Latest Pub News
If you know of any pub or Sheffield-related news that we have missed out, please contact us so that we can add the story.
The Canary Opens On Waverley Estate
A new micro-bar has opened on the Waverley estate, adding one of the first permanent hospitality venues to the area's growing Olive Lane.
The Canary opened on 12th September 2025, and has quickly become a popular spot for local residents. From retirees and dog walkers to parents and after-work drinkers, the bar has been drawing a steady mix of customers throughout the day.
Located in the heart of the development, The Canary focuses on a rotating selection of independent craft and cask beers. The range includes brews from local names such as Abbeydale and Triple Point, alongside a small selection of wines, gins and cocktails. Rather than offering its own kitchen, the bar encourages customers to bring in food from nearby street food trucks, supporting other businesses on Olive Lane.
Assistant manager Alex Sinclair said the response since opening has been stronger than expected.
"Since the official opening it's been busy - even during weekday afternoons," he said. "Retired couples come in, dog walkers pop by. I was a bit dubious about being next to a nursery but so many parents say, 'my kid's still asleep, I'll have a quick drink'."
He described the atmosphere as relaxed and welcoming. "It's a really friendly, community atmosphere. Everyone is so nice - brilliant customers, great to talk to."
The Canary hosts regular events, including quizzes, DJs on Friday nights and "sip and paint" sessions. It is dog- and child-friendly until 7pm, helping to create a space that works for a wide range of people.
"If you've got friendly dogs, or friendly kids, bring them in," Alex joked.
The bar is one of the first permanent venues to open on Olive Lane, a new public space designed to act as a social hub for Waverley, with pop-up markets and food vendors. An Indian restaurant has also opened nearby, with more businesses expected to follow.
Waverley is built on the former site of the Orgreave coking plant, once a key part of South Yorkshire's mining industry and closely linked to the 1984-85 miners' strike. Over the past decade, the area has been transformed into a large residential and commercial community.
The Canary's website says the history of Orgreave and its "strong, working-class spirit" helped shape the bar's ethos.
"Community matters here," a spokesperson said. "This is more than just a bar. It's a place to belong."
Although still new, the venue has already seen busy weekends.
"It's slowly filling up, but even now it's very crowded on a Saturday night," Alex said. "Everyone has loved it - so positive and enthusiastic."
The Psalter: Tom Lawson's Vision Earns Michelin Guide Recognition
In a significant milestone for Sheffield's culinary scene, The Psalter in Sharrow has officially been included in the prestigious Michelin Guide's latest UK selection. The recognition comes just five months after the venue's rebranding to "Tom Lawson at The Psalter," marking a remarkably swift ascent for the establishment.
Owner and chef Tom Lawson took the keys to the property in July 2024. Following an intensive six-week refurbishment - which saw the addition of a full kitchen, upgraded bar facilities, and 20 boutique bedrooms - the venue opened its doors in August as a combined bar, restaurant, and hotel.
The decision to transition to a taster menu-only restaurant under the name "Tom Lawson at The Psalter" took place in May. Since then, the restaurant's commitment to high-end gastronomy has clearly caught the eye of the Michelin inspectors.
"Recognition from Michelin is the ultimate sign that what we're building resonates beyond our own walls," said Lawson. "It's quite a quick turnaround, but we're only just getting started."
While the Michelin recognition highlights the quality of the cuisine, Lawson attributes much of the success to his team. Before the doors even opened, the staff participated in a full day of team development focused on working together rather than just the mechanics of service.
"When we started, the first thing we did was a whole day around team development, which seems completely backwards," Lawson explained. "We still have a lot of the opening team, and that breeds into the new people that join us - they're just focused on hospitality."
This focus on service extends across the entire operation. Whether guests are visiting for the fine-dining tasting menu, enjoying light bites in the bar, or having brunch, the goal remains a five-star experience across the board.
The Psalter is positioning itself as a versatile hub for both leisure and business. With 20 boutique hotel rooms upstairs, the venue caters to a wide demographic, from corporate groups to parents visiting local students.
