Embedded Files
Take in the local watering holes and try some of the best drinks around by following our mapped-out routes of excellent independent pubs, bars, and alcohol producers.
Heritage and Independent Drinking Trails
City: Centre and Devonshire
From busy party spots to curated drinks corners, Sheffield's city centre has drastically reinvented itself over the past two decades. This trail shows off that transformation, starting with historic pub stops near the University and West Street, and winding through the chic Devonshire Quarter round to the new 'Heart of the City' redevelopment. It's not just confined to shiny buildings though - the best craft dens are hidden away from the main shopping streets and deserve your attention.
Go see: Bath Hotel, Hop Hideout, Old Shoe
Bath Hotel, Broomhall; photo by April Williams
Shakespears, Gibraltar Street; photo by April Williams
City: North and Castlegate
Not as refined as other parts, the north of city centre has more of a rugged industrial feel, but equally holds some of the best independent spots around. Well-known for its cluster of folk music pubs that gets lively during Sheffield's annual festival, this trail winds up at the site of Sheffield Castle (Castlegate), now undergoing a major park redevelopment ready in 2026. The route can also be looped round to see the centre's historic sites along the High Street.
Go see: Grapes, Perch Brewhouse, Shakespears
City: South and East
While it's easy to say that any point of Sheffield's centre has changed dramatically over the years, the city's eastern end has seen dilapidated factories, housing estates, and pubs become award-winning architectural features and eye-catching food and drink hangouts. From restored Victorian waiting rooms, to characterful alternative bars, to striking contemporary spaces, this trail covers a lot of ground, with a couple of optional detours, but gives you the full range of what Sheffield has to offer.
Go see: Triple Point Brewing, Sheffield Tap, Rutland Arms
Rutland Arms; photo by April Williams
Alder, Kelham Island; photo by Nick Groat
Kelham Island
A visit to Sheffield wouldn't be complete without dropping by Kelham Island - a neighbourhood that's been slated as one of the 'coolest' in the world and best in the country. Though beyond the marketing sheen, Kelham Island's vibrant independent alcohol scene is made up by a host of different places. From traditional pubs to modern bars, the area has been noted as the catalyst for the UK's real ale and craft beer revolution (starting at the Fat Cat), but also evolved to be the home for new wine bars, breweries and even meaderies. Make sure to explore away from the popular streets to really get a feel of what makes this part of the city such a draw for drinks enthusiasts.
Go see: Alder, Kelham Island Tavern, Paradise Garage
Abbeydale
Abbeydale Road has become a hub for independents over the past couple of decades, and sports a wide variety of modern bars, bottle shops, and pubs that reflects Sheffield's modern drinks scene, bleeding into nearby Nether Edge. Abbeydale Brewery has been a feature of the UK's beer landscape since 1996 (now making it the oldest brewery in Sheffield), but there's no shortage of innovate beers in their range that you can find at watering holes. Since then, Abbeydale Road and Nether Edge fosters a vibrant community feel - with regular festivals, markets, and events - and no shortage of unique places to experience.
Go see: Abbeydale Brewery, Rumkeg 876, Bench
Nether Edge Market, Nether Edge; photo by A. J. Paxton via Wikicommons
Walkley Beer Co., South Road; photo by April Williams
Crookes and Walkley
Two hilly districts that blend seamlessly into one another, Crookes, and it's smaller counterpart, Walkley are hubs for indie bistros, bakeries, and cafes, sited on the woodland edges of the Rivelin Valley. Dotted throughout the steep streets though are equally unique specialist beer, wine, and spirits stops with real neighbourhood vibes. This loop around the area shows off great views across Sheffield's rural side bookended by cosy pub and bar stops with vast libraries of drinks - best enjoyed by picking a couple and delving into each.
Go see: Hallamshire House, Walkley Beer Co., Tenaya Wine,
London Road and Heeley
Once a small cluster of villages, London Road and Heeley have grown into the rest of Sheffield’s sprawl, but are now home to some of the city’s best independent alcohol stops. While much of the area has retained its industrial character, there’s plenty of places to keep yourself fed and watered, going from traditional 19th century pubs to boutique neighbourhood bars, and back again. There’s some steep hills towards Heeley, but take your time and enjoy the view.
