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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Tom Roper

Our Favourite Places would be nothing without our contributors — a massive thanks to all of them!

Tell us about you…
I moved to Sheffield from Norfolk to study. Like most people, I fell in love with the city and didn’t want to leave; now I work at the University of Sheffield.

I enjoy making music, doing pub quizzes, playing cricket and watching documentaries.

What does Sheffield mean to you?
To me, Sheffield means having the opportunity to be creative. It has a great DIY culture where people who want to make things or start new projects can.

What’s your favourite Sheffield place?
There are so many! I’m lucky enough to live next to Two Steps fish and chip shop on Sharrow Vale Road which makes it a real challenge to not eat their delicious, well priced, generously portioned food every single day. In a similar, but slightly healthier vein, I love Blue Moon Cafe next to the Cathedral – it serves great vegetarian food at a low price and you get loads on your plate!

Bear Tree Records is my favourite new shop in Sheffield, Joe gets some great stuff in so it’s always worth a visit. Likewise, the Showroom always has something interesting to watch and is a great place to go for a cosy evening. My favourite places to go for a drink are the Sheffield Tap next to the train station, the Sheaf View in Heeley, and Picture House Social on Abbeydale Road.

What would you do to improve the city?
I’d ban the needless demolition of buildings and encourage renovation of all the beautiful empty spaces.

Latest contributions

Du Blonde

Wed. 29 January 2025

Yellow Arch Studios

The fiery, fearless rock project of musician, composer, animator and video director Beth Jeans Houghton. Embracing the sounds of punk, pop, blues, glam and soul, with honest and forthright music often touching on heartbreak and mental illness.

Music City

Sat. 14 December 2024

Delicious Clam

Inspired by the pop classicism of Big Star, the heart-on-the-sleeve rawness of The Replacements and the glitter of T-Rex. Support from Big Jilm and Desired Effect, plus charity raffle and Christmas karaoke. Proceeds to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

Our Girl

Sat. 30 November 2024

Yellow Arch Studios

Named as “one of the most promising new bands on the UK’s guitar scene” by The Line of Best Fit, Our Girl’s soaring, emotion-fuelled take on indie-rock has seen them garner comparisons to stalwarts like The Pixies and My Bloody Valentine.

Sam Eagle

Sat. 23 November 2024

La Biblioteka

An indie-folk singer songwriter who cites David Byrne, Radiohead, Thundercat and Kendrick Lamar among his influences. Performing an intimate set in the indie bookshop, to coincide with the release of a limited-edition illustrated lyric book.