Blue Ball
Location
Nearby Pubs
Wharncliffe Arms
(0.35 miles away)
Blue Ball Public House
A thriving community pub set in the village of Wharncliffe Side amongst the rolling hills of north Sheffield. The Blue Ball offers great value homemade food menus and serves Thwaites beers including real ales. Outdoor courtyard area welcomes dogs.
General Information
- Thwaites
- No known awards
Pub Facilities
- Real Ales
- Cocktails
- Beer garden
- Smoking area
- Car park
- Disabled access
- Disabled facilities
- Children welcome
- Dogs welcome
- Card payments
- Function room
- Accommodation
- Wi-Fi Internet access
Pub Entertainment
- Background music
- Sports on TV
- Pool table
- Snooker table
Pub Food
- Food served
- Walk-ins welcome
After a closure lasting 17 months, the Blue Ball pub in Wharncliffe Side has come back to life under the management of the local duo, Tony Crofts and Jane Fletcher. The reopening, which was just in time for Christmas, marks a significant moment for the community, with plans to restore the Blue Ball to its position at the heart of the village.
Tony Crofts, a Wharncliffe Side native who grew up just behind the pub, expressed his emotional connection to the establishment, stating that upon re-entering as the new landlord, he "knew [he] was home." He and Jane have ambitious plans to rejuvenate the Blue Ball, turning it into a community hub once again.
The pub initially reopened its doors on Friday, 15th December 2023, with a lively karaoke disco and a free buffet to celebrate its rebirth. Reflecting on the pub's historical significance, Tony highlighted that the Blue Ball, a traditional and cozy establishment dating back to the 1800s, had served as a Whitbread's Exchange Brewery pub and was originally three houses. "It's a lovely place; it just needs bringing back to life," he emphasised.
As part of their vision for the pub, Tony and Jane are set to introduce food to the menu from the second week of January 2024. The menu will feature classic pub dishes such as fish and chips, and patrons can look forward to a Sunday carvery. Additionally, a midweek carvery on Wednesdays is in the pipeline for the future.
Tony Crofts emphasised that the Blue Ball doesn't belong solely to him and Jane but rather to the villagers, with the duo serving as guardians. The reopening of this historic pub signifies not just a return to business but a revival of a cherished community space, making it a place for locals to gather, socialise, and create new memories.
Village local the Blue Ball in Wharncliffe Side had applied to extend their opening hours until 1AM weeknights and 2AM Friday and Saturday. Local residents have voiced objections to the plans, citing concerns that the village pub would turn into a nightclub if the extended serving hours were granted. Following a licensing hearing, city councillors have granted an extended licence until 11:30PM in the week and Midnight at weekends. Owners Ben Green and John Wyke were also granted an extra entertainment licence that now includes dancing. However, music or dancing is banned in any form in the beer garden or car park.