Autumn Food News
Sheffield’s first secret speakeasy bar opens its doors — Abbeydale Picturehouse comes to life again, and Thornbridge & Co’s newest venue, The Fargate, launches this month…
As we step into the final quarter of the year, we're embracing the shift in seasons. After a summer that truly delivered on sunshine and good vibes, we're excited for cool walks in Sheffield’s parks and cosy pub lunches by the fire—autumn at its best!
There’s been plenty happening across Sheffield lately. The iconic Abbeydale Picture House (now Abbeydale Ballroom) has reopened to much excitement, breathing new life into one of the city’s historic venues. And one of our tour favourites, The Old Shoe, has unveiled a secret speakeasy upstairs—NODC (Not Open Don’t Come)—which is already making waves for its cool, intimate vibe.
More exciting news! Thornbridge & Co’s newest venue, The Fargate, is set to open its doors on the 22nd of this month — and we can’t wait! Keep reading for all the juicy details…
On our end, things are buzzing too…we’re gearing up for a busy few weeks with our brand-new Educational Food Tours. These have been specially designed for schools —a hands-on, immersive activity tailored for students studying GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition. It’s a brilliant way to connect classroom learning with real-world food culture, and we can’t wait to welcome the next generation of food lovers.
If you haven’t been on a food tour yet or fancy another one, there is still time to book a date for this year. If you fancy joining us this Saturday on the Taste of Kelham, there are still a few places available.
ABBEYDALE BALLROOM
The Abbeydale Ballroom is Sheffield’s newest social hotspot, located in the basement of the historic Abbeydale Picture House. Revived by True North Brew Co., the venue officially opened on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, marking the first phase of a larger restoration project for the Grade II-listed cinema building.
What to Expect…
Pool Lounge: Featuring tournament-quality tables and cosy booths, it’s designed to be one of Sheffield’s slickest spots for casual or competitive games.
Cocktail Bar & Terrace: Serving classic and signature cocktails, craft ales, and lagers in a stylish yet welcoming setting.
The Basement Kitchen: Offers small bites, charcuterie boards, and a new pizza concept called the Slice Bar.
The Green Room: A relaxed hangout space with dart boards, board games, and TV screens — perfect for groups and casual nights.
Live Entertainment: Expect DJs on weekends, quiz nights, and live screenings of major sports events. The venue holds a 3 am license on weekends for late-night vibes.
UPCOMING FOOD TOUR DATES
SPACES STILL LEFT FOR THIS SATURDAY!
This Saturday, 18th October - 6 places left
Saturday 25th October - 8 places
A TASTE OF SHEFFIELD FOOD TOUR
Saturday 1st November - 10 places
Saturday 15th November - 6 places
Saturday 25th October - 4 places left
Saturday 8th November - 10 places left
Sunday 26th October - 4 places
Sunday 30th November - 4 places
NODC - SHEFFIELD’S NEW SECRET SPEAKEASY
Not Open; Don’t Come — yes, that’s really its name — is Sheffield’s latest hidden gem, tucked away above Orchard Square. Styled as a speakeasy wine bar, it’s not your typical night out. There’s no signage, no walk-ins, and no obvious entrance. Instead, guests are invited to call a number posted on a fire exit door to gain entry. If the light above the door is on, you’re in luck — the bar is open and ready to welcome you into its loft-style hideaway.
Inside, the vibe is relaxed and intimate, with a “kitchen island” feel that encourages conversation and curiosity. Wines are served from household fridges, and the decor is designed to feel like a cosy living room — think soft lighting, casual seating, and a view over the bustling Orchard Square below. It’s the kind of place where you can kick off your shoes, laugh with friends, and explore a playful wine list curated by local experts.
The bar is the brainchild of Mike Pomranz, a former Brooklyn drinks journalist and founder of The Cider Hole and The Old Shoe. His vision was to create a space that’s welcoming, unpretentious, and a little bit mysterious. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just dipping your toes into the world of reds and whites, Not Open; Don’t Come offers a refreshing take on wine culture — one that’s all about discovery, not snobbery.
LOVE LOCAL ❤️
Love Local by giving the gift of a memorable Sheffield experience.
Recipients can explore the city’s vibrant food scene, tasting their way through independent eateries and hidden gems, hand-picked by us.
It’s more than just a meal—it’s a 3-4 hour fun experience in Sheffield that celebrates the city’s food, culture and history.
The gift that keeps on giving - every voucher that is sold helps support multiple independent venues in Sheffield.
COMING SOON: THE FARGATE
Opens its doors on 22nd October
Sheffield city centre is about to welcome a stunning new venue — The Fargate, the latest flagship bar from Thornbridge & Co, opens on Wednesday, 22nd October in the beautifully restored former Yorkshire Bank building on Fargate.
This two-floor venue blends timeless elegance with modern comfort. Expect dark polished wood, leather booths, brass accents, and a dramatic horseshoe bar pouring 10 cask ales (including five Thornbridge favourites) and 16 draft lines. Upstairs, a pizza kitchen with a traditional Italian oven serves fresh slices in a bright, contemporary space overlooking Sheffield’s City Hall.
Outside, The Fargate will feature a licenced terrace for up to 250 guests, making it one of the largest outdoor seating areas in the city centre. It’s part of a wider regeneration of Fargate, bringing new life to a historic stretch of Sheffield that’s quickly becoming a go-to destination for food, drink, and culture.
Whether you're after a pint, a pizza, or just a stylish spot to people-watch, The Fargate promises to be a standout addition to Sheffield’s pub scene.