GRAVEL PIT
gravelpitshop.com // 329 Abbeydale Rd, S7 1FS
After moving from their previous location in Kelham Island, Danny Mager told us about taking the decision to move onto Abbeydale Road and taking advantage of larger premises to accommodate three rooms filled with plants, homeware, artwork, books, records and plenty more besides.
“Abbeydale was always an area that appealed to me because of all the quirky independent businesses already set up there. I was a little bit apprehensive at first about moving and expanding, but it’s one of the best moves I’ve ever made – it’s on the main thoroughfare right into the city, so there’s a constant flow of traffic and people. We’re also next door to the Bare Alternative, which is a zero-waste and package-free shop, so there’s a symbiotic relationship between us – as people who are conscious about the environment tend to appreciate plants too!
“We’ve got the café and record store Cole’s Corner just across the road as well as the flower shop Swallows and Damsons, so there’s a real sense of cohesion between the businesses and the people behind them. There’s a strong independent spirit and people come out to support it. There’s a definite vibe about the area with new restaurants, bars and cafes – really amazing places and cool little hangouts. You can spend the whole day here, as a lot of people do on a weekend, and you’ve got food, shops, bars – everything you could realistically need in one place.”
BARROWBOY
facebook.com/barrowboybar // 453 Abbeydale Road, S7 1FS
Home of the region’s finest bao buns and a super-cosy corner drinking spot to boot, Barrowboy and their in-house street food traders Deckards have become a popular fixture on the Abbeydale Road food and drink scene. Co-owner Morgan Davies told us how they’ve found the area since opening their doors in 2018.
What do you think has helped Barrowboy become a staple on the Abbeydale Road bar scene?
It’s flattering to hear that we are! We always stressed to staff how welcoming we wanted to be, and they’ve taken that on and made it their own. I think we are a really friendly place to visit and hopefully the local community think the same. Friendliness, good food and good booze means you’re pretty much there with a neighbourhood bar.
What’s the secret to a good bao bun?
It’s top secret! But the aim is for the bun to be as soft as a baby’s bum and the filling to be as juicy as an erotic novel. Deckards are the masters.
How has business been since opening in 2018 and what do you think to the area?
It’s always tough but we’ve learnt a lot along the way; the neighbourhood has been unbelivably supportive and we’ve had a great time doing what we do. The area is shaping into something really special. It’s entirely organic which is what’s so nice about it. All independents scraping cash together to open quality bars. It’s definitely the place to be right now.
How’s 2020 shaping up at Barrow Boy?
Watch this space. We’ve got new drink and food menus in development, some exciting events, and we’d love to get involved with some more community projects. Last year we had great success with The Waste Not Want Not Project, which raised over £1,000 for a local charity and we really want to do more of that stuff.
Pssst. Barrowboy are treating Exposed readers to a special offer throughout January: 15% off all food and drink by quoting ‘EXPOSEDBOY’. Go fill yer boots with bao and booze.
TURNER’S CRAFT BEER BOTTLE SHOP
turnersbottleandtap.co.uk // 298 Abbeydale Rd, S7 1FL
The resident craft beer specialists, complete with their own taproom for a cheeky pint or growler refill, has one of the finest collections of worldwide booze in the city. We asked them to scour their considerable collection and recommend five perfect winter tipples for Exposed readers…
Coffin Lane Stout (Ashover Brewery)
A full-bodied stout with warm chocolate and coffee flavours enhanced by a slightly bitter finish.
Hygge Figgy (Brass Castle Brewery)
A moreish porter blended with blueberry, almond and fig with seasonal staple artwork by Julie Dodsworth.
Plum Porter Grand Reserve (Titanic Brewery)
A luxurious beer infused with port, perfect for sipping in the cold weather.
Tonkoko (Brew York)
It’s basically a Bounty in a glass! Coconut, chocolate and vanilla flavours combining in this creamy milk stout.
Biere Du Coupage (London Beer Factory)
This blended saison gives a nice nod to traditional French and Belgian farmhouse brewing.
