Sheffield & District

I start with some good news of a previously closed down pub that has reopened with real ale. The premises on Arundel Gate that in the past has been known as DnR bar, Bar 101 and Ale Tasters, has been refurbished in a modern style and is looking very smart. It’s now called ‘The Circle’ and has 4 handpumps, with initially 2 real ales - Crown HPA and Wells Bombardier Bitter. Once the Carling Academy opens next door in the old Roxy building and the pub gets busier, they plan to increase the beer range. There will also be an upstairs bar known as the Upper Circle where special events will be held. A quality food offer is to be introduced in the near future once the new kitchen opens.

As reported last month, the Bradway reopened on the 5th April. It’s been refurbished to a high standard in a contempory style and a dining menu introduced. Two real ales are available - Tetley Bitter and Caledonian Deuchars IPA.

Meanwhile down the road at the Castle Inn, they have a new chef and a new menu, with many of the dishes freshly prepared on the premises. To celebrate the pub is offering Beer Matters readers two meals for the price of one during May on presentation of the advert in this issue (note certain exclusions apply from this offer such as the retirement lunch deal).

The Plough on Sandygate Road is another pub just reopened, it’s got a temporary manager in until the new lease holder takes over. The Palm on Palm Street, Walkley, has returned to the real ale fold, with cask Boddingtons Bitter now available. Please support the pub by drinking their real ale and proving they have made the right decision, unlike the Florist, also at Walkley, which no longer has any real ale!

The Nottingham House at Broomhill has closed temporarily and is in the process of changing hands, the Sportsman on Harvey Clough Road, Norton Lees, is closed and has metal shutters over the windows, as has the Crown in Blackburn, the Greyhound at Dronfield has closed and is to be a Thai Restaurant, and the Wellington in Darnall is up for sale.

Keeley Ayres has left the Robin Hood at Little Matlock near Loxley. This pub, which is in a fairly remote spot, had built up a good reputation for both it’s beer and food, and also offers quality accommodation. New people have taken the pub over and should hopefully build on the previous success.

The Rising Sun at Nether Green is continuing its successful series of Tuesday night events. Tutored beer tastings, whisky and wine tastings feature alongside specialist food evenings and ladies’ nights. Check out the website for details.

The Moon is establishing itself as a music venue as well as a real ale venue. The appearance of Jez Lowe there in April was a sell-out. Music is on most Fridays and Saturdays as well as Wednesdays and alternate Mondays. Check the listings or the website for details.

Bungalows & Bears on Division Street is another bar to join the LocAle scheme, which promotes pubs that always stock a beer from a local brewery. Two real ales are available here, normally one from Abbeydale and one from Wentworth.

A correspondent has observed we never mention the Union at Nether Edge in Beer Matters, despite serving the finest pint of Abbeydale Moonshine he has tasted! Well, this is a mention! Don’t forget, if you think a pub you drink real ale in deserved a mention or has some exciting news, don’t forget to drop Beer Matters a line so we are aware and can report it!