Shakespeare's Pub

The complaint by Sue Underhay above about the lavatories was well-justified at the time but they have since been much improved.

It's one of my favourite watering holes having a good range of reasonably priced excellent beers and simple cheap sandwiches.

It is quite large so crowding is rarely a problem and the fact it is made up of several small areas means that it still feels cosy.

We visited the pub on the Sunday during the Sheffield folk festival.

The pub was full and the atmosphere was good, but the bar staff seemed be fed-up of being busy, and couldn't force a smile.

The main reason for my review was the toilets. The stench was overpowering, and that alone made our decision not to eat or stay for another drink. We had been to another two pubs involved in the festival and made our way to the Shakespeare to enjoy the beer garden, as it was a nice day.

It's a long time since we were in this pub, but I suggest the new owners really make this an urgent problem that should be addressed.

Great beer, even better bands, this place can rock!

Sheffield's renowned Shakespeare's pub has been crowned the winner of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Sheffield branch's prestigious "Pub of the Month" award for February 2024. This accolade follows the pub's recent success in the annual Pints of Sheffield Battle of the Boozers on Instagram. Sheffield CAMRA deputy Chairman Paul Manning will be presenting the certificate at Shakespeare's on Tuesday 13th February, and all are welcome to join them for a beer or two!

Established in 1821, Shakespeare's has undergone various transformations over the years, notably reopening its doors in July 2011 under the stewardship of real ale & music enthusiast William Wagstaff. The pub, situated conveniently between the city centre and Kelham Island, was lovingly restored to its former glory as a Georgian coaching inn after an 18-month closure enforced by Punch Taverns in 2010.

With its commitment to offering a diverse selection of beers, Shakespeare's stands out as a beacon in Sheffield's vibrant beer scene. Boasting a comprehensive range of cask ales, including permanent fixtures like Red Willow Feckless and Abbeydale Deception, alongside a rotating roster of guest ales, the pub caters to both traditionalists and craft beer aficionados alike. The keg taps showcase brews from local favourites to international sensations, ensuring there's something to suit every palate.

Beyond its stellar beer selection, Shakespeare's is also renowned for its vibrant music scene. The Bard's Bar upstairs regularly hosts emerging talent from Sheffield and beyond, while the pub itself often resonates with the sounds of folk music.

Described as a "proper old school pub" with a multi-room layout, Shakespeare's offers patrons a variety of spaces to enjoy their drinks, from the bustling front bar to the more intimate "clock room" and "long room." Upstairs, two function rooms play host to live bands and pub games, while outside, a spacious beer garden provides the perfect setting to soak up the atmosphere.

As the latest addition to Shakespeare's long list of achievements, the Sheffield CAMRA Pub of the Month award reaffirms the pub's status as an institution within the Sheffield beer scene. Whether it's for the beer, the music, or the warm hospitality, Shakespeare's continues to set the standard for excellence.

Shakespeare's has clinched the title of "2023 Boozer of the Year" in a massive online poll called the "Battle of the Boozers". Pints of Sheffield organised the knockout tournament, attracting an impressive 31,000 votes on Instagram.

Situated on Gibraltar Street, just off West Bar and adjacent to the popular Kelham Island area, Shakespeare's, dating back to 1821, might seem unremarkable from the outside. However, stepping inside reveals a stark contrast to the minimalistic style of modern bars. Every available inch of wall space is adorned with paintings, posters, and an array of beer-related memorabilia, a testament to owner William Wagstaff's passion for collecting.

This lively pub features traditional elements such as a darts board, jukebox, pool table, table football, and a snug area dominated by an elegant grandfather clock. A welcoming beer garden, complete with a sheltered section, provides a refuge from the elements.

Originally established as a coaching inn in 1821, Shakespeare's has seen various custodians over the years. Closed in 2010 when it was a Punch Taverns establishment, it reopened 18 months later under the current ownership, successfully establishing itself as a hub for craft beer, real ale, and live music.

Assistant manager Ethan Brown shares the pub's pivotal role in kickstarting Sheffield's craft beer scene in 2011, introducing an extensive range of international beers. Today, the pub continues to serve a rotating selection of beers from around the world, including contributions from Sheffield's independent breweries.

Ethan proudly notes that since 2011, Shakespeare's has served over 7,000 cask beers and 2,800 keg beers, approaching the impressive 10,000 mark. The pub attracts beer tourists from various regions, drawn to its eclectic mix of traditional and modern beer offerings.

In addition to its beer selection, Shakespeare's boasts an extensive array of whiskies and an expanding list of rums. While hot food is not served, the pub offers pork pies from F Funks Butchers in Hillsborough, along with a diverse selection of crisps.

Upstairs, the Bard's Bar stands as a stronghold for Sheffield's independent music scene, hosting a variety of gigs, including indie punk nights and folk sessions. A mural pays homage to musical legends, adding to the unique charm of the venue.

The pub formerly known as the Shakespeare Hotel on Gibraltar Street at West Bar reopened at the end of July 2011 as Shakespeare's. It now stocks a wide range of real ales, ciders and international beers.

The Shakespeare Hotel on Gibraltar Street at West Bar has closed down. It is not known if it has closed permanently, as a number of buyers are rumoured to be interested in taking over the real ale pub.