The Last Supper

Collard Manson is a wonderful Sheffield retail store which stocks all manner of accessories, jewellery, clothing and shoes. The sort you wont see anywhere else in Sheffield. Their own brand pieces make fantastic gifts too (to yourself, of course!).

I have long been a fan as I love seeing independent creative businesses throwing something new into the mix, and I was especially delighted when I popped in a few days ago and saw they have expanded into the property next door and created a stunning coffee shop. I havent had a drink there, but I plan to very soon - I dont even care if the coffee isnt great, I'd pay just to sit in such a great environment. I pretty much want whoever styled up this place to come and do the same to my house! I can imagine sitting and penning my first novel there, fuelled by cups of their coffee, which if the rest of their set up is anything to go by, will taste delicious. (These are the only pics I could find on the internet and they are a bit small, so I will try and find/take some bigger ones so you can see what I'm talking about - or if you are in Sheffield, why not pop along).

Workshops

I am doing a couple of workshops over the next couple of months at Jam Jar Beads, a lovely sparkly new bead shop in Sheffield.  The first one is on Mother's Day, make a nice present for your lovely Mum or bring her along with you to this workshop which is a variation on my birdie brooch workshop which I have done a few times before. The second is a shoe customisation workshop.  So if you like the sounds of any of these workshops,be sure to put your name down on the list here at Jam Jar Beads.

I'm working on doing a lot more workshops after I move house, so will keep you all posted.

Sheffield City Guide

Sheffield, on the doorstep of the Peak District, is also reportedly the greenest city in Europe with more parks and green spaces than any other city and Broomhill the suburb I live in in Sheffield, was described as the prettiest suburb in England back in 1961 by John Betjeman.  Famous for its steelworks, the Full Monty and bands like the Arctic Monkeys and Pulp it has always been a vibrant and creative city and now that creativity has been given a boost by local organisations like Craft Candy and Sheffield Craft Mafia who host regular fairs and events. New businesses are popping up all the time and Sheffield feels like an exciting place to live. 

Away from the mayhem of Meadowhall (aka Meadowhell by locals) shopping centre and the mainstream shops in the city centre is a whole wealth of places to explore and be inspired by!  So here it is, my guide to super duper Sheffield.

If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment.

Coffee, Chocolate and Cupcakes (Sheffield City Guide)

Fancie
Fancie
Cocoa
Cocoa

You shouldn't go exploring on an empty stomach (well, thats my excuse anyway!)

 Rude Shipyard, a cozy little cafe which also doubles up as a bookshop and music venue. 

Coop, a new cafe with artspace on London Road, next door to WasabiSabi.

Bragazzis cafe on Abbeydale Road and deli is famous for being the purveyors of the finest coffee in Sheffield.  Not being a coffee person myself I can't vouch for that, but my friends do.  What I can vouch for is the lovely italian sandwiches made fresh in the deli and the great shabby but chic interior 

 Fancie, a cafe dedicated to the fine art of the cupcake. You can get the cupcakes delivered to your office for a Friday afternoon and have personalised cupcakes for special events (They also make milkshakes using local ice cream from Our Cow Molly).  Oh and you can even purchase the china cups in which your drinks are served - neat!!

Cocoa, chocolate heaven, this chocolate store and tearoom is to die for.  You can sip exotic teas or their delicious hot chocolate from the pretty china cups in the back room which is bedecked in vintage ephemera - a feast for the eyes .... and tummy!

Shop til you drop (Sheffield city Guide)

Alice Takes a Trip
Within Reason

The Old Sweet Shop

Doing up your pad? Fancy some retro furniture to give your front room an Austin Powers make over then check out Bullet who work with the likes of the BBC providing them with authentic retro furntiure for sets. If upcycled restored antique furniture is more your thing then Antic is the place for you.  

Home Sweet Home on Sharrowvale Road and The Old Sweet Shop are the places to go for homewares and handmade goods by local designers.  The Old Sweet Shop is dedicated to showcasing the work of talented local artists and designers and is in the lovely suburb of Nether Edge.

Within Reason, I could literally fill my house with everything in this shop!  From homewares to accessories and furniture to children's goods this place is one of my favourites in Sheffield.

Alice Takes a Trip, I bought the most fantastic bright orange upcycled dress from here with a bow thats bigger than my head - I love it!  Get yourself something pretty from her (the shop is closing shortly but the clothing range will still be available online and at Freshmans and Arcade on Division Street or Syd and Mallory, and you'll be guaranteed to be the only one rocking your one off frock. 

Toast, one for the boys (and girls) one of a kind quirky t-shirts.  They also sell club tickets too - and tea.

