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True North Brew Co Sells Three Venues to Secure Future
Prominent Sheffield pub company True North Brew Co has announced the sale of three of its venues to stabilise the business and protect its future during what has been described as some of the most challenging trading conditions in recent memory.
The sale includes two Sheffield establishments, The Old Grindstone in Crookes and The British Oak in Mosborough, as well as The Milton Arms located in Elsecar, Barnsley.
Kane Yeardley, owner of True North Brew Co, noted that the hospitality sector continues to navigate severe trading difficulties driven by rising costs and economic pressures. Addressing the move, Yeardley stated that selling the sites was not an easy decision, but represented a necessary step to secure the long-term future of the company. He also affirmed that the business is committed to supporting its teams through the transition while ensuring its remaining venues continue to thrive.
The move comes three years after True North fell into administration as a result of the cost of living crisis. The firm bounced back immediately through a pre-pack sale, which enabled it to shed its debts, preserve 325 jobs, and remain in business.
Both Sheffield sites, The Old Grindstone and The British Oak, were acquired by Punch Pubs & Co. Punch has stated that both locations will receive a lick of paint and will continue to be run by their existing publicans before officially joining Punch’s managed partnership estate. Andrew Cannons of Punch highlighted that both pubs possess a great reputation and will continue to thrive with Punch's support and training.
Following the transaction, True North Brew Co is left with nine venues across the region. Its remaining portfolio includes Sheffield destinations such as the Forum, Abbeydale Picture House, The Broadfield, Waggon and Horses, The Riverside, Punch Bowl, and The Common Room, along with the Crown & Anchor and True North Bar in Barnsley. The business also operates a gin distillery, though beer production was paused in September 2025 after the departure of its long-standing head brewer, Dean Hollingworth.
Sheffield Half Pint Marathon Returns This September in Aid of Sheffield Mind
A popular Sheffield pub trail that has raised thousands of pounds for mental health services is set to make a welcome return this autumn. The Sheffield Half Pint Marathon will run throughout September 2026, uniting independent pubs, bars, and taprooms across the city for a month-long celebration of Sheffield's vibrant hospitality scene while raising vital funds for charity.
Organised by True North Brew Co., the event invites participants to explore venues across the city and collect stickers as they go. It offers the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to discover new drinking spots while actively supporting local businesses.
Taking part in the marathon is straightforward and flexible. Anyone wishing to join in can do so at any point between 1st September and 30th September by picking up a sticker card from any participating venue. From there, participants can visit as many venues as they like over the course of the month, whether they are keen to complete the full challenge or simply looking to explore a handful of new locations at their own pace.
The 2026 edition will once again support Sheffield Mind, helping to raise crucial funds for local mental health services. Last year's Half Pint Marathon successfully raised more than £5,000 for the organisation, and organisers are aiming to match or surpass that impressive total this year.
Fundraising takes place through several channels during the month. Each participating venue will serve one of the official Sheffield Half Pint Marathon beers, with 25p from every pint sold being donated directly to Sheffield Mind. In addition, visitors will be able to contribute through collection tins placed at the venues as well as via the charity's dedicated donation platform.
Organisers expect the 2026 event to be the biggest yet, featuring more venues, special beers, and activities planned throughout the month of September. A full list of participating venues, official beers, and event activities is scheduled to be announced in the coming weeks, with regular updates shared across the Sheffield Half Pint Marathon's social media channels ahead of the September launch.
Pub To Star In New Coca-Cola Campaign
A popular Grenoside pub is set to feature in a major new Coca-Cola campaign celebrating the role family-run businesses play in their local communities.
The Old Red Lion has been chosen as part of Coca-Cola Great Britain's new Counter Cultures campaign, which shines a spotlight on independent businesses across the UK.
The historic country pub is one of three South Yorkshire family-run businesses taking part in the campaign. As part of the initiative, each business will receive a five-figure sum to support a local initiative or community cause of its choice.