Adding to its list of accolades, The Psalter recently secured a marriage licence. This makes it the only Michelin-listed restaurant-hotel in Sheffield where couples can host their wedding ceremony and celebration in one location while enjoying world-class food.
By combining intimate hospitality with a high-end dining experience and boutique accommodation, The Psalter is firmly cementing its place as a cornerstone of the Sheffield dining and hospitality scene.
Former Pub Back On The Market Again
A former Sheffield pub in Darnall has been put back on the market after a previous sale fell through.
The Ball Inn, which stands on the corner of Darnall Road and Basford Road, was a well-known local pub for generations but has been closed for decades. Nearly three years ago, the building was sold at auction, but the deal later collapsed due to funding issues.
The property is now being offered for sale again, with an asking price of more than £325,000. The current owner hopes it will be taken on for community use.
The Ball Inn dates back to 1904, when it was rebuilt. The red brick building is Grade II-listed and includes a number of notable architectural features.
Phil Williams, director of Yopa Property, which is marketing the building, said the owner was keen to see it used in a way that benefits the local area.
"The owner would love to see it sold to someone for a community use," he said.
He added that there has already been interest from a range of parties, including charities, but stressed that the future use would ultimately be up to the buyer. He said the building could also potentially be used as a restaurant.
In its listing, the estate agent describes the former pub as "an imposing building of considerable character and architectural interest dating from the early 1900s".
The marketing details also note that full planning permission was granted in 2004 for alterations to convert the building into a restaurant on the cellar and ground floors, with residential accommodation on the first and second floors and offices in the roof space.
However, prospective buyers are being advised to make their own enquiries with Sheffield City Council's planning department regarding any future plans for the building.
Decision Awaited For Ye Olde Harrow Development
A planning decision is still awaited on proposals to redevelop the former Ye Olde Harrow pub site in Sheffield city centre into residential accommodation.
The application relates to the site of the former pub on Broad Street, close to the Park Square roundabout. Plans submitted to Sheffield City Council propose the construction of a new residential building containing 39 apartments and studio flats.
Ye Olde Harrow closed in 2008. The building remained vacant for several years and suffered fire damage in 2019. According to planning documents, the structure is now derelict and in "a very poor condition". The proposals state that the existing building would be demolished to allow for the new development.
Under the revised plans, the scheme would consist of 37 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom flats. The applicant has reduced the overall scale of the development compared with earlier proposals for the site.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the land already had prior planning consent for a seven-storey building comprising 57 residential apartments. However, the current application lowers the number of units and alters the design. Planning documents say these changes were made to meet required standards and updated fire safety regulations.
The proposed development would be entirely residential. No commercial or community space is included in the plans.
Planning officers at Sheffield City Council had previously indicated that a decision was expected by 9th December 2025. However, as of early January 2026, the council's planning portal still lists the application as awaiting a decision.
The site sits on a prominent route into the city centre and has remained unused for many years following the pub's closure and subsequent damage. The outcome of the application will determine whether redevelopment can move forward or whether further changes are required before approval is granted.
Sportsman Inn To Close For Refurbishment
The Sportsman Inn at Crosspool is set to close temporarily later this month for a refurbishment, according to an announcement from the venue.
The popular Sheffield neighbourhood pub, which sits on the corner of Manchester Road and Benty Lane, will shut its doors from 12th January until 27th January. The closure is expected to last around two weeks while work is carried out at the venue, which is well known locally with both diners and evening drinkers.
In a post on its Facebook page, the pub said it was now in its final week of trading before the closure begins. Managers warned customers that some food and drink options may be unavailable during this period as the pub runs down its stock ahead of the refurbishment.
The post said: "While it's an exciting time for us, it does mean we're running down our stock before we shut, so some of your favourite food and drinks may not be available this week. We're really sorry for any disappointment this may cause. The good news? When we reopen at the end of January, you can expect a fully stocked bar and kitchen, along with a fresh new look that we can't wait to share with you."
