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BrewDog to Close Sheffield Bar as Part of Nationwide Shutdown
BrewDog is set to close its Sheffield city centre bar, one of 10 UK venues being shut down by the craft beer chain in a sweeping move that has stunned both fans and employees. The closures, which also include high-profile locations in Aberdeen and Camden, follow a strategic review by the company amid rising costs and ongoing pressure in the UK hospitality sector.
Staff at the affected sites were reportedly given just three days' notice ahead of their final shifts, sparking sharp criticism from union officials and industry observers. Unite Hospitality branded the 72-hour redundancy window "unacceptably short."
The closures are scheduled to begin from Friday 25th July.
Founded in 2007 in Aberdeenshire, BrewDog expanded rapidly on the back of its brash branding and popular craft beers. Its Aberdeen bar was the chain's first, while Camden marked BrewDog's London debut. Both will shut their doors, along with other long-standing venues like Sheffield.
BrewDog CEO James Taylor said the decision was not taken lightly. "Some bars have struggled with size, location and other limiting factors," he explained. "Keeping these bars open would put pressure on the wider business." Taylor noted the closures are intended to allow BrewDog to "refocus" and build a more sustainable bar division.
Despite the backlash, the company says it is working to support employees affected by the closures. One-on-one consultations are being offered, and BrewDog hopes to redeploy some staff within its wider network. However, the total number of job losses has not been confirmed.
The Sheffield bar's closure will be a blow to the local beer scene, as it has been a hub for craft beer lovers in the city since opening. With BrewDog pulling back, the loss adds to growing concerns about the future of hospitality venues across the UK.
The Bessemer Reopens After Major Renovation
A well-known Sheffield city centre pub has opened its doors again following a major investment and extensive refurbishment. The Bessemer, named after steelmaking pioneer Henry Bessemer, has undergone a six-figure transformation and is now back in business with a fresh new look and upgraded features.
Originally known as The Fountain Bar, the Stonegate-owned venue has increased its capacity with the addition of new booth seating and has unveiled a brand new sports area upstairs. The revamped space is designed for guests to enjoy games like pool, darts, and beer pong, with the added bonus of free pool every Thursday.
For sports fans, the Bessemer now boasts HD screens showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports, ensuring visitors can catch all the biggest matches in comfort.
The pub officially reopened on 18th July with an evening of rock and roll bingo and a live DJ playing chart hits to celebrate the relaunch.
General Manager Stuart Grimson said the renovation marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Bessemer. "I'm really looking forward to everyone seeing the refresh - the pub is looking amazing!" he said. "The new interior will give the whole pub a lift and the improved DJ lighting is going to make our Saturday afternoon parties better than ever.
"This renovation is marking the start of a new chapter for us at the Bessemer and I can't wait to welcome back guests, both old and new, to see all that we've been working on behind the scenes.
"The refresh is all about giving our guests an improved experience. We know how much people love the Bessemer so hopefully they'll love all the work we've done."
With its upgraded amenities and fresh energy, the Bessemer is ready to reclaim its spot as one of Sheffield's go-to pubs in the heart of the city.
The Belfry Pub Reopens After Major Investment
The Belfry pub in Beighton has officially reopened following a major revamp backed by a six-figure investment from owners Greene King.
Located on Eckington Road, the updated venue now boasts a modernised restaurant, new indoor televisions, and an expanded outdoor seating area with 60 additional seats.
To mark the relaunch, long-time regular and patron of 15 years, Beryl Fitzgibbons, cut the ribbon at the reopening ceremony.
However, not all of the pub's plans have received the green light. A proposal to install a 65-inch outdoor television is still awaiting approval. The pub submitted the application in April, describing the screen as a "valuable amenity for patrons" that would "enhance the public house's role within the community." A noise impact assessment was also provided, concluding that the screen was "unlikely to be an additional adverse impact" on nearby residents.
Despite this, some locals have raised objections. One nearby resident expressed concerns about existing noise levels, particularly in summer when sporting events are shown. "The foul language and loud voices that are often experienced make it impossible to sit outside in our own garden," they said. "Anything that increases the number of people outside the pub will only add to this."
They added that the proposed outdoor screen could "exacerbate this behaviour and create additional noise, particularly during warm weather."
For now, The Belfry is back in business with its indoor upgrades complete - but its outdoor entertainment plans remain up in the air.
Kapital European-Style Beer Hall Brings Bold New Energy to City Centre
Sheffield's hospitality scene just got a major upgrade with the arrival of Kapital - the city's largest European-style beer hall - now open on Wellington Street.
The £750,000 venue officially opened its doors on 27th June as part of Sheffield's £470 million Heart of the City development. It joins a growing lineup of destinations revitalising the city centre, alongside projects like Cambridge Street Collective and Leah's Yard.
