Sheffield Beer Week is back for its 11th instalment, taking place from 10th to 16th March 2025, with another jampacked programme that showcases the Steel City’s holy trinity: a renowned beer culture, vibrant culinary scene and close ties to the great outdoors.
Jules Gray, founder of Sheffield Beer Week and owner of Hop Hideout, told Exposed: “We are thrilled to bring back Sheffield Beer Week and invite the community to join us in celebrating the city’s beer culture. This year, we are focusing on the unique connection between beer and food, while also honouring our city’s brewing heritage and the stunning outdoor city we call home.”
Indie Beer Feast: A Grand Opening
The much-loved annual event kicks off on 7th and 8th March with Indie Beer Feast at Trafalgar Warehouse. This independent craft beer festival features 17 breweries from Sheffield and beyond, showcasing an exciting mix of beers, natural wine and fine ciders. Jules highlighted its inclusivity: “The festival champions The Everyone Welcome initiative and offers options like low-alcohol, gluten-free and no-alcohol beverages.”
The festival also includes street food vendors such as Best Boy Bagels and Zaika-e-Pakistan, ensuring a culinary feast to complement the drinks on show.
Diverse Events for All Tastes
With a packed schedule of activities, Sheffield Beer Week offers something for everyone. Just a few highlights include:
Brewery Tours and Tastings: Go behind the scenes at local breweries and taprooms to learn about the craft of beer-making and sample the latest creations.
Explore the Hotspots: Most of the city’s beery gems will have their own events going on during the week, so be sure to check out socials for announcements from regular participants like Pangolin, The Wonky Labrador, The Crow, The Harlequin, The Rutland, The Old Shoe, Stancill Brewery, The Albion, Beer Central, The Bear, Triple Point, Thornbridge Brewery, The Hallamshire, Kelham Island Tavern, The Greystones, Shakespeares and Abbeydale Brewery, The Forum, Riverside Kelham, and Hop Hideout.
Beer & Food Pairings: Celebrate the connection between Sheffield’s culinary scene and craft beer with special pairing menus. True North Brewing Co., for instance, will host an International Women’s Day collaborative brew on 8th March. Expect dishes perfectly matched with locally brewed beers at venues right across the city.
Walking Trails, Runs & Pub Tours: As a headline event of Festival of the Outdoors, SBW integrates activities that combine beer culture with outdoor pursuits. Dive into the city’s brewing history with guided walks led by beer historian Dave Pickersgill, work for your pint by joining a running club or head our on one of guided beer trails listed on the Sheffield Beer Week site.
Cultural Events: Engage in family-friendly activities, workshops and insightful talks. Hop Hideout and La Biblioteka will co-host a reading with award-winning beer writer Adrian Tierney-Jones, whose book A Pub for All Seasons documents his yearlong journey in search of the perfect British local – with a few Sheffield shoutouts included.
Special Sups: As ever, you can expect an array of exclusive beers for Sheffield Beer Week. Little Critters Brewery and Saint Mars of the Desert will unveil special creations, while Mount Saint Bernard Abbey, the UK’s only Trappist brewery, will showcase its monastery-brewed beer at Hop Hideout in Leah’s Yard.
Spotlight on Heritage and Innovation
This year’s Sheffield Beer Week honours the city’s rich brewing heritage while embracing modern innovations. The University of Sheffield’s event, ‘Place, Craft and Alcohol’, will explore Sheffield’s artisanal brewing and distilling history. Held at Locksley Distilling, the event offers a fascinating look at how the city’s brewing scene has evolved.
“This is a great event, showing how Sheffield Beer Week marries the past and present,” said Jules. “It’s about celebrating our history while embracing the exciting developments in craft beer.”
Join the Celebration
Sheffield Beer Week is more than an event; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and culture. From tasting sessions to historical tours, every activity underscores the city’s commitment to quality and inclusivity.
“After 11 years, Sheffield Beer Week is well embedded in people’s psyche. It’s a chance to bring everyone together and show what Sheffield has to offer.”
Follow @SheffBeerWeek on social media for updates, and head to sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk for the full list of events.