The Sportsman Inn added that it would still be pleased to welcome customers in before closing for the refresh and thanked them for their understanding ahead of the temporary shutdown.
New Gleadless Townend Micropub Faces Opposition
A proposal to open a new micropub in Gleadless Townend is facing opposition from Sheffield City Council's environmental protection service.
Jordan Jeonney has applied for a licence to open the micropub at 177 White Lane. The application sets out proposed opening hours of 11am to 11pm, seven days a week, and includes permission for live and recorded music.
The original application also refers to later opening hours, including opening until 1am on bank holiday weekends. However, documents show that a later agreement was reached with South Yorkshire Police. In that agreement, the applicant confirmed a willingness to accept a midnight closing time, with a 30-minute dispersal period, on all days except New Year's Eve.
Despite this, the application has drawn an objection from the council's environmental protection service. The objection relates to concerns about documentation, particularly around electrical certification of the premises. This includes certification for equipment that would be used for music.
If the issues raised by environmental protection are not resolved, the application will not be granted under delegated powers. Instead, it will be referred to a hearing of the council's licensing sub-committee.
That hearing is scheduled to take place at Sheffield Town Hall at 10am on Monday 12th January, where councillors will consider the application and the outstanding objection before making a decision.
At this stage, no outcome has been decided, and the future of the proposed micropub depends on whether the concerns raised can be addressed before the matter reaches the committee.
Turner's Craft Beer Bottle Shop Closes
Turner's Craft Beer Bottle Shop on Abbeydale Road has closed suddenly, bringing an end to a well-known independent business on one of Sheffield's busiest streets.
The shop had been operating for close to a decade, serving a wide range of craft beers to take home alongside its tap room bar, which featured eight rotating draught beers. Over the years, it built a loyal following among local residents and beer enthusiasts.
The closure was announced on 5th January in a post shared on Facebook. In the statement, the management team said their decision came "with heavy hearts," marking the end of seven years at the Abbeydale Road location. They reflected on the friendships made, the challenges of navigating the pandemic, and their role as a small part of customers' lives.
The post explained that a "combination of factors" led to the decision to close. The team confirmed they will be selling off remaining stock and equipment over the coming weeks and said they are willing to introduce interested parties to the landlord for anyone looking to take on the unit. They ended the message by thanking customers for their support, saying they "couldn't have asked to meet a nicer bunch of folks."
Restaurant Proposed For Former Brewery Next To Fat Cat Pub
The former Kelham Island Brewery building, next to the Fat Cat pub in Kelham Island, could soon be given a new lease of life as a seafood restaurant.
Plans have been submitted to Sheffield City Council to change the use of the Alma Street building, which was once at the heart of Sheffield's modern brewing revival. Kelham Island Property Limited, which owns the site, says the building is no longer used as a brewery and is currently vacant.
The brewery operated from the site for around 32 years and was best known for beers such as Pale Rider. In a letter submitted with the planning application, the applicant says the building has been empty since the brewery closed in 2022.
The letter states that the proposed change of use would allow the building to operate as a restaurant, with the current intention being "a high-quality seafood-based food offer". It adds that the restaurant would aim to use locally based ingredients, including the potential use of Kelham Island Brewery ales in fish batters, as a nod to the building's former use.
Most customers would be expected to eat in, although takeaway sales are also planned. The application suggests an approximate split of 70 per cent dine-in customers and 30 per cent takeaway.
If permission is granted, the restaurant would open from 11:30am to 11pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and would be closed on Mondays. The plans also include some alterations to the building.
Kelham Island Brewery was widely regarded as a landmark in the city's beer history. When it opened in 1990, in the beer garden of The Fat Cat pub, it was said to be Sheffield's first independent brewery for 100 years. Its closure was announced in May 2022 after the business was badly affected by the Covid pandemic.