Work it baby! (Sheffield City Guide)

Craft Candy Workshop (Heather Dewick's bookbinding workshop)

All play and no workshop makes crafty people a bit cranky!  The following places organise regular crafty workshops

Craftastic (Scrapbooking, fimo making)

Craft Candy (everything from screenprinting to bookbinding)

Wool Baa (knitting and crocheting)

Patchwork garden (various sewing related crafts)

Hangingwater Studios (Painting and workshops for youngsters)

Cocoa (Not strictly workshop, but Cocoa hosts a knitting group and a regular book group)

Feelin' peckish (Sheffield City Guide)

(pic via http://www.kipikapopo.co.uk)

WasabiSabi and Sakushi both do fantastic japanese food.  Whenever we have an anniversary or special date, WasabiSabi is always our first port of call and it never lets us down!  With sashimi served on huge wooden boats which can be washed down with wasabi cocktails. Sakushi also now to home delivery - a tasty takeaway

Broomhill friery - Sean Bean's relatives own this place and he has been known to pop in for a chip or two.  Aside from that, this chippie has a good reputation for a reason -as a (very) regular customer I can vouch for the quality of the food! They even have their own appreciation society!

Urban Deli - OMG! Great Yorkshire themed food at very reasonable prices. A croque Monseiur fit for a king and a hot Pork Sandwich that will practically have you in tears its that nice!

Jaru - A chinese style fondue place where you cook your own food including, if you choose, frogs legs and crabs claws in a hot broth!

UK Mama - this is a (sometimes surreal) experience not to be missed.  Eat authentic African cuisine and be treated to to the sounds of African drumming at the same time.  Its worth going just to read the menu which, on last inspection, had been 'signed' by the likes of Madonna and Lennox Lewis and also by an African General who claims the food is 'as big as his titty!'  The decor is fantastic genuine 80's style and Godson the hospitable owner will keep you entertained.  I have some very fond memories of this place - just don't be in a hurry to get your food or be surprised if you are placed at a table downstairs, away from other diners, near the loos among a pile of old Amstrad style computers!!  I had one of the funniest dining experiences ever here!

Drinking holes (Sheffield City Guide)

Bungalows and Bears (pic via mysticmogg)

Wig & Pen

All this exploring is thirsty work.  So a leisurely drink in one of these establishments should set you right!

Bungalows and Bears, in the town centre, this is a popular hangout with old beat up sofas and check out the fantastic fabric lampshades above the back booths.  As well as hosting regular music events they also host regular jumble sale/craft fairs too.

University Arms, an old skool pub with a big beer garden and good selection of beers (be warned - it gets packed during term time with students and often impossible to get a seat) but a nice spot to relax.

The Lescar, home to the Last Laugh Comedy Club, this was where Johnny Vegas performed stand-up in the early days.  The pub has since been taken over and revamped.  With fantastic food as well - everyone raves about the calamari including me! 

The Ranmoor inn, rub shoulders with the Howard's Way style bigwigs of Sheffield in this lovely old fashioned pub in the lovely suburb of Ranmoor.  With a courtyard garden, it is the perfect place to enjoy a Crabbies ginger beer or a pint of real ale.

Wig & Pen - In the law district, you will find the Wig and Pen, a lovely posh pub which does some of the best food in Sheffield, but its not cheap (They also own Platillos in the town centre which is a cheaper, but equally tasty alternative - specialising in tapas).

A fine vintage

There is a plethora of great Vintage stores in Sheffield including Cow, Freshmans and Bang Bang Vintage who organise regular vintage fairs too.  Also don't miss The Front Parlour, an antique shop which stocks all kinds of jewellery, china, fabrics, books and clothing and ephemera.  I love having a root around in here for a pre war bargain or two!

Sustudio space ..... (Sheffield City Guide)

If you are planning world domination Phil Collins style and need to on get your creative juices flowing if you are living in or moving to Sheffield, then check out Persistence Works, Porter Brook Studios, Vulcan Works, The Workstation and Bank Street Arts are all home to various designers, craftspeople and artists.  Keep an eye open for various vacant studios via Yorkshire Artspace.

other things to do.... (Sheffield City Guide)

(Pic via bbc)

Butterfly House.  A tropical butterfly house with 3 huge iguanas on the loose!  Also plenty of lovely birds and animals like meercats, skunks and don't miss the teeny tiny adorable harvest mouse!  Oh, and you can touch the baby chicks and ducks too - I know its supposed to be for kids but I love that!

Botanical gardens - a large park perfect for picnics with a tropical greenhouse with an old bear pit, no real bears these days only a bronze replica.