Distance: 5 km or about 3 miles
Sheffield grew from a small medieval settlement into an industrial powerhouse, famed for steel production. By the 19th century, it was a global leader in cutlery and steel-making, pioneering stainless steel in 1913. The city’s industry declined in the late 20th century, but regeneration efforts revitalized it with a focus on education, culture, and advanced manufacturing. Home to two universities, Sheffield is known for its green spaces, music scene, and sporting heritage. Today, it blends industrial history with modern innovation, making it one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.
Because this route has 11 pubs, Google Maps does not allow more that 10 stops per layer, so that is why you see another route at the end, two number 1’s and 2’s.
You can download the walk here – https://www.bar-trek.com/crawl/710
1. The Dog and Partridge
56 Trippet Ln, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4EL
Several local pubs originated over 200 years ago: notably the Trippet Lane triangle of the Dog & Partridge, Fagan’s and the Grapes, all of which were active in Napoleonic times. Two are in the City Centre Conservation Area, while Fagan’s recently joined the South Yorkshire List.
It has been pulling pints for the good people of Sheffield since a public house was first recorded on the site in 1797, making it the longest continuously serving pub in the city. Three years of freedom as a fully independent free house have allowed them to make their stamp on the local beer scene, carefully picking a rotating selection of traditional ales, craft beers and ciders while keeping prices for all – including their much-coveted Guinness – competitively priced. (The owner is a proud Dubliner and takes this matter very seriously).
In the 1940s plans proposed that the internal snug of the Dog & Partridge should become a gent’s toilet but I believe this never happened.
Exit and turn right down Trippet Lane passing another famous pub, the Grapes. It’s claim to fame is that it was where Sheffield’s own Arctic Monkeys famously played their first gig, upstairs in this pub. We are not stopping here because we have another 9 or 10 pubs to reach before the day is over.
Trippet Lane has existed since the 18th Century and the name is thought to derive from an old local term. A trippet is any mechanism that strikes or is struck at regular intervals and because Sheffield was known for steel and cutlery production perhaps the name is connected to the sound of metal being struck within the industries that were based in this area.
Continue onward into Portabello Street and now we are in the engineering campus of Sheffield University. We pass on our right the Sir Frederick Mappin Building. The building and street (formerly Charlotte Street) are named after Sir Frederick Mappin (1821–1910), the so-called Father of Sheffield University.
He worked for his father’s cutlery company from the age of thirteen, running it alone after his father’s death in 1841. In 1851, he became the youngest ever Master Cutler, but after a dispute with his younger brother, he left the firm, which later became part of Mappin and Webb.
Read more about Frederick Mappin here.
At the junction with Mappin Street, turn left and walk past Mappin Court turning right into Pitt Street and our next stop.
2. The Red Deer
18 Pitt St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4DD
This pub is one of Sheffield’s most historic and well-loved pubs. It has been serving customers for well over a century and remains a key part of Sheffield’s pub scene. It dates back to at least the 19th Century but the exact founding is uncertain. It maintained it’s popularity throughout the 20th century, surviving WW2, the decline of the steel industry and various waves of urban development. Today it is a well respected real ale pub known for its wide selection of cask ales, craft beers and hearty pub food.
Now exit and turn right down Pitt Street. Right turn up Regent Street.
At the end is St George’s Square City Centre Park, there is no notable history behind this open space. Turn left down Leavygreave Road and continue until you reach the ring road. Now cross over turning right towards the roundabout. Take the first exit, Brook Hill to our next stop.
3. University Arms
197 Brook Hill, Broomhall, Sheffield S3 7HG
This was originally a Victorian Villa built in the 19th Century and used as a private residence vicarage to the nearby Grade II listed St. George’s Church which has been dwarfed and blanked off by the atrocious Diamond Building. Then in the 20th century it was eventually taken over by the University of Sheffield. In 2002, the University converted it into a pub and gave it its current name. The pub is known for its real ales, classic pub grub and outdoor beer garden. It is still owned and managed by the university distinguishing it from privately-run pubs in the area.
In 2023, the university announced the closure of the pub as part of redevelopment plans. Two years on and it is still open for business. It has been declared as an Asset of Community Value which should hold back the bulldozers for a while.
Now head down Favell Road turning a slight left towards the ring road again. We are now going to follow the tram tracks and as they turn left follow them down Glossop Road.
Glossop Road originally formed part of an old turnpike road leading out of Sheffield toward Manchester and the Peak District and takes its name from the destination. By the early 19th century, the road became an important residential and commercial hub, with wealthy industrialists and merchants building houses along it.
After a short while, turn right down Victoria Street to our next stop.
4. The Bath Hotel
66-68 Victoria St, Broomhall, Sheffield S3 7QL
The Bath Hotel was built in the 1860’s during the period of rapid industrial expansion in Sheffield. Named after the nearby Glossop Road Baths which provided essential bathing facilities for Sheffield’s working-class residents. The interior of the Bath Hotel remains largely unchanged from the 1930s, featuring a classic two-room layout, a wooden bar, and original tiling. Unlike many Sheffield pubs that underwent heavy modernization or demolition during the post-war period, the Bath Hotel retained its traditional character. It became a key part of Sheffield’s real ale scene, gaining recognition for its hand-pulled beers and connection to local breweries.
In 2013, the Bath Hotel underwent a sympathetic restoration led by Thornbridge Brewery, ensuring that its historic features were preserved. It remains one of Sheffield’s most highly regarded traditional pubs, known for its selection of cask ales, craft beers, and classic pub atmosphere. The pub continues to attract a mix of students, professionals, and ale enthusiasts, making it a key stop on Sheffield’s real ale trail. It has received heritage protection status due to its historically significant interior and architecture.
When exiting the pub head straight across the road down Convent Walk. This small but historically significant street in Sheffield, connecting Glossop Road to West Street. It is named after a Catholic convent that once stood nearby and has long been associated with religious, educational, and urban development in the city.
Turn right down Cavendish Street then a quick left by the coffee shop cutting through a residential development. At the end go straight across Fitzwilliam Street into Devonshire Street with a car park on your right. Walking past Devonshire Green you would never know that this area was once full of industrial slums before redevelopment.
Keep walking along Devonshire Street to our next stop.
5 . Vocation & Co.
113-117 Devonshire St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S3 7SB
In 1994, it was called The Halcyon under the management of True North, a local hospitality group. Then in 2007, it was rebranded as The Old House continuing the tradition of a city center pub. Then in 2023, after nearly three decades, True North concluded their tenure and was acquired by Vocation Brewery. With 20 taps, primarily showcasing their own beers alongside selections from other esteemed breweries.
Turn right and walk along Devonshire Street to Trafalgar Street which we turn right down. The Mount Tabor United Free Methodist Chapel was located at the junction of Wellington Street and Trafalgar Street, serving the local community’s spiritual needs. Adjacent to the chapel, the Foundling Works or Samuel Buckley Styrian Steel Works operated along Rockingham Street, highlighting the area’s industrial significance.
So walk to the end and perform a quick left and right to head down Rockingham Gate. At the end, turn right down The Moor then left down Earl Street to our next pub.
6. Lord Nelson
166 Arundel St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4RE
The Lord Nelson is a traditional pub located at 166 Arundel Street in Sheffield’s city center. It was granted its first license in 1859. Serving the cutlers and light trade workers of the area for more than 160 years, popularly known as “Fanny’s” after a former landlady, it has established itself as a significant spot for Sheffield United fans, especially on match days. In terms of brewery associations, the Lord Nelson was part of the William Stones brewing empire. The corner pub had a painted ‘Stones Ales; supreme for strength’ advertisement on the Earl Street side in 1964.
The top storey was later whitewashed, and the advert was replaced with a cannon, the brewery’s emblem. The pub had passed to Bass Charrington Ltd. when they acquired the Stones Brewery in 1968 but it continued to trade under the Stones name until 1991 when Nottinghamshire based Hardy’s Kimberley Brewery Ltd. purchased the tavern. It remained under their stewardship until Greene King bought the pub in 2006. It has since become a free house. The pub serves a selection of popular lagers and a changing selection of ales from smaller brewers.
When exiting the pub head straight across the car park to our next stop.
7. Industry Tap
85 Sidney St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4RG
Located on the site of former Niche nightclub in Sheffield, it is in a distinct building (reminiscent of the Flat Iron building) on Sidney Street in the Cultural Industries Quarter of Sheffield. This is a good spot if Sheffield are playing at home because the Lord Nelson can get rather packed at times. No cheap Carling or Madri lager here! Industry Tap pride themselves on providing a wide variety of excellent craft beers, with 21 lines showcasing rotating guest brews from Sheffield, UK and beyond.
Exit and turn right up Sidney Street and at the junction with Matilda Street turn left. Then right down Arundel Street. Keep walking down this street crossing over Furnival Street, Brown Lane and Charles Street before turning left up Charles Lane to our next stop.
Just before Charles Lane is a building called Butchers Works. This was a former cutlery and tool factory located on Eyre Lane, adjacent to Arundel Street. Established in the early 19th century, it evolved from a small steelworks to a significant tool and cutlery manufacturer. The building is now a Grade II* listed historic site, repurposed for residential and retail use.
If you were to continue along Arundel Street past Charles Lane, there is a building on your right which houses a restaurant called Silversmiths. In 1932, George Ellis, a prominent British silversmith, established his business here and the Arundel Street frontage of his workshop is still visible today, bearing the embossed name from 1932. The building has since been transformed into the Silversmiths restaurant, which gained prominence after featuring in Gordon Ramsay’s “Kitchen Nightmares” series.
8. The Red Lion
109 Charles St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2ND
The “Red Lion” is a common name for pubs, and its origin is tied to James I and VI of Scotland, who came to the throne in 1603. He ordered the heraldic red lion of Scotland to be displayed on buildings of importance, including pubs. The Red Lion is a handsome, red brick pub that first started serving pints in 1825. Quenching the thirst of the Little Mesters and factory workers in the nearby Don Plate Works and Thomas Russell’s Canada Works. The pub now resides in an area dominated by buildings belonging to Sheffield Hallam University. It also retains a large ‘Ward’s Fine Malt Ales’ sign, a nod to the famous Sheffield ale makers of the Sheaf Brewery.
Inside, the main room retains many historic fittings including a wooden bar and fireplace. There is a quaint snug with fitted benches and a feature fireplace and there are modern extensions including a rear lounge and conservatory (Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs). In 1895, The Red Lion started to accept a new class of clientele. On the corner of Charles Street and Union Street, the Empire Palace opened its doors. With its 2,500 capacity auditorium, plenty of theatre goers would frequent The Red Lion post-show to discuss the latest production. The theatre closed in May 1959 and was demolished only two months later (cinematreasures.org).
In Douglas Lamb’s book, ‘A Pub on Every Corner’, there was reported to be a rather strange discovery beneath the cellar’s flagstones. A small stone was found that displayed a quotation from the Koran, a surprising find for late 19th century Sheffield considering the city only had a small Muslim population and it was unearthed beneath a pub. The mystery has yet to be solved!
Head for the loos, take the passageway on the left and you’ll find a hidden gem of a snug. This has a great 1950s atmosphere with the ribbed wooden moulding below and each side of the bar hatch being especially attractive. The bench seating and baffle are from the same era but the fireplace is modern. The corner door to the street is kept locked.
Exit and turn left down Eyre Lane then right up Charles Street. Cross over Arundel Gate and our next pub.
9. The Roebuck Tavern and Kitchen
72 Charles St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2NB
This pub is opposite the infamous ‘Cheese Grater’ car park, which can be admired from the popular beer terrace. Good value all day homemade food and lat least four real ales mostly from local breweries, often including Bradfield, Kelham Island and Stancill.
Exit and head back down Charles Street to the main road, Arundel Gate. Turn left past the casino and keep walking. When you reach the Lyceum Theatre, cross over the road and head towards the Odeon and cut through between the cinema and concert arena to Pond Street. Cross over Pond Street keeping the Sheffield Interchange station on your right and then head down Pond Hill which is straight ahead to our next pub.
10. Old Queen’s Head
Old Queens Head, 40 Pond Hill, Sheffield S1 2BG
The Old Queen’s Head is a historic public house constructed around 1475, it stands as the oldest surviving domestic building in the city and is recognized as a Grade II listed structure. The building was initially referred to as “The Hawle at the Poandes” or “Hall i’ th’ Ponds.” It is believed to have served as a banqueting hall for George Talbot, the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, possibly used during hunting expeditions in the nearby ponds. By the early 19th century, the structure had transitioned into a residential dwelling. In 1840, a pub named the Old Queen’s Head was established in the adjacent building. The pub later expanded into the original hall, and the name is thought to reference Mary, Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned in Sheffield from 1570 to 1584.
Designated as a Grade II* listed building since 1952, the Old Queen’s Head has undergone various refurbishments to preserve its historical integrity. As of 2024, it operates under the WJS Pub Group (Twaites), offering a unique ambiance that blends historical charm with contemporary hospitality. The building is said to be haunted by ghosts including a Civil War soldier, a medieval child, a hunting hound, a lady in white, and a pub local from the 1970s!
So now a decision has to be made? You can end the walk here or if you fancy one for the road then we can head to our next pub which has late opening hours. If you wish to carry on then head back up Pond Street and back past the Sheffield Interchange station. Turn right down Pond Lane and left up the steps between the O2 Arena and the bingo hall. Turn right down Arundel Gate and at Castle Square head left up High Street.
On your right there is a little alleyway called High Court, head down here past a rock music pub, The Dove and Rainbow. By all means pop in here and listen to a band but it will mean you won’t make it to our destination before closing time.
After the little square, turn left into Heartshead then a quick right into Meetinghouse Lane. At then end turn left onto Bank Street which transforms into Queens Street. Keep walking until you reach the Hampton Hilton Hotel. Cross straight over into Scotland Street and our destination.
(Extra Stop) – The Crow Inn
33 Scotland St, Sheffield S3 7BS
Originally known as the Crown Inn or the Old Crown, the establishment dates back to 1797. It played a pivotal role during the 1840s Chartist protests, a working-class movement advocating for political reforms. The pub was also central during the 1920s Sheffield Gang Wars, a period marked by organized crime and civil unrest. Notably, in 1859, a saw-grinder named James Lindley was murdered while seated at the Crown Inn, highlighting the pub’s involvement in significant historical events.
After operating under various names and facing periods of closure, the pub was transformed into The Sleep Hotel in the early 2000s. In June 2019, it reopened as The Crow Inn, under the same management as the Rutland Arms, aiming to revive its historic legacy as a community gathering spot. It usually closes around 1am, so a good spot to finish an amazing day visiting some fantastic pubs and getting to know the local history of Sheffield.