A weekend in: Sheffield

Friday

Kick off your Friday evening at Peddler Night Market – an unmissable event on the outskirts of the city centre. Peddler brings together live music, great beers, independent businesses and the crème de la crème of worldwide street food. All under the warehouse roof of 92 Burton Rd. The Peddler gang held their first event in September 2014 and Sheffield’s demand hasn’t wavered since.

Night owls can stop by The Old Workshop afterwards. A fairly recent addition to our city which has settled right in. Mainly due to the fact that it is led by passionate founders who deliver a seriously laid-back vibe, with friendly, knowledgeable staff and an excellent array of drinks.

For those who prefer a more intimate affair, we have the (not so secret) underground speak-easy that goes by the name of Public. An apt name for a bar situated in old public toilets. Before the more squeamish of you click away, take a look at what they have done with the place. They have both looks and integrity, offering perfected cocktails with local ingredients and a solid minimal waste strategy. An exclusive spot with none of the haughty attitude.

After an evening of delicious food and drinks, there is nowhere we would rather stay than Brocco on the Park. Rest your weary head upon one of the super soft pillows, or better yet, sink into the freestanding bath in your room for ultimate luxury. A renovated Edwardian villa with a relaxed Scandi vibe, expect simple luxuries and lovingly considered detail. Brocco holds collaborative food and drinks events throughout the year, it’s no wonder they are multiple award winners! Also, it’s rumoured that Picasso stayed here back in the day.

Saturday

Although you can enjoy a beautiful breakfast at the Brocco, the sightseers may want to venture further afield. With a whole Saturday of exploring ahead, we recommend making a pit stop in Upshot Espresso. A small but perfectly formed menu (get the waffles!) means you’ll have more time to consider your coffee. There are often 4 or 5 batches on offer and a friendly team of staff to help you chose.

While away your Saturday by browsing the extensive Antiques Quarter. The quantity and varied selection of items on offer make you feel like you’re exploring a treasure trove and the often rough and tumble nature of some stores means that you can still whittle out a bargain.

Sheffield has a rich culture of creativity, providing a substantial offering to the world’s art and design scene. With numerous art spaces in the town centre such as the Millennium Galleries, showing pieces of significant and historical importance, you could spend your entire afternoon viewing exhibitions.

One of our favourite galleries, however, is worth the 40-minute drive; The Hepworth Wakefield. Named after Barbara Hepworth, the sculptor born in Wakefield, whose organic works can’t fail to inspire. The museum has an extensive collection of her works, alongside modern masters and a refreshing set of changing exhibitions to suit multiple tastes.

Back in town, we’ve got some of the best independent shops around. Make sure to pop into La Biblioteka for the best in literature and publications. The green-fingered amongst you must swing by Plantology for lush plants (and top-notch advice on keeping them alive!)

A short stroll away is Ecclesall Road. Heaving with boutiques, cafes, bars and a little shop named Jojo’s General Store by Rag Parade. The rarity of a vintage menswear shop is nothing compared to the rarity of some of the classic pieces in Rag Parade. It appears more museum than retail and despite its relatively small size, you could spend an entire day in here looking and learning from the owner’s vast knowledge.

By this time your stomach is rumbling no doubt, may we suggest Vero Gusto? An award-winning, authentic Italian restaurant. Specialising in fresh, home-style cooking executed with real precision and finesse. The collective office view is that you really can’t go wrong. We recommend everything on the menu!

Saturday evenings in Sheffield can take many forms. One of our favourites is to take in a show at one of our infamous, award-winning theatres, then a nightcap whilst looking across the city. For the best in rooftop bars head to The Roco on Glossop St or INC in Kelham Island.

For the after-dinner adventurers, stop in at Trippets Bar for brilliant gin, Jazz and dancing. Transport back in time with the dimmed lighting, intimate setting and live Jazz bands every Friday and Saturday night. Try something new with a recommendation from the friendly bar staff – they really know their stuff.

Sunday

Leave the hotel and enjoy a fresh morning stroll through the Botanical Gardens. The gardens are home to over 5000 species of plant and the greenhouse is a grade II listed pavilion. Little ones should definitely check out the bear pit!

Once you’ve worked up an appetite make your way over to The Grind Cafe. What were Sunday mornings made for if not a full English? Endorsed by our CEO as ‘the only place to go for a cooked breakfast’; their use of local produce cooked to perfection makes it our go-to weekend haunt. The cool, laid-back interior is the cherry on top.

A Sheffield Sunday tradition is to load up a rucksack and head out into the Peaks. The sprawling landscapes and rejuvenating fresh air is enough to wipe away any lingering of the night before and the views are simply phenomenal. A gentle family-friendly walk can be found on the Monsal Trail, an old railway viaduct perfect for walking or cycling across. For those with more ‘sisu’, get off the beaten track and explore one of the many jagged faces, such as Bamford Edge. As you reach the ascent, breath in the remarkable views of Hope Valley and Ladybower reservoir below.

If architecture is more up your street, follow our Sheffield Architecture Walking Tour. Sheffield is renowned for its wealth of Modernist and Brutalist buildings, we’ve put together some of our favourites in this guide.

Maybe graffiti is more your thing? Spend the afternoon wandering the snickets and alleys around the city and get yourself some Instagram worthy pics.

There is no shortage of Sunday Roast spots here, after all, we are in Yorkshire and a roast isn’t complete without a pudding! Peaks wise, we can endorse the Cricket Inn out in Totley. A superb, family friendly restaurant with belly-filling food and an interesting interior. Closer to town we suggest the Broadfield. A classic, cosy pub that dreams are made of. Excellent food in large portions with hearty real ales on the side.

With the perfect combination of a busy city and awesome countryside, we couldn’t think of a better place to live. Welcome to Sheffield, we hope you enjoy your stay!

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Image credits: Peddler, India Hobson, Brocco, Naomi Seed, Max Hawley, The Hepworth, La Biblioteka, INC.