Kapital is the latest creation from the team behind the award-winning Two Thirds Beer Co. on Abbeydale Road. After two years of planning and building, co-founders Ben Stubbs, Danny Clare, and Adam Inns are finally welcoming customers into a space they say is inspired by the great beer cities of Europe.
"It does feel quite surreal that we're now at the point where we're going to be opening the doors," said Ben Stubbs in a recent interview. "We spent a lot of time in Germany, in Prague and the Republic of Belgium - so we saw how they do things and are then bringing a little bit of each of those into one big space like this."
The result is a bold, high-capacity venue with more than 30 beer taps and an atmosphere that combines continental influence with local character. The centrepiece? Three enormous tanks of Budvar, the unpasteurised Czech lager, imported directly from South Bohemia.
"It's a cracking beer," Stubbs said. "Unpasteurised, fresh and comes straight from the cellars of the brewery. It's put in a tanker and driven over into the UK, straight to here."
Despite the team's deep passion for beer, Kapital isn't aiming to be exclusive or high-brow. Stubbs emphasised their goal of "grown-up drinking" - a quality-focused space where anyone can enjoy great drinks in a comfortable, thoughtfully-designed environment.
"Quality environment, quality product and quality service," he added. "It's a place you can come and have a decent beer, in a really nice environment."
With its massive footprint, curated drinks list, and a clear vision rooted in European beer culture, Kapital is set to become a standout addition to Sheffield's evolving city centre - and a new go-to for beer lovers across South Yorkshire.
Sheffield Crowned UK's Best Pub City by The Times
Sheffield has been named the UK's top "pub city" by The Times, praised for its unbeatable combination of quality pubs, high brewery count, and easy access around town.
While London may boast the most pubs in total, Sheffield "beats anywhere down south," said beer writer Pete Brown, citing the Steel City's unique mix of tradition, innovation, and accessibility.
What sets Sheffield apart? For starters, it has more breweries per head than any other UK city. That means locals and visitors alike can enjoy a wide selection of both classic ales and modern craft brews, all brewed close to the bar.
Pub crawls in Sheffield are also refreshingly straightforward. The compact city centre makes for easy walking, while the tram system opens up nearby neighbourhoods like Kelham Island, known for its thriving pub scene.
Brown connects Sheffield's brewing culture to its industrial roots. "The mesters may be long gone but their spirit of independence, sometimes manifested as grumpy stubbornness, still defines the city's culture," he said, referring to the city's historic “little mesters” - independent craftsmen central to its steelmaking past.
Despite the region's aversion to "showing off," Brown insists Sheffield deserves the spotlight. He notes that beer is now the second biggest driver of tourism to the area.
Eight standout pubs helped clinch the "best pub city" title: The Bath Hotel, The Crow Inn, The Dog & Partridge, Fat Cat, Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield Tap, Shakespeare's, and The Wellington.
In addition, The Times recently singled out St Mars of the Desert, a taproom in Attercliffe, as one of the best in the country.
With heritage, character, and hops on its side, Sheffield has more than earned its title.
New Inn Closes And Owners Outline Future Plans
The New Inn, a CAMRA award-winning pub in Gleadless, has officially closed following the departure of its long-serving managers.
Nic Barber and Gill Oxley, who had run the Hollinsend Road venue for the past 14 years, announced their exit with a heartfelt message to customers. The pair, known for raising the standard of the pub and earning CAMRA's Real Ale Pub of the Month award during their tenure, said their goodbyes in a Facebook post.
"Just want to say a massive thank you to all our customers for an absolute fantastic 14 years. We've had a blast!" the post read. "Myself and Gill are gutted but there has to be an end game and now is our time. Thank you to all our staff past and present for putting up with us, especially through the hard times! We love you all."
The news sparked a wave of support and appreciation from regulars, many of whom praised the duo for transforming the New Inn into a cornerstone of the local community. One supporter commented, "The New Inn has been a safe and welcoming place while you've been in charge and the standard of the beer has always been excellent. We'll miss you both enormously and wish you the best of luck in your new venture."
The pub, owned by Star Inns, a division of Heineken, had been operated under lease by Barber and Oxley as an independent business. A spokesperson for Star Inns confirmed the pair's departure and outlined the company's intentions going forward.
"They have taken the decision to leave the pub," the spokesperson said. "We are looking to reopen it as quickly as possible and hope to do so within the next few weeks. Longer term, we are looking to recruit an experienced operator for the New Inn."
Prospective operators interested in taking over the New Inn are invited to contact Star Inns' recruitment team at 08085 949596.
The closure marks the end of a significant chapter for the Gleadless pub, but plans are in motion to bring it back to life in the near future.
Rivelin Hotel Announces Closure
The Rivelin Hotel, a popular pub on Tofts Lane near Stannington, is closing its doors. Managers Abbie Mullen and her business partner Simon shared the news with "great sadness," saying they are "absolutely gutted" to be leaving.
