Abbeydale Ale-o-rama
 |
| Brothers Arms, Heeley - you might find a ukulele or two |
Sheffield is
a geographically diverse city, you geography students already know that and
it’s probably one of the reasons you decided to move here. The city nestles in
its own natural valley created by seven hills and the confluence of five
rivers. With picturesque hillsides; part urban, part rural and part national
park (sitting in the Peak District). Trees out number people four to one and
beery hotspots are abundant. Sheffield started as a village dating back to
early last millennium, growing in the 18th century to a thriving
market town whilst becoming known as the production heartland for knives and
forks. As the cutlery industry expanded rapidly through the industrial
revolution, so too did the people to work the machines and the population
swelled.
Sheffield’s
villages may have morphed together into the districts you now know over this
dynamic phase; nonetheless each area has kept its own distinctiveness. Much like the appealing facets of European
cities, think Copenhagen with its central area skirted by the quirky Norrebro
neighbourhood to the northwest, full of second hand vintage shops, indie
bakeries and coffee shops. Sheffield’s districts each have their own identity.
To the south
of Sheffield’s centre is Heeley an art focused nonconformist neighbourhood. An
unofficial focal point is Sum Studios, a converted Grade II listed Victorian
School Board building, now housing creative arts and music studio spaces.
Heeley borders on Sheffield’s Antiques Quarter; has its own mix of characterful
pubs, parks and even a city farm. It’s the ideal place to start discovering
Sheffield’s beery side. A short bus ride
from the city centre up London Road drops you at the White Lion pub where you can
start before meandering up Gleadless Road to the Sheaf View. Continue up the
hill, once refreshed, to the newly renovated Brothers Arms overlooking Heeley Park.
Running parallel to London Road is the Abbeydale area. An ever transmuting
neighbourhood, full of independent food and retail shops, antiques centres and
its own brewery – Abbeydale. Within a stone’s throw of each other is The
Broadfield pub, Hop Hideout (a specialist beer shop) and newly opened hangout
Picture House Social. Venturing out of
Sheffield’s city centre you’ll find a laidback Yorkshire welcome aplenty at
these beery hotspots:
615 London Road S2 4HT
Established
in 1781 and retaining numerous original features including stained glass
windows, tiled exterior and snug rooms it’s a beauty of a Grade II listed
boozer. Cask Marque accredited and with a genuine focus on ale you’ll find five
regular draught options from the likes of Thornbridge and Abbeydale, plus
another five guests to choose from on any given night.
 |
25 Gleadless Road S23 3AA
First steps
inside lead you into the Sheaf’s main tap room, breweriana adorns the walls and
a spacious conservatory plus beer garden stretch out behind the main structure.
Traditional ales and continental beers are the focus. Twelve taps offer Czech,
Austrian and German Pilsner and wheat beers such as Stiegl, Bitburger, Budvar
Dark and Erdinger. Eight hand pulls of ale rest reassuringly on the front bar
showcasing local brews from the likes of Kelham Island to micro-breweries from
further afield. Thirty plus bottled beers from Yorkshire (Wold Top with their
award winning gluten free bitter Against the Grain) to Belgium classics like
Orval jostle for space in the back fridges.
Brothers Arms
106 Well Road S8
9TZ
Sheffield’s
ukulele devoted boy band the Everly Pregnant Brothers have combined their gig
earnings and ventured into the world of pub ownership. Taking on the lease at
the Shakespeare Inn on Well Road and renovating it into an ale and live music dedicated
boozer. Overlooking Heeley Park the Brothers Arms has a comfortingly relaxed
interior with black and white check flooring, wood panelling and an
all-important dartboard. The outside terrace provides an ideal suppin’ spot to
enjoy a beer from the choice of 6 hand pulls. Ales on offer include Lustin’ For
Stout and Farmers Blonde (Blue Bee and Bradfield) in addition to guests from
the likes of Derbyshire based Raw.
 |
| the Broady |
452 Abbeydale
Road S7 1RF
A thriving pub
since the mid-1890s, when dairy farmer Albert Twigg built the Broadfield Hotel,
it was re-opened by Forum Cafe Bars in December 2011. With a strong beer
emphasis having nine hand pulls including their individual house ale First
Blonde (using Maris Otter malt and Cascade and Willamette hops) cuckooed down
at Welbeck Abbey Brewery. Five keg lines showcase hop forward thinking UK
independents such as Magic Rock, Summer Wine Brewery and Weird Beard. Known for
their hearty hand-pressed pies, homemade sausages and Sunday roast
dinners.
 |
| more like 400+ beers now! |
444
Abbeydale Road (within Vintedge) S7 1FR
Opened in
November 2013, this beer gem is hidden within a vintage arcade. A specialist
beer shop dedicated to showcasing brews from Yorkshire and beyond; housing 400 plus different beers. Think Buxton, Magic Rock and Thornbridge showcased
alongside Siren, Wild Beer Co, The Kernel and Beavertown. With well-loved and intriguing
American and European micros such as Anchor, Green Flash, North Coast Brewing,
De Molen and Mikkeller. Look out for regular tutored tasting evenings and meet
the brewer events, held at Electric Candlelight Cafe next door; making this one
of the tiniest beer delights around.
383
Abbeydale Road S7 1FS
Set in the vault
of an old 1920s cinema – this new venture from The Gatsby crew takes
inspiration from that art deco era and switches it up. Think rich colours,
stylised geometric shapes and angular designs intertwining with bold design
work from local fellow Nick Deakin. With a curated bottled beer selection from
neighbour Hop Hideout, 3 hand pulls including Abbeydale, Ilkley and Marble
breweries, Italian street food, a games room and music nights hosted by
recording studioTesla – make sure it’s the last stop on your journey.
Published in Exposed magazine Sept 2014
Comments