As a Sheffield native, I find that time and time again students that are not from the area end up going to the same places, and miss out on some of the absolute gems that Sheffield has to offer. Once most of you move into your second year house, you will spend the rest of your evenings in the Fox and Duck and every meal out with a Notty House pie until the day you graduate. I am here to tell you that Sheffield has so much more to offer than this, and you do not want to miss any of it.
The Foresters
The much-loved Gatsby on Division Street has closed its doors and returned to its former name ‘The Foresters’. A place rooted in history, so much that it being the place where my father firmly believes he invented the ‘tactical chunder’ in the early 90’s, it has gone from strength to strength and returning to its former name is a masterful stroke. The Foresters first opened in 1828, and was much loved for years before being replaced by the Gatsby; consider a piece of Sheffield history restored. Whether you’re after a pint of Guinness and a nice Sunday lunch, or oysters and cocktails, or even a late night dance, this versatile pub at the heart of Division Street has everything you could need.
Gameshow All-Stars
Getting mid-semester blues? This time in the semester is when we all start to get a bit moody and struggle to have fun, but Gameshow All-Stars could be your saving grace for those squabbles you and your housemates are having. With games inspired by Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Countdown and Higher or Lower, this will blow those cobwebs off and let you have a much needed break from studying. Also, if you’re anything like me, this is the perfect opportunity to show your housemates that you are the smartest and the best at everything. (Top Tip: Get the loser to do a shot of the winners’ choosing after all of the games just for that added jeopardy!)
Kelham Island
All of us locals absolutely adore Kelham Island, but often it seems that it is underappreciated by the students of Sheffield. Kelham Island has everything you could ever want all in one place and it keeps growing and getting better as the years go on and has so much to offer!
Factory Floor
From the people behind Peddler Market, Factory Floor opened in 2023 and has already become a favourite. Their trademark ‘drips’ allow you to watch your choice of liquor being dripped into any flavouring you want. With loads to choose from, they even make their own mixers in-house, meaning it’s an experience like no other. Any STEM student will be all too at home with the interior, too, designed like a rustic laboratory – but don’t worry, you don’t have to be up at 9am!
Kelham Deli and Kitchen
Could we even consider Kelham Island as Sheffield’s trendiest neighbourhood if it wasn’t home to a lovely little deli? With their incredibly friendly team ready to give you a warm welcome, paired with their gorgeous pastries and sandwiches and the green outdoor seating, there simply is nothing you could want in a deli that it does not do. It’s time to ditch the Tesco meal deal and get some real food from a great, local small business.
Church – Temple of Fun
Temple of Fun is a 100% vegan bar and restaurant from Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes. The decor immediately draws you in with religious statues, PS4’s, arcade machines, a pool table, and their iconic photo booth. It is a huge venue which boasts a balcony terrace overlooking the River Don, an absolutely stunning spot for when the weather gets nicer, as well as being a 220 capacity live music venue. The range of food in particular is incredible and it is great to see a vegan restaurant be able to offer such a diverse assortment of options
