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A Magazine for Sheffield

Enjoy The Sunshine

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Neighbourhood Cafe

We haven't had a heatwave like last summer just yet, but we should prepare to make the most of the sunny days and enjoy Sheffield's abundance of green spaces.

With that in mind, this month we've put together a collection of places to enjoy good food and drink in the outdoors, from city centre alfresco dining and locations with a scenic view to ideas for walks with a 'refreshment' stop.

Summer is the time for ice cream and luckily Steam Yard (Aberdeen Court, S1 4GE) have just launched their own. Yarders uses chocolate from local producers Bullion and is the first bean-to-bar ice cream in the UK. Steam Yard's neat courtyard is also the ideal spot to enjoy one of their sun buns, comprising Mexican orange sweet bread filled with a scoop of Yarders.

For a hidden gem, go to the Neighbourhood Cafe (342 Glossop Road, S10 2HW), formerly known as Brood Cafe. They've got a lovely decked terrace where you can escape from the city centre hubbub and enjoy an alfresco brunch. Their menu offers extensive choice, from Kashmiri masala hash and southern fried chicken on waffles to sweet potato pancakes with spiced nuts.

Located just a short walk from Kelham Island and Castlegate is The Dorothy Pax at Victoria Quays (Wharf Street, S2 5SY). Their name comes from a 1914 Sheffield keel, a type of barge, and the bar was made using wood from the boat. Appreciate the fine views with a drink by the canal. They have loads of live music too, so check out their Facebook page for listings. Now that phase two of the 'Grey to Green' scheme has started, there will be more green spaces in the area and better links between Castlegate and Victoria Quays.

For panoramic views of the city, walk up to South Street Kitchen at Park Hill (19-20 South Street, S2 5QX). They have a fabulous middle-eastern inspired menu with plenty of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. It's a bright space and the large windows give you an enviable spot to enjoy a sun-dappled day and a selection of small plates. South Street Kitchen is dog friendly and you can take a walk up to the Cholera monument at Clay Wood after eating, dedicated to the victims of the cholera epidemic of 1832. The views are well worth it.

If you're looking for somewhere with real character, drop in to The Gardeners Rest in Neepsend (105 Neepsend Lane, S3 8AT). This community-run pub has a great beer garden which overlooks the Don, complete with random decor. You can pull up a pew and enjoy the sunshine with a pint, with a decent range of locally-brewed beer on the bar from Sheffield and beyond. They have loads of live music and their monthly Gorilla Poetry open mic night is recommended for local poets looking for a performance slot.

There's a fine beer garden at The Brothers Arms (106 Well Road, S8 9UG), a pub in Heeley owned by the Everly Pregnant Brothers. With beer on hand pump and keg, including rotating guest ales from the likes of Cloudwater to Cromatry, it's a great spot. Check out their Taco Tuesday night with food from Fox in the Box. Bacon and avocado tacos go down well while soaking up some rays.

Yet another great beer garden can be found at the Old Horns in Bradfield (Towngate, S6 6LG). From their elevated terrace you have fine views of the Bradfield moors and the menu is packed with home-cooked dishes. They're dog friendly and there are plenty of scenic walking routes at Agden and Damflask Reservoir. Don't forget to stop at Our Cow Molly's ice cream parlour before heading home.

If you want to grab a take out and enjoy green space without leaving the city, pick up a pastry and a coffee from Ginger's at Broomhill (486 Glossop Road, S10). In ten minutes you can be at the Botanical Gardens, a Grade II listed site of special historic and architectural interest which is home to 5,000 species of plants. Take a break from your phone and watch the world - and the friendly squirrels - go by from this horticultural haven.

When the sunshine does finally come, you may fancy a craft beer or two. Specialist shop Hop Hideout at Kommune (Angel Street, S3) is the place to go. Not only do they do take outs, with a huge range of breweries and beer styles, but they are also the ideal stepping off point for the Five Weirs walk, which runs alongside the Don. It's a great way to see Sheffield's industrial history along the canal towpath. If you need it, you can make another pitstop at St Mars of the Desert brewery and taproom, just off Attercliffe high street (90 Stevenson Rd, S9 3XG).

To enjoy more history in a green setting, do the Sheffield Round Walk through Endcliffe Park and Whiteley Woods. Visit Shepherd's Wheel when the workshop is open to see the wheels in action and hear from the enthusiastic volunteers what life was like for cutlery grinders. Get in your dose of shinrin yoku (forest bathing) and breathe in those tree-lined views before stopping at Forge Dam Cafe (S10 4GL) for a home-cooked breakfast or a well-earned slice of cake.

Ros Ayres

nibblypig.co.uk

@nibbly_pig

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