God bless The Fat Cat. Nestled in the heart of Kelham Island, the centuries-old building has long been an OG of Sheffield’s vibrant pub scene. Known for its cosy atmosphere, hand-pulled ales and beloved pies, the famous boozer has recently undergone a significant but respectful transformation, both in its food offerings and decor. Over a pint with Exposed last month, owner Ed Wickett shared some updates on what’s been happening at the esteemed establishment.
Following the retirement of their cook of 40 years, the Alma Street staple has hired some fresh faces to take the helm in the kitchen. “We’ve brought the team from Two Fathers Catering in, and they’ve really hit the nail on the head,” says Ed. These two chefs, previously part of the True North Brewing Company, have struck out on their own and brought a revitalised menu to the table.
While providing some exciting culinary additions, the new menu stays true to The Fat Cat’s reputation for excellent home-cooked, hearty meals and traditional fare. Ed emphasises that while the kitchen might be under new management, the pub’s commitment to quality and value remains unchanged. “People don’t want to leave still hungry, and the pies are very much still at the heart of things – that’s non-negotiable,” he says with a grin.
Alongside the non-negotiables, you’ll now find new dishes such as grilled bacon chops, cauliflower and chickpea curries, gourmet burgers and even some small sharing plates to nibble on while you sip a pint.
“We’re a pub for everyone, and we want the food and drinks offer to reflect that. We’ll always be a traditional place known for good beer, but you can’t rest on your laurels with a reputation and have to keep improving your offer,” adds Ed.
In addition to changes in the kitchen, The Fat Cat has also had a bit of a facelift. “We’ve just finished our refurb,” Ed mentions, discussing the fresh coat of paint, new signage and additional fixtures that now adorn the pub’s doors and walls, replacing the mismatched tones from before. This new look aims to accentuate the building’s welcoming, cosy vibe, just in time for the colder months ahead.
“We’ve got open fires, which really create that snug atmosphere people love when the nights start drawing in,” he says. The refurb has been well-received by regulars, with Ed noting that while the changes are subtle, they’ve helped preserve the timeless feel that makes The Fat Cat so unique.
“We didn’t want to go modern,” he adds, “but it was time to freshen things up while staying true to the pub’s roots. We have a lovely, heated garden, but in the dark nights and rainy days of autumn, people come here for the warm interior and hot food, so we wanted to make sure it looked nice for the change of season.”
Speaking of the garden, Ed shares that the outside bar, formerly the original Kelham Island Brewery space, is available to hire for private events, alongside the pub’s function room upstairs. “We can get between 30 to 50 people in, perfect for an intimate gathering,” he says.
Looking ahead, the new chefs are set to bring out a special Christmas menu, launching on 20 November. Ed hints at some exciting new dishes, a mix of traditional favourites and creative offerings that promise to delight diners. “We haven’t done a Christmas dinner for a while, so it’ll be nice to get people in for that festive vibe,” he says. As per usual, the pub will go all out with its Christmas decorations, making it the perfect spot for a meal or drinks during the holiday season.
The Fat Cat has been a cornerstone of Kelham Island since Ed’s dad, real ale visionary Dave Wickett, took over in 1981, and Ed is determined to keep it that way. “We’re still sticking to those values from day one,” he says proudly. With a growing number of new venues popping up around the area, Ed recognises the importance of staying true to the pub’s original blueprint while evolving to meet the needs of today’s customers, which range from students to pensioners and everything in between.
“I think that’s the beauty of The Fat Cat. It’s an ever-changing area and we’ve gone from our regulars being steel and factory workers to welcoming a wide range of people and ages in here. All are welcome, as long as you behave yourself, and we’re looking forward to more people visiting, seeing our spruce-up and enjoying the great food on offer. The Fat Cat’s for everyone, and we want to keep it that way.”
Check out our reel of Fat Cat, where we got to sample their hearty new menu!