The campaign comes after new research commissioned by Coca-Cola found that many young people are choosing to stay closer to home. Almost half of Gen Z said they are considering following in their family's footsteps.
In Yorkshire, 33 per cent of people surveyed said they had noticed more young people staying local rather than moving away. And 53 per cent, believe this benefits local businesses and the economy.
The Old Red Lion has welcomed customers for generations from its historic building, which dates back to the 1700s.
The Grenoside pub is known for its traditional home-cooked meals and is a popular stop for walkers exploring nearby Greno Woods.
Owner David Sargant said the pub has always been about more than serving food and drink, describing it as a place where families meet for meals, mountain bikers stop after a ride and old friends catch up.
"My wife and I run it together and what makes it special is that people feel comfortable here," he said. "It's familiar, people know each other, and they know they will be welcomed. That's what makes a local pub such an important part of a community."
The campaign also features Ocean Fish Bar in Monk Bretton, run by Pindy Kaur and Bill Singh, and Bennett's Bites in Barnsley, owned by Chantelle and James Bennett.
Coca-Cola's Wakefield factory also plays a central role. The site employs more than 600 people and sits at the heart of the campaign, with a film following Coca-Cola's journey from the factory to the locations where it is served.
Dusan Stojankic, Vice President and General Manager of Great Britain and Ireland at Coca-Cola, said the campaign was designed to celebrate family-run local businesses and multi-generational teams.
"For 125 years, Coca-Cola has been made, served and shared by people and businesses in communities across Great Britain," he said.
"With Counter Cultures, we wanted to celebrate the family-run local businesses and multi-generational teams who help bring that story to life every day."
The Counter Cultures campaign launches this summer, with more stories set to be released throughout the year.
Landmark Sheffield Pub Reopens After Major Refurbishment
A landmark Sheffield pub has reopened following a major refurbishment costing £206,000.
The Royal, in Woodhouse, welcomed customers back on 10th June after being closed for a month while the work was completed. The reopening came in time for England's first World Cup match, with the venue unveiling a new sports viewing system, games room and an expanded community events programme.
The investment has also created five new jobs.
As part of the refurbishment, multiple large screens have been installed throughout the pub to enhance sports viewing. The redesign has divided the venue into three distinct areas: a traditional bar, a lounge space and a new entertainment-focused games room.
Outside, the 40-seat beer garden has also been upgraded.
The relaunch is being led by experienced publican Paul Rimmington, who has worked in pubs across the UK for more than 20 years and is returning to Sheffield to be closer to family.
Mr Rimmington said: "The Royal had a brilliant reputation back in the day. The refurbishment will give it the boost it desperately needs to be a top local once again."
Former Sheffield Pub Demolished as Redevelopment Begins
Demolition work is underway at the former Shiregreen Arms, bringing an end to a building that was once a popular local pub.
Bulldozers have moved onto the site, with parts of the former pub already demolished as preparations begin for its redevelopment.
The venue, which was previously known as The Penguin, had not operated as a pub for several years. More recently, the vacant building had been targeted by vandals.
Beech Grove Homes, part of Sanctuary Housing Association, plans to build affordable housing on the site. The organisation said estate pubs have declined in popularity and explained that efforts had been made to find a future for the building as either a pub or another community facility.
It said: "Despite these efforts, no viable operator has come forward. The building has remained vacant and has become increasingly derelict and is now beyond repair."
When approving the demolition, Sheffield Council said it believed the premises had not operated as a pub since around 2018.
Council officers also acknowledged concerns about the impact of the closure on local residents. In a planning assessment, they noted that the building had continued to deteriorate while standing empty.
They said: "The building has remained vacant and has become increasingly derelict and is now stated to be beyond repair. In 2024, it was targeted by arsonists, significantly worsening its condition, and has since been subject to fly-tipping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour."
The officers also highlighted the limited number of nearby social venues.
