If you'd like to review a pub, we'll add it to the Sheffield Pub Guide web site. All you have to do is click on the link below and fill in one simple form!
The views and opinions expressed below are those of the reviewer and are not endorsed or necessarily shared by Sheffield Pub Guide.
Party-goers can hit the town and sip on a choice of drinks, dancing the night away at a bar situated in a 19th-century building
The Old House, which was once called Halcyon, is a pleasant independent bar on Sheffield's youthful Devonshire Street. I have been there a number of times of an evening for pre-club drinks, as the beer is good and I much prefer the atmosphere to the chain bars on West Street. However, it was recently introduced to me as an eatery, and I am a little bit impressed. First I tried the fail-safe option of a burger, which was served somewhat unconventionally in a wholemeal bun, with an onion ring inside. I wasn't too taken by this frivolity, but it was none the less very well made, and the 'fat chips' were sublime. I have also tried a Caesar Salad, which was good, and a steak sandwich, which was excellent. Someone in the kitchen has actually put thought into this.
It gets better, though. Unusually for a bar, the service was very impressive, friendly yet professional and efficient. The sort of people who would give you a recommendation if you asked for it, and really pretend they care. The sort of people you want to be your mates. Many restaurants could learn much from this. The environment is good; 'chilled' it could be described, a bit like a coffee bar in the afternoon perhaps. An old house, I suppose.
But even better is the prices. They range from around £4 to £6 for a main meal and about £3.50 for a sweet, and when compared to the bars and pubs it is competing against, it is very impressive. Drinks prices aren't so competitive, but you can get a pint of Staropramen for £2 between 5 and 7PM. All in all the best value bar food in the centre of Sheffield by far. Even if the burgers are a bit odd.
- James Collins,
This was a charming pub, the staff were exceptionally friendly and the food was superb. Peaceful location. Would advise anyone to try it!
- Kerry Byrne,
The Old House is an excellent place to let your hair down after work, especially with the cheap after work offers that run from 5PM-9PM Monday to Friday. Selected cocktails, beers, ales and wines are all on offer, what more can you ask for?
The food served is second to none in Sheffield and this quality and efficiency is carried on to the drinks range, which is not only expansive but delicious.
The music is a mix of modern day indie and old classics, which I believe works really well to give a really good party atmosphere. 9 out of 10, definitely worth a visit.
- Paul Waterman,
The Old House, located on Devonshire Street, successfully brings together retro rock and roll and classic Indie to firmly cement itself as one of the coolest bars in Sheffield.
Its drinks variety guarantees something for everyone boasting extensive wine and cocktail lists and over 65 beers from around the world. This coupled with the continually updated music and effective DJs makes for a really pleasant drinking atmosphere early evening building up to a great place to party until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.
The homemade food is both reasonably priced and of an excellent standard, which makes for an extremely enjoyable place to eat, be it for a quick snack or a three-course meal.
All in all The Old House ticks all the boxes and really is what it claims to be, a home away from home. I would strongly recommend anybody to take a visit as both the home made chunky chips and ginger and lemongrass mojitos really are exquisite.
- James Hallows,
We were a bit concerned about the limited menu on a Friday night but with hindsight this should have warned us of a treat in store, and the confidence of a chef who knows the excellence of his food. Choosing from fish or pizza, the latter proved to be the best we have had for years. Washing this down by a few pints of Jaipur made the perfect end to an early-doors Friday night.
- Mike and Mary Waters,
Around ten years ago this was a vibrant pub, good food and very friendly service, with a landlord who delivered the goods to punters.
As I recall, we'd often be unable to get served on a Saturday as the place was heaving. The pub-quiz on a Thursday was almost bursting, and you had to grab a seat around eight - These days you can easily grab a seat minutes before, and the pub is still quite bare.
Sadly, time has not been good for the Yellow Lion since the landlord change. Staff turnover is high, and the landlord quite distant and frankly doesn't have his fingers on the pub as he should.
The beer is of good quality, and some smashing real-ales to be had, but over-priced.
Food is of poor standard fayre, but does seem to be homemade, as opposed to the standard bung-in-the-microwave meals many family pubs are. The menu is average, and the food just as similar. Prices are OK, and if you're after a basic, quick meal for the family, it will be fine. If you're taking someone out for something a little better then avoid. One thing to avoid is their pies! A spoonful of meat filling, topped with claggy mash and gravy, and dry, over-cooked peas seem to be their speciality!
For over a year the toilets stunk, until they were moved toward the back of the pub, and now almost inaccessible, though much cleaner.
Just to give you a feeling of the pub, or rather the neglect of the landlord, their "Christmas Meal" banner remained up all year round outside of the pub for three years! So judge of that what you will.
- Paul Deacon,
I visited the Hillsborough Hotel with 4 friends in October 2007 for the fist time and was really impressed with the friendly staff, superb selection, and quality ales. In fact I was so impressed that I am going back to stay for a weekend this October and can't wait.
- Bob Vipers,
I was walking along Penistone Road when I happened upon a delightful pub called the New Barrack Tavern. I went in for a spot of lunch and a pint of the spectacular real ale. I was immediately greeted by the friendly landlord and lady. My food was served by a beautiful and efficient young lady by the name of Katie. I went outside and was impressed by the wonderful beer garden. In summary, excellent beer, food. A lovely family atmosphere. 5 stars
- James Farnsworth,
Simply 'the best homemade pub grub I have ever tasted in Sheffield'. You may be thinking high praise indeed, but I can honestly say in my twenty plus years experience of Sheffield dinning my tastebuds have never exploded in raptures over such delectable freshly prepared food at a standard pub meal price, and if that wasn't enough there is the added bonuses of real ale and superb staff! How do they do it?
Having taken a party of nine ranging in age from 2 to 78 we were all made to feel very relaxed and welcome by very friendly and competent staff (kitchen and bar).
My recommendation is, if you like processed food, no atmosphere, poor beer and grumpy, unhelpful staff you'll really hate The Strines. However, if you like to be treated with consideration by courteous staff (even if to your amazement your fussy 2-year-old has just demolished a plate of delectable local sausages and demanding dessert very loudly! Sorry!) who serve not only great ale but also superb home-cooked food located in breathtaking countryside then The Strines is the place to go.
- Debra Turner,
Best pub we have found since leaving Tasmania! Great food, great site, friendly staff (and very helpful with elderly relative).
Would cross the world to come back here again. Well done all!
We'll spread the word.
- Heather Donaldson,
More reviews: