Autumn in Sheffield - The Newest Independent Openings, Major Food Events & Cosy Seasonal Eats!
Gillson’s Brasserie opened on Ecclesall Road this summer.
There’s lots to look forward to in Sheffield this Autumn with a jam-packed events programme and a whole host of new cosy venues to experience.
In this edition, we’re taking you through the city's freshest updates—from vibrant Catalan cafe-bars and wood-fired street food to classic Parisian brasserie dining. Plus, we’re spotlighting two major city celebrations you won't want to miss: Castlegate Festival and the all-new Sip Festival!
Dive in below for your complete autumn foodie roundup.
What’s New: Independent Openings & Venues to Watch
Cats Cafe Bar - a new Catalonia inspired at venue in Broomhill
Cats, Broomhill (pictured)
Bringing a slice of European cafe culture to Glossop Road, Cats is an effortless new addition to the neighbourhood’s independent scene. Rooted in Catalonian inspiration, this stylish spot transitions seamlessly from specialty coffee by day to low-key, Barcelona-vibes by night. The drinks menu is a real draw, showcasing crisp Moritz beer, draft vermut, and a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring bottles hand-selected by a Michelin-starred sommelier. Pair your pour with their selection of elevated nibbles—including remarkably addictive artisan crisps from Brittany. Whether you're making the most of the outdoor seating on a sunny day or heading down to the cosy basement space for an intimate gathering, Cats delivers a warm, magnetic atmosphere that feels tailored for easygoing autumn afternoons.
📍465 Glossop Road, S10 2QE.
🔗 Cats
Gillson’s Brasserie, Ecclesall Rd (pictured above)
The newest star on Ecclesall Road, Gillson’s Brasserie, opened its doors this summer and is already breathing fresh energy into the local dining scene. Launched by Andy and Vic Trudgill—the talented husband-and-wife team behind neighbourhood favourites Gills & Co and The Gillmont—this stylish, Parisian-inspired spot brings classic brasserie culture right to Sheffield. With its handsome forest-green facade, walnut panelling, and chequerboard floors, the space manages to feel both polished and wonderfully relaxed. The kitchen focuses on unpretentious, crowd-pleasing dishes that celebrate quality ingredients, serving up everything from rich French onion soup and steak tartare to a fantastic midday prix-fixe and a blowout Sunday roast. Paired with a brilliantly curated wine list from their cellar next door, Gillson’s is a welcome addition to our food landscape and a must-visit spot for anyone looking to gather over brilliant food and hospitality.
📍607-609 Ecclesall Rd, S11 8PT.
The Other Half (Cambridge Street Collective)
Bringing a delightfully relaxed edge to the local dining scene, The Other Half new street-food kitchen is the latest creation from Leslie Buddington, the talented chef-owner behind Dyson Place's acclaimed Six and A Half. Here, the focus shifts to vibrant, seasonal small plates built around the bold, smoky flavours of open wood-fired cooking. The menu is designed for informal, shared dining, anchored by standout crowd-pleasers like their irresistible nduja-stuffed chicken wings. Combining high-end culinary craft with an easygoing street-food soul, Leslie's newest venture brings a fresh, craveable energy to the neighbourhood that food lovers won't want to miss.
📍Cambridge Street Collective, S1.
The Second in our We Love Series! 💛
We love Bakers Yard—independent hospitality at its best, and here is why...
Tucked away in Little Kelham, this microbakery has quietly become one of our absolute go-to recommendations when we’re exploring off-tour eats in Sheffield.
Every bake and dish here is made from scratch with a deep respect for seasonality and local provenance. They don't overcomplicate things—just simple, exceptional preparation that lets core ingredients shine, using local legends like Our Cow Molly butter and Yorkshire Organic Millers flour.
Click here to view our FULL REVIEW ❤️
Key Autumn Food & Drink Events
Seven Hills Whisky Festival (Saturday, 19th September)
Taking place at The Steamworks, this is an unmissable event for dram lovers! Meet Sheffield Food Tours: We will be popping up live at the festival! Stop by our stand to say hello, grab a gift voucher (perfect for early Christmas shopping!), and enter our exclusive festival competition for a chance to win a special foodie prize!
Sip Festival (28th Sept – 4th Oct)
Sheffield’s independent café scene is taking centre stage this autumn with the arrival of Sip Festival (28th September – 4th October), a week-long celebration dedicated to specialty coffee, local craft, and indie café culture.
The festivities kick off with the Citywide Fringe (28th Sept – 4th Oct), where over 40 of Sheffield’s favourite independent coffee shops, roasteries, and brunch hubs will host an array of exclusive fringe events, guest espresso takeovers, and special menu pairings across the city.
It all culminates in the Main Event on Saturday, 3rd October, as the iconic Trafalgar Warehouse transforms into a buzzing coffee sanctuary. Expect 30+ specialty coffee stalls showcasing exceptional beans, high-octane latte art competitions, local street food traders, and live DJs setting the vibe all day long.
Castlegate Festival (12th – 20th September)
Celebrating the history and ongoing transformation of Sheffield’s oldest quarter, Castlegate Festival (12th – 20th September) returns for its tenth edition with a packed nine-day showcase of local heritage, music, and street culture. The entire neighbourhood springs to life across the week with a huge, predominantly free programme—ranging from guided castle archaeology walks and open-door creative workshops to vibrant Quayside Market pop-ups. It all leads up to a flagship weekend takeover featuring the popular Exchange Street party and Skate Jam, pop-up broadcasts from Castlegate Festival Radio, and late-night sets from local DJs across surrounding independent venues like Panke Social. Brimming with community spirit, it’s a brilliant week to explore the creative energy and rich history driving this iconic corner of the city.
Autumn Food Tours (Every Saturday)
If you want to experience the very best of Sheffield’s vibrant, independent food scene firsthand, you can join us on a Sheffield Food Tour. Discover the hidden culinary gems, rich local heritage, and passionate makers - we take you behind the scenes for an unforgettable journey through our food landscape.
As a special thank you to our newsletter subscribers, you can take 10% off any tour booked before the end of September using the exclusive code SUBSCRIBER10 at checkout.
Spaces are limited, so grab your spot and come hungry!