Updated: Aug 9
Written by Ali, a co-worker at Union St.
Sheffield may be blessed with green space and great pubs, but finding this perfect union in our city centre is a trickier affair. Worry not. Union St co-workers have years of experience in summertime drinking. They’ve put in the hard yards to bring you this after-work suntrap guide, with recommendations for every kind of outdoor drinker.
A note on the methodology: we’re using the ring-road to draw the city centre boundaries, and ‘garden’ is optimistically defined as ‘any sort of outside space with seating’.
Read to the end for: results of the official Union St poll on Sheffield's best beer garden.
Booze with views: the best scenic spots in the city
Buzzy modern spots, with cocktails and spritzes, to watch our bit of the world go by.
With its tiled mosaic seating and deckchairs, Forum feels like sitting poolside when the sun comes out. The garden looks over Dev Green, with skaters, students and sunbathers all making use of the city centre’s biggest park.
You’ll like it if: being able to see grass is essential to your idea of a beer garden.
In the sunshine at 5pm? Yes – full sun!
Underrated despite – or maybe because of – its attachment to the food hall. Accessing it requires an odd combination of steps, lifts and Japanese whisky bars. But it’s worth the effort. Honourable mention to Kapital’s sunny garden here too, just next door.
You’ll like it if: you’re after more than crisps to pair with your drink.
In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.
Okay, so it’s not within the ring road, but we make the rules here and it’s just a two minute walk from the station. Besides, as Union St co-worker Nick says, it “really is a great outdoor drinking space” with easily the best views of the skyline from its sprawling terrace. An award-winning cocktail list too.
You’ll like it if: you used to live in London.
In the sunshine at 5pm? Yes – full sun!
Proper pubs with proper picnic tables
And real ale, for real drinkers. These gardens shoulder the hardy, cigarette-smoking men and women of our city through the cruel winter months. Sunshine is a mere bonus.
A shaded little courtyard attached to what is perhaps the city’s most celebrated boozer. Feels like a pub frozen in time, and that’s no bad thing at all. The food is a notch above too – don’t miss the Rutty Butty. “Nice and shady in the heat”, as Union St member Bella puts it.
You’ll like it if: you think no pub built post-1930 is worth your time.
In the sunshine at 5pm? No.
A truly glorious high-walled garden, with a hodge-podge selection of seating and potted plants. A little further from the true centre of town, but can easily be combined with some excellent Kelham Island beer gardens too.
You’ll like it if: Cobbled courtyards are your manna from heaven.
In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.
It’s a car park. With a few old picnic tables in it. But it’s a car park attached to one of the best pubs in the city, on one corner of the Irish triangle pub crawl, alongside Fagan’s and The Dog and Partridge. Cash-only, come prepared.
You’ll like it if: you like saying ‘cash is king’.
In the sunshine at 5pm? Yes!
Offbeat, industrial yards with craft beer
Did you know Sheffield has more breweries per head than any other UK city? Here’s where to head in the centre for some post-industrial chic.
Brewery and taproom specialising in gluten-free beers, and vegan beers too – though they’re happy to indulge carnivores too by serving up excellent smash burgers.
Co-worker Ryan says: “nice green space, heat lamps for when it’s a little chillier and has gradually built up over time.” Continue into the night at Sidney and Matilda, just around the corner.
You’ll like it if: you wouldn’t dream of ordering a Madri.
In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.
Located on the promisingly named Garden Street, Perch is the tap room of Dead Parrot brewery. There’s a pleasant courtyard, with shaded and suntrap seating – and the occasional BBQ. Ideally located near Fagan’s, The Three Tuns and Butler’s curry house.
You’ll like it if: you’re on a pre-curry pub crawl.
In the sunshine at 5pm? Partially.
So what’s the very best beer garden in Sheffield?
The Union St drinkers put it to a poll, and the winner was Shakespeare’s thanks to its brilliant courtyard. The Rutland Arms and Triple Point both came a close second.
Still thirsty for more? Our friends at The Tribune have their own best beer gardens list.
Union Street co-workers often head for a pint – and sometimes a fair few more – after work, and everyone is invited. If you’re tired of working from home alone, why not book a call with Matt to find out more about co-working with us?
