Your Local: The Riverside

The Reader: Sarah Hudson, Design Technology Teacher (Secondary School), Rotherham.

Why is this ‘Your Local’?: “The artwork is a real draw to the venue for me and adds to the atmosphere and vibe of the place. You always find a nice mix of people which means you’re guaranteed a good time on every visit.”


Favourite tipple: Sarah enjoys cider of all varieties and most importantly a choice. The Riverside always hits the spot - offering real cider on hand pull, Swedish brand Rekorderlig on draught and numerous bottle varieties. They often hold cider festivals throughout the year, though mainly in the summer with up to 35 styles of perries and ciders.

The Local: As you cross over the River Don walking through Kelham Island towards Mowbray Street a remarkable black and white painting by artist Phlegm dominates the exterior wall of this tavern welcoming you to navigate inside past the giant squids. With links to the purveyors of independent art, the Old Sweet Shop in Nether Edge, there’s no wonder you’ll find regular art exhibitions outside and inside this boozer. The building was once the swimming baths for local residents and workers and was converted into the Brown Cow pub by Sheffield brewer’s Wards. The original stained glass windows cast colourful shadows glinting a reminder of the building’s heritage over your beverage. In 2008 co-founders Steve Jackson and Amy Beard from Point Blank Theatre Charity began to form the venue into the freehouse pub as it is known today.

Six rotating ales including two house brews from The Brew Company – Kraken bitter 4.2% and Riverside pale 4.2% and one cider are offered through the hand pulls. Not forgetting up to thirty five World, Belgian and bottled ciders in the fridges. On draught a complimentary mix of German Pilsners and Belgian wheat beers such as Warsteiner, Lowenbrau, Vedett and Leffe are accessible. The wood shelves tower behind the bar bestowing a heavy selection of rums and whiskeys; from your usual Scottish favourites to lesser known Japanese and Welsh varieties. The food menu changes seasonally and includes well thought through vegetarian and vegan options. Look out for their new ‘Steak Night’ starting mid 2013 with a hefty 25oz meaty slab to chow down on.

The music policy is truly obscure and eclectic with punk, hardcore, noise, ska, jungle, boogie, disco and blues bands and DJs having brought their talents to this dedicated music venue.

Outside is a paved and garden area overlooking the river, perfect for lazy summer Sundays and BBQs.

Co-founders: Steve Jackson & Amy Beard

Address: 1 Mowbray Street, Sheffield, S3 8EN

T: 0114 272 4633 www.riversidesheffield.co.uk