If you are bored of circling The Moor and feeling uninspired by the same old high street shops, do not fret. Sheffield has a vibrant arts and cultural scene with a variety of unique and local indie shops peppered throughout the city. Here is a selection of a few distinctive small businesses that are paving the way forward.
Gifts and Trinkets
MoonKo, with its inviting lemon-yellow exterior, sits beside local cafes, bars, and restaurants on Division Street, which is just a short walk away from the University of Sheffield. This quirky shop transports you into a world of enchanted bliss, with bouquets of dried flowers hanging from the ceilings and walls. Founded by artist Deborah Máire in 2010, MoonKo is one of the UK’s first brick-and-mortar shops that specialize in dried flowers. The shop also stocks prints and cards made by local artists, many of them aligning with the whimsical charm of the shop.
The shop stocks dried herbal mixes, skincare products, and beautiful hardback editions of classic books. Máire can usually be found naturally drying the flowers at the counter. This local gem is perfect for choosing unique gifts for loved ones or just to soak in the beautifully crafted space that Máire has created.
Leah’s Yard, situated in Sheffield’s city centre, was a former group of industrial workshops. It has recently been restored and is home to over 25 independent retailers, delivering a vibrant, fresh atmosphere. Gravel Pit is one of my favourites, located at the front of the courtyard on Cambridge Street. Despite its small interior, it boasts a broad collection of unique ‘one-off wonders,’ from handmade plant pots, rare plants, vinyl, books, and homeware. It’s my favorite place to seek out unique plant pots.
Fashion
Another cool spot located within the former industrial building is the ‘sustainable grunge’ fashion brand, Atelier. This workspace transports you into a world of 80s punk culture, with handcrafted clothing pieces inspired by the era. The pieces range from handmade shirts and jumpers to hoodies and skirts. If you’re after a unique piece and want to support ethical fashion, be sure to check this space out.
Books
While Waterstones is a great place to hunt down the latest book releases, Sheffield has a considerable number of small independent bookshops that are worth checking out. I highly recommend Juno Books, hidden in the heart of the city centre on Chapel Walk. It is a queer and intersectional feminist bookshop that stocks fiction and non-fiction staple classics as well as hot new releases. They regularly host literary events, including book groups. This bookshop has a great sense of community and is committed to breaking stereotypes by curating literature written by women and queer individuals.
Food and drink
Feeling hungry after a long day of shopping? Porter Pizza on Sharrow Vale is the perfect spot to indulge. Described as ‘your neighbourhood pizzeria,’ Porter Pizza is a small restaurant serving authentic Italian food. They have a great selection of handmade pizzas, including veggie and vegan options, weekly specials, and a tasty cocktail menu. I’d recommend the basil cocktail, which is a refreshing drink that I would imagine complements any of the pizzas well. As well as serving tasty food, this small restaurant prides itself on sustainability and supports local charities and community projects.
