You say “utopia” I say “euphoria” – what a muddle head! I’m making a habit of saying stupid things in The Guardian. Last time my quote found it’s way into Private Eye. Oh well. At least they spelled my name right.
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To add to Toddla’s tour of Division Street, I decided to list 10 more places of interest for the next time you’re at a loose end in the Steel City…
1. Archipelago – Sidney Street
A refreshingly DIY art gallery in the Cultural Industries Quarter – showcasing some of the UK’s most prestigious illustrators, designers and graphic artists alongside the rising talents from South Yorkshire to Shoreditch. Equipped with in-house screen printing facilities run by resident printer and BMX wizard, Josh Bedford.
2. The Showroom – Paternoster Row
Similar to Manchester’s Corner House and The Broadway in Nottingham, The Showroom is responsible for screening an absolute shed load of independent cinema. This is also home to the annual Doc Fest and if nothing else, I’d like to thank them for introducing me to the world of Werner Herzog many years ago.
3. Bragazzi – Abbeydale Road
Probably the best coffee in town. Depending on your preference of lactating mothers, some times of the day are better than others (if that’s your thing – you’ll find an abundance of them at Blue Moon cafe in town).
4. The Shakespeare – Gibraltar Street
Aside from hosting my album launch and various Invisible Spies nights, the Shakespeare have brought legends such as Silver Apples and Bob Log lll to Sheffield for all to enjoy. Better when there’s a gig night as it’s a little out the way for a pint, but if you are down that way – make a pub crawl out of it and visit The Riverside, Kelham Island and Fat Cat too. Word.
5. Sheaf View – Gleadless Road
No exhibitions, atmospheric lighting or even music for that matter. Just a no nonsense boozer frequented by Time Team, serving exceptional beers and ales from around the world. And most of which are under £2 a pint. Wallop.
6. Two Steps – Sharrow Vale Road
Arguably the greatest fish and chips in Sheffield. They now even have Green Steps a stones throw away, which serves organic and vegetarian options for the more fussy/ conscious among you.
7. Graves Park Animal Farm – Hemsworth Road
If you’re into chickens, piglets, goats, deer, rabbits, owls and sheep – you really should pay this place a visit. It’s ace. Slightly smaller and closer to town is Heeley City Farm, which is also worth a gander.
8. Noodle Inn – London Road
All the best places to eat are on London Road. You’ll find amazing examples of Caribbean, Thai, Japanese and Turkish, but for an enormous bowl of soup / plate of food for just £6 you really can’t go wrong. You also get free ice cream for afters.
9. Stockroom – Leadmill Road
I held my 30th here (where Ragga Twins played an entire old school set!). It’s a dope little venue and when it’s rammed full of Sheffield’s 12 Hour Party People, it’s a bloody riot.
10. Mangla – Spital Hill
A general misconception is that you only go to Pitsmoor to buy crack or get shot – you also go here to eat great food. You’ll find an excellent variety of dishes from all around the world, but as far as curry houses go, Mangla is the don. I preferred it when it was just a room full of tables and chairs, but they’ve tarted it up to look like a proper restaurant now. Bring your own beer from the East House or offie over the road. Either way, it’s a bad boy dinner for not much money.
* Probably the best thing about Sheffield is how close it is the the Peaks. Head the opposite direction to Meadow Hall and get your sen out there. x