The Loft's jangling folk-rock textures, chiming guitars and wry vocals became the blueprint for the mid-80s indie pop sound – before the band's infamous on-stage split. 40 years later, they released their long awaited debut album.
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
No Peeling
Thu. 2 April 2026
Sidney & Matilda
Quick-fire, kaleidoscopic noise-punk that barely pauses for breath. Covering topics such as the joy of petting dogs and power-mad high vis wearers, they use pummelling drums, twitchy guitar and abrasive bass to back oddly sweet sing-song vocals.
Jalen Ngonda
Mon. 27 April 2026
The Octagon Centre
With a voice that feels lifted straight from soul’s golden age, Jalen Ngonda blends classic and contemporary influences to create timeless, life-affirming music. He's received attention from fellow artists like Snoop Dogg, Olivia Dean and Elton John.
Takuya Nakamura
Thu. 26 March 2026
Foundry, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, S10 2TG
A trumpeter, composer and producer moving between jazz, jungle and electronic music. A student of George Russell, he emerged from NYC’s 90s underground, later collaborating with Quincy Jones and David Byrne. With electronic drummer Currency Audio.