So which real ale pub in Sheffield has the best beer garden? I’m not the first local blogger to ask that question but seeing as we seem to be having some decent weather I thought I’d throw my opinion out there.
A few years ago I would have, without hesitation, agreed whole heartedly with gettothepub.com and say the Kelham Island Tavern. L shaped with plenty of seats, you sit among an urban jungle with actual vegetation. Sitting in that garden you would not think you were in the heart of an industrial wasteland. As pure escapism goes it’s hard to beat.
The Tavern is definitely still up there but there are now other outside drinking areas in which I’m also very happy to drink. The Fat Cat also has a top notch beer garden with the added features of a two covered areas, heat lamps and an equally cosy atmosphere. It wasn’t long ago when you could spot the old pub sign leaning against a wall, from the days when the Cat was known as the Alma after the road upon which it resides.
Staying around Kelham Island for now; the Riverside has a recently expanded beer garden although it is more functional than cosy in comparison to the last two discussed. However it does (as you would rather expect from its name) have a riverside beer garden, a surprisingly rare occurrence given the five rivers that flow through our fair city. There are only two that I can think of, both on the Don. The Riverside also has an outdoor shelter and has plenty of tables and seats.
The Gardeners Rest has the other riverside beer garden and is certainly a favourite of mine. Not that many seats but it does have a great atmosphere, with a few quirky touches, and has a better river view than the Riverside. Measures have been taken to boost the flood defences too in order to prevent a disaster on the 2007 scale, which saw them out of action for about 2 years. Being a little further out it does not get as busy as the gardens of the previous 3.
The Wellington is another of my favourites and while limited in size it more than makes up for it in character. There is a toilet seat, a traffic light and numerous signs pinned to the walls and fences. Having a covered area and ashtrays on the wall of the gents toilets also limits how much smoke gets into the garden. There is also a table around the other side of the toilet block which is often missed unless you squeeze past the owners car.
I am also quite partial to the drinking area around the conservatory of the Hillsborough. You could argue it is not very exciting but given its elevated rear position it offers a sense of privacy and some good views towards the city centre. The conservatory itself has 3 doors that can be opened meaning you still retain an element of the outside if you sit inside.
A recent favourite is the space behind the New Barrack Tavern which is often largely covered and provides plenty of vegetation as decoration. There is also a road sign that is a nod to a defunct nearby brewery; High House. And heading back towards town and up the hill there is the Blake which threatens to give you excellent views towards the city centre but sadly can’t, in respect to its neighbours. All decked out and with plenty of tables it is also not short on natural influences, which are due to be extended in the near future. There is also a sheltered smoking area near the back door and you can always perch on the back wall if all the tables are taken.
I must admit that I’m not sure what other beer gardens are on offer in the Crookes/Walkley area but I will be heading there soon so will investigate!
Moving into the city centre I would have to agree with gettothepub.com again; the Rutland Arms has the best beer garden there. A decent amount of seats and the level of vegetation serves to partly block out the city, although it’s hard to eliminate the roar of buses entering and leaving the bus station. And I’m told it’s no longer a sun trap since the Sheffield Hallam building across the lane was completed. But that wouldn’t bother me!
The Red Lion only had two tables at the front last time I went in but it is still a pleasant place to sit if you can. And the last time I drove past they had claimed some of the newly paved area near the front door with a couple more tables. It is not unpleasant to sit outside the Roebuck Tavern and watch the world go by, although I preferred doing the same outside the Yorkshire Grey (sob).
Heading out of the centre you have the University Arms which has a very nice place to drink beer outside. Plenty of space, trees and plenty of benches to sit at, all on grass too, but also suffers a little from being near a main road. Further up the hill and Sheffield’s nicest Wetherspoons is also the only one with a beer garden. The Francis Newton has benches around the building as well as a separate terrace on which you can eat. It’s a shame there are no seats in the garden, but then it is on a slope and I’m not sure if they’re allowed to do anything with it.
Shifting South East and you have the Sheaf View my celebrated local. Raised decking at the back and a grass bank with trees down the side make for pleasant surroundings. Further covered seating is round the side and mainly occupied by smokers. The beer garden is also very accessible with external doors in both sides of the pub and a path to the front.
I have always been quite fond of the White Lion’s beer garden having spent quite a lot of time there a few years ago. Cosy and interesting; spanning 3 levels it also has a shelter for smokers. If I recall there is some shrubbery and it certainly feels private.
I used to go to Carbrook Hall in days gone by as that has an excellent beer garden, but I’ve no idea if they currently have any real ale on. But that is all I can think to recommend in Sheffield without further investigation. It can generally be accepted that pubs further out in the suburbs probably have decent outside areas, due to lower density and possibly more greenery.
Of course you can always head out into the Peak District. The Millstone has plenty of tables outside the pub and a few more across the road at the edge of the car park. There are goats and micro pigs to amuse you but it’s a shame that trees obscure what would be a fine view. The Grouse has a modest sized terrace at the side of the building but does offer some good views. But if a view is what you want then you can’t beat the Barrel just outside Foolow, with it’s commanding ridge top position. Apparently on a clear day you can see 5 counties from that hill. There are some tables on a terrace at the front, some benches in front of the car parking spaces along the ridge, and you can sit on the grass bank at the side of the pub. Either way there are stunning views across a good portion of Derbyshire and if I recall there are 3 or 4 hand pumps dispensing real ale. If I could only go to one place it might well be there!
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