultaneously feeling safe and being a very well-located venue (just behind the Wilko in Castle Gate!). It is walkable and easily accessible by bus serving, as a great destination for a Friday or Saturday night. The only issue is the drink prices, but when you consider the size of the bar and venue it’s not outrageous, and like most places in Sheffield, it is still cheaper than most places in the UK. Plot 22 is a personal favourite that provides exactly what I look for when it comes to music and a great time in Sheffield, and I can’t recommend the place enough.
The Lescar
Perfect for: Jazz
Every Monday, The Leascar hosts Jazz Nights from 7pm till 11pm. Costing a £7 for a student-priced ticket, it’s perfect for people who aren’t attracted to big nights out or those who just simply want a more chilled experience. Located on Sharrow Vale Road, just off of Eccleshall, it’s relatively close to most ‘Uni of’ areas, and easily accessible. However, it should be noted that the event draws a more mature crowd, in a sit-down affair,that is primarily full of older Sheffield locals, not students. Still, I wouldn’t let this be off-putting, the organisers are incredibly welcoming and were excited that students were taking an interest when I went! And despite it being a sit-down affair, a woman even pulled me and my friends up to dance with her!
Drink prices are rather expensive however, the most expensive on the list, with the cheapest pint at The Lescar costing £5, but to be honest this shouldn’t put you off,r as the ambiance of the event doesn’t require you to drink to enjoy it, and drinking too much would certainly ruin the night altogether! At the very least, this night can cost £7 and at most around £17. Overall, I think it’s worth doing at least once, and with rotating jazz artists it’s certainly providing something different that isn’t accessible everywhere in Sheffield.
The Dorothy Pax
Perfect for: The blues and general acoustic music
Situated in the canal side of Victoria Quay, The Dorothy Pax is a rustic style bar that often hosts live music events during the week. Despite its distance from Endcliffe or Crookes, its focus on blues, acoustic, and jazz music can be the perfect destination for a laidback night out that displays some great local talent. The building itself quickly creates a cosy environment benefited by the bar’s location and the unique décor throughout, making the place enjoyable for just a drink in general aside from the music. But what makes The Dorothy Pax great is that most of the live music events they host are free, so it can be a really great opportunity to appreciate different styles of music without breaking the bank, benefited by affordable bar prices that covers a great range of beers and spirits. If you are a craft ale fan you won’t be disappointed. With a closing time of 12pm it works great for something to do during the week even if you have a 9am the next morning.
The Dorothy Pax also works great just a pub, whether you’re looking for a nice place to spend an evening or wanting to get some drinks in you, before you head to either Hope Works or Plot 22, both of which are situated near the venue. This was actually how I stumbled across The Dorothy Pax and saw the last few songs of a blues band before going to Hope Works. It’s a very strong contrast, but I think that’s part of the fun, creating two focal points of the night instead of one. The only important thing to note is that, like The Lescar, this is more of a sit-down affair that draws older crowds, so it’s important to be respectful of everyone else there that is also trying to have a good evening too. Ultimately, The Dorothy Pax is certainly worth checking out if you are looking for a relaxed night out that showcases some great musical acts and genres in the city, but generally it’s a great pub that shouldn’t be discounted due to its location.