"It is regrettable that the pub has fallen into a state of disrepair for such a prolonged period. There are no other public houses within a 10-minute walk. The nearest comparable facilities are the Hartley House Social Club & Institute (21 minutes' walk), Sheffield Lane Working Mens Club (27 minutes' walk) and Ecco Tap Bar (30 minutes' walk). It is apparent that the closure of the Shiregreen Arms has left the local community lacking in social facilities."
Revolution Keeps Licence Despite Complaints Over Noise
The landlords of the closed Revolution bar in Sheffield city centre have been allowed to retain the venue's drinks licence despite complaints from neighbours about noise.
On 13th July, Sheffield City Council's licensing sub-committee agreed to grant a new licence for the premises on Fitzwilliam Street, off West Street, to the building's landlords.
However, committee chair Councillor David Barker said members were "disappointed" to hear that tenants living in flats in the West One building above the bar never received a satisfactory response to their noise complaints.
He said there are effective ways to deal with such issues, including a review of the premises licence. The committee could impose additional licence conditions or, in some circumstances, revoke the licence.
The company that operated Revolution on Fitzwilliam Street went into liquidation in January. Following the closure, the building's landlord applied to retain the premises licence, although the application was submitted three days after the deadline.
David Roberts, representing Devonshire Green (Commercial Properties) Limited, told the committee the company wanted to take over the licence on the same terms as before to make the property more attractive to a future operator.
"We don't want a dinosaur of a premises hanging around for years on end," he said.
Peter Sephton, of the city centre residents' group Changing Sheff, said he regularly raises issues on behalf of members. He said bar managers are often unaware of licence conditions, including requirements to close outdoor areas and remove tables and chairs by 10pm. He added that some managers tell residents they can do what they like.
Sportsman Inn Reopens After Two-Month Closure
The Sportsman pub in Norton Lees has reopened after being closed for more than two months.
The historic venue, located at the junction of Harvey Clough Road and Warminster Road, welcomed customers back when it reopened on 16th June.
The pub had closed in early May after its previous licensee, who had run the business for 18 months, left.
Announcing the reopening on social media, the new team highlighted the pub's long history within the community.
The post said: "After more than 175 years at the heart of Norton Lees, we're excited to open the doors once again and welcome everyone back. Whether you're a regular or it's your first visit, come and be part of a brand new chapter for The Sportsman. Your pub. Your local."
The reopening coincided with England's World Cup campaign, with the venue holding an official launch party as supporters gathered to watch England's opening match.
The event attracted a packed house, with customers enjoying drinks while watching the game, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Norton Lees' longest-established pubs.
Three Tuns Gets Approval at Licensing Hearing
A historic Sheffield city centre pub has won approval to stay open until 2:30am after a licensing hearing.
The Grade II-listed Three Tuns, on Silver Street Head near Paradise Square, successfully applied to Sheffield City Council's licensing sub-committee for extended opening hours.
Manager Jim Butterell, who has run the pub with his husband for the past 14 months, said the change would give the venue more flexibility rather than signal a permanent late-night shift.
Speaking at the hearing on 22nd June, Mr Butterell said: "I don't want to work until 2am. The idea is not to have events going until 2am all the time."
He explained that the extended licence would allow the pub to accommodate musician friends who may want to visit after performing at venues such as the City Hall or events including the Rock & Roll Circus.
The later hours would also allow performers to invite family and friends to join them without being restricted by the pub's usual closing time.
Mr Butterell said the Three Tuns is being run as a traditional pub, aimed mainly at a more mature crowd. Current events include DJs playing until 11pm on some evenings, pop-up supper clubs hosted by local chefs, and a weekly quiz held every Tuesday at 6:30pm to attract office workers after work.
Representing the application, solicitor George Domilio said the request was not intended to alter the nature of the venue.
"It's not a fundamental change to the type of premises," he told the committee. "It's simply an application for greater operational flexibility."
