There are some great places to drink in Sheffield, from micro-brew pubs to house music mega clubs, and high-end cocktail bars to legendary live music spots, the city has it all. Handily located along key streets like Ecclesall Road, Kelham Island, West Street and Division Street, all within walking distance of three of our Sheffield hotels, you’re never far from your next Steel City adventure.
Nightlife in Sheffield
Pubs
Dubbed the UK’s beer capital – admittedly by the University of Sheffield – there’s a bevy of pubs to choose from.
With more than 50 breweries, Sheffield’s beer scene is thriving. Perfectly positioned for pre- and post-train drinks, the Sheffield Tap is an Edwardian Grade II listed building on Platform One in the train station, just nine minutes’ walk from our Angel Street hotel. Renovated in 2009, it was awarded the best pub conversion by the Campaign for Real Ale, and boasts over 20 beers on cask and tap, including select lines from Thornbridge, Alchemy, and Bernard.
The Sheffield Tap heralds the beginning – or end – of the Sheffield Real Ale Trail, which snakes its way through the city, taking in a collection of ‘proper boozers’, including the Red Deer. Serving fine ales since 1825, this traditional pub is full of warm oak furniture, live folk music at the weekends and guest beers from the local Kelham Island brewers. Enjoy the beer garden in summer and bag a table near the open coal fire in winter.
If you develop a taste for the local brew, you can whet your whistle at the Fat Cat and Kelham Island Tavern. Less than a mile from our Angel Street hotel, both come with a wide selection of ales on tap, beer gardens – should the Yorkshire weather oblige – and knowledgeable staff happy to give you a recommendation.
The Leadmill
Viper Rooms
The Great Gatsby
Clubs
While the city dance music scene might have peaked around the millennium with global player Gatecrasher, the city’s club scene is smaller, more diverse and arguably better for it. And all less than 15 minutes’ walk from one of our Sheffield hotels, we’re ideally situated for you to get the most out of your night.
The oldest club in the city, and one steeped in live music heritage, The Leadmill was one of the first venues to host homegrown heroes The Arctic Monkeys, and now throws everything from pop nights (Gaga) to retro 1960s affairs (Sonic) and up-and-coming shows from bands like The Amazons, with Room Two soundtracked by grime, RnB and urban flavours.
Hosting genres as diverse as drum and bass, house, disco, techno and reggae nights, Night Kitchen is where Sheffield clubbers come for an authentic clubbing experience. A mazy venue with several rooms leading off a one-way system, it’s an immersive experience with niche artwork and off-kilter sculptures adding to the feel.
For something a little more high end, head to the Viper Rooms. With chart tunes to the fore and a young – or trying-to-look-young – crowd in charge of the dance floor, they host several popular mid-week student-orientated nights as well as weekend nights hosting the likes of Hed Kandi.
A clubbing and live music behemoth, Corporation – or Corp as it’s affectionately known to locals – is 20 years old and one of the best-loved clubs in Sheffield. With six bars spread over three floors, and playing a mix of old-school classics, pop, indie and dance, there’s truly something for everyone. And if you’re feeling particularly brave, try their signature drink, the Blue Pint.
Bars
From early evening tipples to late night (t)ales, there’s a bar stool with your name on it somewhere in Sheffield. And, handily, you’re never further than a 10-minute walk from one of our Sheffield city centre hotels.
Start your evening at Picture Social House, a trendy cocktail bar that offers table tennis, imaginative pizzas and some of the best cocktails this side of the Pennines. A disused cinema that dates back to the 1920s, it found fame again in 2014, quickly building up a reputation thanks to its excellent drinks menu, games room and 24-seater mini cinema.
If you’re after a rum time (ahem, sorry), then try popular chain Revolucion De Cuba, where expert cocktail makers knock up Havana-inspired cocktail heaven every night of the week. Try the Mexican Firecracker, a pineapple and sparkler affair, or the puntastic Old Jamai-can, a heady marriage of ginger beer, rum and lime served in a repurposed beer can.
A true all-rounder, The Forum remains one of Sheffield’s most dependable and trusted bars. Located just off West Street, it boasts a spacious garden, white brick walls adorned with works from local artists and some of the city’s finest DJs. With great food and drink deals, including half-price burger Mondays and steak and wine Thursdays, it’s the perfect spot to start – or end – your night.
With regular deals, including Fizz Friday and Cocktail Masterclasses, All Bar One isn’t just a high-quality bar but also an affordable one. With a central location, it’s the perfect pre- or post-concert watering hole, while the food – including the mammoth breakfasts – all come highly recommended.
Equal parts bar and restaurant, and with top-notch cocktails lubricating the mix, The Great Gatsby is a must. With table service and a distinctive 1950s look and feel, the Division Street bar is one of the busiest in town, with excellent Mexican-inspired street food served from midday to 9pm daily.
If you’re looking for comfy booths, relaxed sofas, a raft of board games and more beers than you could thirst for, then welcome to BrewDog Sheffield. With some of the finest craft ales in a city known for its beers, as well as excellent pizzas and a soundtrack of cool alternative music, you can easily come for a pint and stay for the night.