Christmas is fast approaching, and for those looking for a unique stay in the Steel City, there's plenty to get you in the festive spirit.
From hotel stays to afternoon teas and where to spend Christmas Day without the washing up, we've got you covered...
Where to stay
Image: Supplied
Halifax Hall offers the perfect escape from the bustle of city life but still just moments from quaint cafes and food spots in Sheffield.
The boutique hotel has 38 bedrooms, including three suites and two accessible rooms, all with 100% Egyptian cotton linen, free Wi-Fi, luxurious robes and complimentary Noble Isle toiletries.
There's a selection of room sizes to suit all adventures into the Steel City. From twin, double and executive suites to family rooms, and the team are always available for queries about big groups or any additional requirements you might have for your stay.
Location-wise, you're a ten minute drive from the heart of the city, with close access to Eccy Road, Sheffield Botanical Garden and local hospitals, so regardless of your need to visit Sheffield, there's plenty to access within close walking distance.
Throughout the festive period,Halifax Hallwill host a range of Christmas Dinner options, including exclusive use of the private dining room for those wanting to celebrate with a formal meal, and a Wreath Making Class for those looking to unleash their inner creative whilst tucking into hand-picked afternoon tea favourites.
Food and Drink
Image: Supplied
Even Christmas Dinner is available fromHalifax Hall, so when the big day does roll around, you don't have to leave your boutique staycation to enjoy a festive feast.
Naturally there's everything you'd expect from a turkey dinner, but there's plenty of additional options for those with dietary requirements or who just fancy something a little different this year.
Think curried crab and mango salad; twice baked Comte cheese soufflé or red pepper and sun blush tomato to start with before tucking into a roast turkey crown, Sirloin of grass-fed Yorkshire beef, field mushroom and spinach Tian or pan roast Salmon fillet for the main course. Served with braised and lightly pickled spiced red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, maple roasted parsnips, carrots, sprouts and Yorkshire puds, this is a true festive feast.
Image: Supplied
There's sweet treats aplenty to finish off the remaining courses too. Expect classic Christmas puddings with brandy, as well as glazed lemon tart, Bullion chocolate pudding trifle and a full board of Yorkshire cheeses, pickles and chutneys, served with a glass of Port.
The marshmallow jar is open for those craving something sweet with a cuppa too - this really promises to be a Christmas Day meal that leaves you stuffed to the brim.
Leading up to Christmas Day itself, there's alternative Christmas lunch and dinner menus served inside private dining rooms within Halifax Hall - perfect for an office get together before breaking up for the holidays.
Plus, a Festive Afternoon Tea for those wanting to wine and dine in an alternative setting. Expect finger sandwiches like turkey and cranberry; mature cheese and chutney or roast carvery ham and cherry tomato, as well as mini goat's cheese tarts, pistachio macarons and mini mince pies.
If you're looking for somewhere closer to the SU, INOX on Durham Road plans to host a huge Christmas menu with similar menus to Halifax Hall offered throughout the festive period.
Events
On Sunday 3 December, Halifax Hall will be collaborating with Bloom Sheffield to bring a special one-off Wreath Making Class to Sheffield. Start the morning learning about the intricacies of making your very own wreath, and once you've created your masterpiece to take home with you, tuck into an indulgent afternoon tea, with items hand-picked by the chefs.
Tickets cost £60 each and are available on the Halifax Hall website here.
There will also be a Festive Evening with Joe Berry, Master Chef of Great Britain at INOX on Sunday 25 November where guests are invited to celebrate the Christmas season with a true feast.
Tickets cost £90 each and include a welcome drink as well as a specially paired wine flight.
And the best part is, you're invited to it all. Regardless of whether you're a student at the University of Sheffield or not.
Tonco has been part of Sheffield’s food scene for years now, and its Sharrow Vale home is still going strong.
There’s something very satisfying about finding a place that basically does everything you need. Need a coffee? Fancy some lunch? Have to pick up some bits for dinner? Well... welcome to Tonco Bakery in Sharrow Vale.
On Sharrow Vale Road, Tonco is a bakery, cafe, and greengrocer all under one roof, making it one of those neighbourhood spots you could very easily find yourself popping into every week.
But the Tonco story actually started somewhere else. Before there was a bakery, there was the restaurant.
Tonco first arrived in Sheffield in 2019, opening its first permanent home in Dyson Place, just off Sharrow Vale Road. It quickly built up a loyal following thanks to its seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and ever-changing dishes.
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: The Manc Group
The restaurant became a bit of a favourite among Sheffield foodies, while also helping bring more attention to the independent businesses around Dyson Place. Then, in 2022, Tonco expanded into the bakery world, taking over the former Seven Hills Bakery site on Sharrow Vale Road.
The bakery had already been a familiar face in the area, but the Tonco team gave the space a new lease of life, eventually turning it into the bakery, café and greengrocer it is today.
The original Tonco restaurant sadly closed its doors in 2024, with rising costs and rent making things increasingly difficult for the independent business.
But that wasn’t the end, as instead, the bakery has carried the name forward. Today, you’ll find fresh bread and bakes being made in-house, alongside a seasonal cafe menu and shelves packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other ingredients. And obviously, we had to try a few things ourselves.
We tucked into the flatbread lamb kofta, the all-day smorgasbord, and a couple of pastries for good measure, including the tahini pain au chocolate.
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: The Manc Group
What makes Tonco stand out, though, is that it doesn’t really feel like you need a reason to visit. You can grab a coffee, sit down for breakfast, meet a mate for lunch, pick up some bread for home, or do your weekly shop while you’re there. It’s very much a 'pop in for one thing and somehow leave with five' kind of place.
After years of being part of Sheffield’s independent food scene, it’s good to see Tonco still going strong, just in a slightly different form.
So, if you’re heading through Sharrow Vale and haven’t been yet, consider this your sign. Just remember to leave some room in the shopping bag.
Featured Image - The Manc Group
Sheffield
Sheffield put on official flood alert by Environment Agency as torrential rain hits city
Clementine Hall
After months of dry weather, heavy rain has fallen on Sheffield raising concerns.
If you're out and about today, we hope you've got a rain coat and umbrella with you.
Because after what seems like months of nonstop hot and dry weather, the flood gates have well and truly opened on Sheffield.
So much so that experts at the Environment Agency have issued flood alerts for nine areas in and around Sheffield.
The flood alert includes Blackburn Brook, the Lower River Rother, the Porter Brook Catchment the River Doe Lea catchment, the River Holme Catchment, the River Sheaf Catchment, the Upper River Don catchment, the Upper River Rother catchment and the Whiston Brook catchment.
Image: Environment Agency
The alert states: "Rising river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on August 27 2026 due to the heavy and thundery downpours expected today.
“Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. We are closely monitoring the situation as river levels may rise suddenly and cause surface water flooding.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.”
Maps gave been issued by the agency that show the areas covered by the alert, including land near the Don and parts of Kelham Island, Hillsborough College, Hillsborough Stadium close to Penistone Road and land near Holme Lane and Rivelin Valley Road.
The alert comes as The Met Office states: “A broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving in the afternoon and evening. Accumulations of 20-30 mm in an hour is possible locally, while 30 to 40 mm can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period in places."
Sophie Smith -
15th November 2023 
