Island life: 31 things to do in Kelham Island

Kelham Island is officially the best neighbourhood in the UK. Wanna see what all the fuss is about? Here are 31 things to tick off your list before becoming a seasoned Kelham Islander.



1. Enjoy Taco Tuesday @ Piña

This lively Mexican-themed bar brings the salt and lime to the neighbourhood. Aside from the superb mescal and cocktail selection, Piña offers a delectable range of tacos, many of which have been adapted for the bar’s comprehensive veggie menu (beer-battered “To-Fish” is a particular must-try). With a mezzanine level bar geared up for live sports, you can satisfy your tastebuds while enjoying the football on Taco Tuesday – that’s two portions of tacos for £10 and classic margheritas for £5. Bargain.

2. Do Curry and Quiz Night @ The Fat Cat

The famous Fat Cat has been serving the good stuff since 1981. This delightfully old-school free house, which has origins going back to the mid-19th century, boasts a constantly changing selection of ales. Kelham Island Best is only £1.50 a pint on Mondays – so loosen up with a few jars before the long-running curry (just £3.50 a dish!) and quiz night.

23 Alma St, S3 8SA

3. Swot up @ Kelham Island Museum

It’s no secret that Sheffield was a pretty big deal during the Industrial Revolution. Kelham Island Museum captures the Steel City’s manufacturing story and gives a real sense of what life was like for its workers over the years. Time your visit to catch the mighty River Don steam engine in action – the most powerful working steam engine in Europe.

4. Clobber up @ Clobber Calm

Starting out with just an Instagram account, Ben Woodhouse has developed Clobber Calm into one of the highest quality menswear retailers in town. This vintage haven specialises in rare, high quality denim from around the world and is the only stockist of Red Wing boots in Sheffield. They’re all about one-to-one customer service, so head over and get yourself kitted out in clothes built to last.

5. Caffeinate ’til late @ The Gatehouse

The modern café on the corner of Little Kelham provide great food all day long in a welcoming space; snuggle up by the fireplace, or head upstairs to their airier dining area. Late opening hours make it the go-to café for cracking on with an essay deadline – or sacking it off for a few beers or cocktails (the latter you can get on a deal two for £10 Mon-Sat).

6. Coffee and croissant @ Gaard

The perfect hideaway for a bit of self-indulgence. Their coffee – courtesy of local roasters, Forge – is lovingly made by baristas who’ll brighten up your day. Grab a freshly baked filled croissant (all available vegan) and head out back to catch those precious winter rays in their delightful little patio out back.

7. Grab a pizza the action @ Craft & Dough

The tantalising scent of stone-baked pizza often wafts through Kelham Square and into the Exposed office. Craft & Dough create artisan pizzas with imaginative toppings – from established favourites such as the Piggy Smalls to more recent innovations like the Green Eggs & Ham pizza. They offer deals aplenty, plus a 15% NUS card discount. You can get two pizzas and a bottle of wine for just £20 on Wednesdays, or a bottle of fizz for a tenner on Fridays.

8. Brunch @ The Grind Café

The Grind Café is the ideal spot for people-watching, designed with huge windows that capture Kelham as it goes about its day. The food is also superb, and the café’s gigantic sausage rolls have quickly earned their place in Sheffield folklore, but their brunches are pretty iconic too. Keep an eye out for tasty weekend specials like paprika & lime crayfish, avocado and poached eggs on toasted rye.

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