Although brewing stopped at the Alma Street site three years ago, the Kelham Island Brewery brand has since been rescued. A consortium including Tramlines festival co-founder James O'Hara and Thornbridge Brewery stepped in to keep the beers in production elsewhere.
At the time of the rescue, Mr O'Hara said the brewery and its flagship beer had a reputation well beyond the city. He described it as heritage that Sheffield should be proud of, adding that it meant too much to the city and to the UK's beer culture to simply disappear.
Now, the former brewery building itself could be set for a new chapter, pending the outcome of the planning application.
Former Pub Seeks Change of Use
A former Sheffield city centre pub has applied for planning permission to formally change its use to a restaurant.
The building, which until a few years ago was the Royal Standard pub on St Mary's Road, is now operating as a restaurant under the name Harlem House. It is located near the Sheffield ring road and close to Bramall Lane.
A planning application has been submitted to Sheffield City Council by Daniel Ismail, seeking permission to change the premises from a pub to a restaurant. Although the application has only recently been lodged, the venue is already trading as a restaurant, with food service fittings installed and a large mural painted on the exterior.
The application includes images of a colourful new mural depicting American scenes. However, much of the artwork has since been obscured from view by a large roadside advertising board erected in front of it. The mural replaced the well-known "Still Common" artwork by Sheffield artist Bubba 2000.
In documents submitted to the council, Mr Ismail said the restaurant offers a high-quality dining experience with seating for 69 customers. Food is prepared fresh to order, with full table service, while takeaway is available as a secondary service through a separate branch dedicated to collections and deliveries.
He said the business employs up to 30 staff members, including local students, and aims to contribute to the local business community and the Sheffield economy. The application also states that the restaurant has an impeccable health and hygiene record with Sheffield City Council.
According to the submission, no structural changes have been made to the building, aside from alterations to the front façade involving the replacement of unsafe and rotten windows and doors. Mr Ismail said the main focus of the operation is on providing a welcoming, safe and enjoyable dining experience.
The pub previously reopened as the Royal Lounge in 2022 before closing again in 2024. When contacted by The Star newspaper, the restaurant confirmed it was open but declined to comment further.
Wobbly Dagger Celebrates First Birthday
The Wobbly Dagger in Walkley has marked its first year in business with a birthday celebration and a newly expanded space, giving the popular South Road bar room to grow just in time for Christmas.
The bar opened on 9th December 2024 and has spent the past 12 months building a loyal local following. Owners Phil and Sue Coates Linley described the year as a whirlwind shaped by growth, hard work and community support.
"We're extremely proud of what we've achieved," they said. "Thank you to everyone who has visited us over the last 12 months. You've helped us grow in more ways than you'll ever know."
As part of the anniversary, the Wobbly Dagger has expanded into the space that previously housed its deli. The extension brings more seating, room for private functions and a larger stage for live music nights.
"There's been a lot of work to do, but we're extremely excited to show everyone," the owners said.
They described the project as "hard work, blood, sweat and tears," but said the result has been worth it. "The new space is only going to make the Wobbly Dagger even better," they added.
From the start, Phil and Sue have focused on making the bar a welcoming and sociable place for the whole community.
"We try to make it a nice place, safe for everyone, whether you come alone or with friends," Phil said.
Sue said the emphasis has been on conversation rather than distractions. "We want it to be somewhere you can talk, not with music or TV on the wall. There's enough places like that," she said.
The couple say the bar attracts a wide mix of people. "We've got a lovely crowd of all ages, from older teenagers to families and pensioners. People say hello all the time," Sue added.
They also spoke about the importance of bringing energy back to Walkley after the quiet period of lockdown. "After lockdown, people really wanted to support small places. Bringing a buzz back to the area is really important," Sue said.
Live music nights have played a big role in that, drawing in both local residents and artists.
The Wobbly Dagger celebrated its birthday on 12th December with live music, food, cocktails, beers on tap and, as the owners put it, "free hugs."
"We're feeling overwhelmed and happy beyond belief," Phil and Sue said. "Here's to the future."