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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

Karma Sheen

Fri. 21 June 2024

Sidney & Matilda

A unique band, inspired by 60/70s psychedelia, classical Indian music and fuzztone guitars. Led by Sameer Khan, who has been formally trained by a 600-year-old lineage of musicians from modern-day Pakistan. A free show to celebrate summer solstice.

Consolation

Sat. 18 May 2024

Hatch

Consolation play fast, raw, cathartic hardcore protest music. Playing live for the last time – catch them now or forever hold your peace. Support from fellow hardcore punks Ruined Virtue, post-metallers Mouths and synth-goth superstars Kalter.

English Teacher

Wed. 15 May 2024

Foundry, Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, S10 2TG

Formed in 2020 in Leeds, English Teacher embrace the sprechgesang (speak-singing) style of vocal delivery. Their EPs showcase their impressive musical chops and wide ranging influences, all undercut by Lily Fontaine’s quick wit and biting sarcasm.

Mock Media

Fri. 10 May 2024

Delicious Clam

Featuring members of Crack Cloud, N0v3l and Pottery, Mock Media are an underground Canadian supergroup of sorts. High-wired post punk forms the basis of their sound, with elements of European folk, 70s funk and straight up pop hooks thrown in.