10 Sheffield beer gardens we can’t wait to visit

With the lifting of some restrictions on 12 April allowing the opportunity to meet our pals in outdoor settings, we take a look at some of the best Sheffield beer gardens to visit for a much-needed al fresco drink or two.

Millowners Arms

The biggest beer garden in Kelham Island is tucked away off a cobbled road behind Alma Street, with the city’s industrial museum on one side and the River Don on the other. There’s plenty of sheltered and open seating areas available, an enviable craft beer selection and a range of snacks, including their signature bhaji fries.

Gardeners Rest

Heading around the corner in Neepsend, this laid-back community-owned ale and cider haven could be viewed as something of a hidden gem when it comes to Sheffield beer gardens. Their quirky outside space is bursting with character and beautifully tended all year round – perfect for grabbing a riverside view, getting the chiminea going and settling in for the evening.

The Riverside

Always bustling away nicely on a warm day, The Riverside is another verified gem in Kelham Island’s impressive beer garden crown. They offer the usual solid drinks selection that you’ve come to expect from True North boozers: hand-pulled ales, cocktails, craft beers, ciders and lagers. Combine that with a brand new food menu promising pasta, wine and cheese sauce aplenty, and you’re onto a winner for some al fresco dining and supping.

Brothers Arms

Owned by ukulele-toting cheeky cover masters The Everly Pregnant Brothers and boasting incredible views of the city centre, this Heeley boozer is one of Sheffield’s finest summer hangouts. Well-priced ale, tasty bar snacks, decked out in Steel City heritage and, yeah, *that* beer garden view…

Picture House Social

Sunny days lounging on the Piccy House terrace, cocktail in hand and soundtracked by an outdoors DJ set may well seem like a lifetime ago. However, there’s no need to wallow in the past, dear reader, as their delightful suntrap has had a bit of a spruce-up and will be back in action as of 12th April. Joining them will be their sibling joint Public, who will be slinging out award-winning sups in a five-week pop-up stint. Luvvleh jubbleh.

Rutland Arms

Small but perfectly formed, the Rutland Arms is a beautiful city centre watering hole with an equally handsome beer garden. Revered for their ever-changing ale selection and bangin’ scran, they’ve announced the pub will reopen from 17th May, so there’s a bit longer to wait. It’ll all be worth it once we’re basking in the sunshine with a pint of Reet Pale, like.

Dorothy Pax

The canal basin is an underrated spot for a drink in the Steel City, and with the arrival of new bar True Loves on 12 April, it’s only set to get better. Holding down the fort for a good few years now is The Dorothy Pax, who last summer extended their outdoor seating capacity and are committed to providing some relaxed fun in the sun for those seeking light refreshment.

The Broadfield

Ah, God bless the Broady – a firm favourite in Sheff for those seeking the holy grail of top-notch ale, spacious beer garden and quality traditional pub fare. From 12th April they’ll be opening up their hallowed ground to a Steel City congregation once more, both for walk-ins and bookings if you’re looking to secure a sheltered canopy area.

Saw Grinders Union

A relative newbie on the list, Saw Grinders cemented themselves as a weekend al fresco drinking and dining hotspot last summer. The bar turned their outdoor space in the courtyard of the historic Grade-II listed Globe Works into a picturesque, industrial-chic beer garden offering a fantastic choice of cocktails, craft beer, burgers, bar snacks, breakfast, brunches and plenty more.

The Fat Cat

An absolute stalwart of the Kelham Island drinks scene, every Sheffielder who knows their boozers will know all about The Fat Cat and its cosy garden space. They’ve kept shtum so far about their plans, but we expect them to reopening their doors for walk-ins in the not-too-distant future. We’ll be straight in for a pork pie and Pale Rider classic combo when they do.

The Forum

Another longstanding fave for sunny sessions, and another gem of a beer garden from the True North Brew Co gang. Their terrace space spills out onto Devonshire Green in the heart of Sheffield’s independent quarter; throw in the usual mixture expansive drinks menu, food specials and a covered marquee area just in case the weather doesn’t want to play ball. You can get booked in early doors, but they will be reserving space for walk-ins too.

Please note: All venues will be adhering strictly to the government guidelines, so make sure you’ve sussed out the rules properly before rocking up.

---

Enjoy this article on Sheffield beer gardens? Read about more of the city’s finest independent businesses in ‘The Little Book of Sheffield’, available to purchase online here.