Go see: Locksley Distilling, Jabbarwocky, Sheaf View
View from the Sheaf View, Heeley; photo by April Williams
The York, Broomhill; photo by April Williams
Sharrow, Ecclesall Road, and Broomhill
From high-end eateries to rugged student boozers, this trail tours several intoxicating stops in two popular neighbourhoods that don’t feel overly disconnected despite the walk. Sheffield’s 19th century character can really be felt in Sharrow and Broomhill through its opulent Victorian backroads and grand gardens. This trail can be enjoyed from either direction, though pairs perfectly with finishing at one of the area’s brilliant restaurants. It’s worth slowing down to wonder the leafy corners and small cafes on route, especially when the weather’s good.
Go see: StarmoorBoss, No. 3 Sharrow, Itchy Pig
Banner Cross, Porter Brook, and Fulwood
Situated to the south-east of the city centre beyond Ecclesall Road’s bustling shopping and dining life, Banner Cross and Fulwood gives a condensed taste of Sheffield’s beer, outdoors-y, and historical offerings. Sandwiched between, the Porter Valley is one of Sheffield’s green lungs stretching from the city centre out to the Peak District National Park. With significant walking gaps between stops, this trail gives a sampler of Sheffield’s relaxed pace of life and independent alcohol scene.
Go see: Dark Horse, Greystones, Wonky Labrador
Oakbrook Road, Fulwood; photo by Nick Groat
Trips Out
Parts of Sheffield that are certainly worth a visit, these condensed neighbourhood trips allow you drink in the city's independent vibe in a more intimate setting.
Hillsborough
Dominated by the Sheffield Wednesday stadium and vast urban parkland, Hillsborough is experiencing a steady growth in craft-centric hotspots, dotted amongst reputable pubs. Pangolin's vast range of craft beers, natural wines, local spirits - drink in or take away - has argubly been leading the charge. Though just opposite, Beekeeper is a more cosy venue, and really leans into the 'micro' part of micropub. However, if you want a more traditional setting, a visit to the 1930s New Barrack Tavern owned by Castle Rock Brewery, has both an interesting historic interior and excellent range of real ciders that harks back to the heyday of Sheffield's pub landscape.
Pangolin, Hillsborough; photo by Nick Groat
Bradfield Brewery; photo by Dave Hudson via WikiCommons
Bradfield
Sitting within Sheffield's boundaries on the edge of the Peak District, Bradfield is a great trip out to experience the region's rural pub offering in quaint village settings. Bradfield Brewery has a presence across South Yorkshire, but it's best experienced traipsing across the scenic moors and round Bradfield's many reservoirs, built to supply expanding population of Sheffield in its industrial heyday. Take a walk around Damflask Reservior to drop in at the Nags Head at Stacey Bank and then the Bradfield Plough at Low Bradfield. If you're feeling more of a hike, head to Bradfield Dale and stop in at the Strines Inn for a cosy pub rest stop.
Woodseats
Sheffield is all about its neighbourhoods, and Woodseats really feels like a whole separate town in the region. Condensed into a small area, there's a high number of independent beer stops that are worth visiting to sample a real community pub feel, but on a 'micro' scale. Guzzle is a real ale centre with a changing range of traditional beers. Nearby, the Mesters Tap - taproom of Sheffield's Little Mesters brewery - showcases a range of their core beers. If you're getting hungry, the Boston Arms, alongside their independent selection of drinks also has a selection of great food to enjoy. Slightly to the south, end your trip with a stop off at Mitchells Wine Merchants to browse a staggeringly large curated selection of drinks.
Boston Arms, Woodseats; photo by Robbie Macdonald
Brewery of Saint Mars of the Desert; photo by April Williams
Attercliffe
Attercliffe is still a dense industrial area in the city. However, tucked away behind the warehouses, you'll find internationally-celebrated breweries at the forefront of beer excellence. Brewery of Saint Mars of the Desert has been named as "one of the best breweries in the world" by several renowned beer publications, and their beer garden and tap room are certainly worth a visit. Recently-moved Little Mesters Brewing has also set up shop in Attercliffe, creating modern takes on tradtional ales.
Report abuse