The closure impacts around 18 staff members and marks the end of what has been a meaningful chapter for the team and the local community. "We are absolutely gutted not only for us but for all our lovely customers and the friends we have made here," Abbie wrote in a public message on Facebook.
She thanked patrons for their support and kind words, noting how much the encouragement has meant to them. "We are so sad to leave," she added, "but also got a fire in our belly for what is to come at our new home."
The Rivelin will host a farewell party on Saturday 31st May starting at 7PM, with a free buffet for guests. The final meals will be served on Sunday 1st June.
Abbie and Simon won't be out of the pub game for long. They're set to reopen the Bulls Head on Fulwood Road in Ranmoor, with opening day planned for Friday 6th June.
Mount Pleasant Pub Reopens with Fresh Energy and Big Plans
The Mount Pleasant pub in Norton Lees has reopened its doors with new licensees at the helm and a vision to turn the historic pub into a buzzing community hub.
Located on Derbyshire Lane, the early 19th-century pub closed temporarily in February when long-time landlady Gill Nugent stepped down after eight years. Nugent was the eleventh licensee since the pub's opening in 1841.
Just weeks after the closure, new tenants Leanne Austin and her partner Mark took over and began reshaping the venue. Their focus has been on breathing new life into the space with a calendar packed with events and entertainment.
"So far so good," said Leanne. "We've hosted lots of different events - we're looking to go more that way in future."
Already, the couple has introduced activities like psychic nights and karaoke, expanding the pub's appeal beyond its traditional roots. Live music, something the Mount Pleasant had never hosted before, is now a key part of their plans. Leanne and Mark aim to make the most of the summer by bringing performers outdoors, with a family-friendly setup that includes an outdoor bar and even a bouncy castle.
Looking ahead, the couple is organising a fundraising event for Weston Park Hospital and launching Mount Fest, which promises live music and food trucks. They're also planning a coach trip in August to see Tom Jones perform at Market Rasen.
With strong early support from the community and a growing list of events, the Mount Pleasant is not just back open - it's setting the stage for a new chapter full of energy, music, and local spirit.
Former Toilets Shortlisted for Prestigious National Pub and Bar Awards
Sheffield's acclaimed cocktail spot, Public, has been named one of the top venues in South Yorkshire as it earns a coveted place on the shortlist for the 2025 National Pub and Bar Awards.
The awards, which celebrate the finest drinking establishments across the UK, will culminate in a ceremony in London on 24th June. Public is one of three South Yorkshire venues to make the cut, alongside Biscuit Billy's in Doncaster and The Woodman in Rotherham.
Housed in a former underground public toilet beneath Sheffield Town Hall, Public has built a strong reputation since opening its doors in 2017. Known for its inventive drinks and distinctive setting, the bar has already collected a string of accolades - and now adds national recognition to its list of achievements.
This year's National Pub and Bar Awards sees 256 venues from across the British Isles compete for honours, with judges assessing a wide range of criteria, including service quality, design, digital presence, and customer experience. For the first time, the awards will also recognise top performers by county, in addition to national and regional titles.
In total, 94 awards will be handed out, including high-profile accolades like Pub Group of the Year, and the overall National Pub and Bar of the Year. The 2025 edition will also debut a new Top 10 Pubs and Bars in the UK list, selected by industry peers.
Tristan O'Hana, editor of Pub and Bar magazine, which organises the event, said: "The aim of the National Pub and Bar Awards is simple - we want to showcase how brilliant these businesses are and how valuable pubs and bars are to the fabric of society across the whole of the UK. It has never been harder in hospitality."
With its unique setting and continued commitment to quality, Public stands out as a strong contender in this year's awards - and as a symbol of Sheffield's vibrant hospitality scene.
Michelin-Starred Pie Lands in Sheffield
Sheffield food lovers are in for something special - The Florentine in Fulwood is set to serve a pie created by Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd. Since 17th April the pub has offered the "Best Ever Pub Pie," a rich, triple-layered dish packed with hand-pulled beef cheek, caramelised onions, and roast potatoes.
Shepherd, who runs the acclaimed Upstairs restaurant in Staffordshire, is sharing his secret recipe for the first time through a new partnership with the Marston's pub chain. The dish will be available nationwide for a limited 12-week run.
"I have been asked to share the recipe a lot, but it hasn't felt like the right partnership - until now," Shepherd said. "For me, when I think of the pub, I think of a good pie, so I was delighted to have the chance to work with the Marston's team to bring this pie to life."
Marston's director of operations, Claire Robertson, praised the collaboration: "We've worked really hard together to create the most delicious dish possible. It's rich, decadent and absolutely delicious."
The Florentine, located next to Thornbury Hospital, will be one of the select venues serving the chef's take on the classic pub favourite.
Pie fans and foodies alike now have a new reason to stop by Fulwood. For 12 weeks only, a Michelin-starred taste is just a fork away.