South Yorkshire Police did not object to the application, although they recommended conditions relating to staff training and CCTV.
Objections had been submitted in writing by the Changing Sheff city centre residents' association, which did not attend the hearing.
In its submission, the group raised concerns that opening beyond midnight could increase noise from customers leaving the pub, as well as taxi activity, causing disturbance for nearby residents.
The association said: "Silver Street Head is firmly in the area of residential accommodation. Opening beyond midnight will inevitably cause high levels of expected noise, such as loud voices, inebriated customer dispersal into the early hours of the morning and taxi activity."
Mr Domilio argued the objections were not supported by specific evidence relating to the Three Tuns itself.
"There is no identification of any specific item from these premises," he said. "It is in reality an objection in principle against later opening hours in this part of the city."
Potentially Life-Altering Head Injury at Sheffield Pub
A man has been left with potentially life-altering injuries following an assault at a Sheffield city centre pub. Police were called to The Banker's Draft, a Wetherspoon pub near Castle Square tram stop, shortly before 10pm on Sunday 21st June, after reports of an assault.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a man in his 30s was taken to hospital with a serious head injury. South Yorkshire Police said the injury is not believed to be life-threatening, but described it as potentially life-altering. Officers launched an investigation immediately after arriving at the pub and established a scene as enquiries continue.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "Officers attended and immediately launched an investigation into the assault. A scene has been established and enquiries are ongoing."
Historic Sheffield Pub Fears Regeneration Scheme Could Force Closure
The owner of one of Sheffield's oldest pubs has warned that planned road closures linked to a major regeneration project could threaten the future of his business.
The Carlton pub on Attercliffe Road has been serving customers since 1862. Current owner Jim Callaghan, who has run the pub for the past 16 years, says he is increasingly concerned about the impact of Sheffield City Council's regeneration works in the area.
Mr Callaghan fears that proposed road closures, including Oaks Green, Kimberley Street and Shortridge Street, could make it impossible for the pub to receive vital beer deliveries.
"The priority for us is delivery," he said. "My feeling is at the moment that there is a 90 per cent chance that we will be closed by what's being done. If we cannot get beer deliveries, it will shut the pub."
The Carlton receives between 10 and 11 tons of beer each week in 22-gallon barrels. Mr Callaghan said the weight of the deliveries means they cannot simply be moved over long distances if vehicles are unable to reach the premises.
While he supports investment in the area, he believes access for businesses must be maintained.
"Regeneration is a good thing, but to shut everything off is not," he said. "We've been a pub since 1862 but this could close us. To have the council destroy us would be rubbish."
Mr Callaghan also raised concerns about suggestions made during discussions with officials. He said one proposal involved reversing an articulated lorry down a one-way street that is planned to include a pedestrian crossing. He and his staff do not believe this would be safe.
The concerns come as Sheffield City Council delivers a £23 million regeneration scheme announced in 2024. The project includes the construction of a segregated two-mile cycle route linking the city centre with the Arena.
The plans also include more than a mile of double red lines along Attercliffe Road. These restrictions would prohibit parking, loading and waiting at any time and would be enforced through fines.
The Carlton's concerns are shared by other businesses in the area. Some, supported by the Attercliffe Action Group, say the ongoing works are already affecting trade and believe the proposed cycle lane and parking restrictions could have a long-term impact on access.
Business owners have also argued that they were not properly consulted and were not fully informed about the extent of the proposed changes.
In response, Sheffield City Council said the parking restrictions are necessary to allow businesses to use dedicated loading areas on side streets along Attercliffe Road, providing what it described as safe and reliable access for deliveries.
The council also said it is exploring whether further changes to parking arrangements in the wider area could help accommodate displaced parking.
For Mr Callaghan, however, the key issue remains whether delivery vehicles will still be able to reach the pub. After surviving more than 160 years, including two world wars and the pandemic, he fears the Carlton's future could now depend on the outcome of the regeneration plans.