The talented team behind two of Sheffield's best eateries have opened a restaurant in the city centre.
And it'll come as no surprise to you that it's absolutely class.
When it was announced last year that the masterminds behind Bench and The Pearl, two award-winning Sheffield venues, were setting their sights on opening an Italian trattoria in the city centre we couldn't believe our luck.
Maria, located on Wellington Street in the new heart of the city development, is a homage to owner Ronnie's grandmother and a nod to his southern Italian heritage.
Images: The Sheff
It's a space unlike anything in the city, a small but perfectly-formed space complete with counter dining where you can watch the magic happen.
And magic really is happening, because the food is nothing short of brilliant.
They're cooking up Sicilian-inspired dishes made using Yorkshire produce, like the tortellini in brodo with Yorkshire ham from Swaledale Butchers in Skipton.
Images: The Sheff
They're making their own focaccia daily, in fact our portion was cooked just twenty minutes prior to it being served to us, still steaming and utterly delicious.
There's a special selection of 'before you wait' cocktails on the list, with £5 negronis and dirty martinis that remain that price throughout the day. This is something more restaurants need to be doing, please.
You could come here and get a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta on your lunch break, or you could get comfy and indulge in three or four courses with a few cocktails. Either way, you'll be leaving very happy.
Images: The Sheff
This is elevated dining in a cosy, neighbourhood setting. Even the tiny touches have been thought of, including tiny bowls of Maldon salt on each table in case you need an extra sprinkling.
They're yet to open their bookings due to awaiting approval from the council, but for now you can pop by Maria to sample their preview menu and they'll welcome you in with open arms.
The world's biggest podcast festival, Crossed Wires, continues its magnificent rise in just its third year.
It's safe to say that the festival has had its landmark year, with this year's independent economic assessment confirming the 2026 festival generated £6.65 million in total economic impact.
After doubling footfall to a whopping 50,000 attendees in 2026, the festival has further cemented its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing cultural festivals.Â
Alongside its strong local community roots, it may come as a surprise that just over half (52%) of festivalgoers travelled from outside of South Yorkshire, with 40% outside the UK North and Midlands.
Image: Supplied
It's amazing news for the festival which launched just three years ago and has rapidly evolved from an ambitious start-up festival into a nationally significant event.
South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard said:Â "When we backed Crossed Wires in its early days, we knew South Yorkshire had the talent, creativity and ambition to make something truly special. What's happened since has been incredible.
"Tens of thousands of people have come to our region, filling venues, supporting local businesses and bringing millions of pounds into our economy. That's good news for Sheffield and for our communities right across South Yorkshire."
Images: Supplied
Co-Founder Dino Sofos, said: “We’re delighted to see Crossed Wires become one of South Yorkshire’s biggest cultural events in just three years. There’s a real buzz around the festival, and reaching 50,000 attendees while generating over £6million for the local economy this year shows the scale of what we’ve created - and its potential to grow even further."
We can't wait to see the future of Crossed Wires festival, and we're already looking forward to the next instalment taking place from 1 - 4 July 2027. We'll see you there.
The Hillsborough butcher serving up seriously good pork sandwiches
Declan Kelly
If there’s one thing Sheffield knows how to do, it’s a pork sandwich.
And while there are plenty of places across the Steel City serving up the classic combo of pork, stuffing, apple sauce and that all-important crackling, there’s one Hillsborough butcher that deserves a bit more attention.
Say ey-up to F Funks, a proper old-school independent butcher where you go in for one thing and somehow end up eyeing up half the counter.
And if you’re hungry, the pork sandwich is the one to know about. We’re talking generous helpings of pork, proper crackling, and a breadcake that does exactly what it needs to do - no fancy brioche, no unnecessary toppings.
But what makes places like F Funks so good is that it feels like a proper part of the neighbourhood.
F Funks has been serving customers since 1890, meaning this isn’t some new food trend that’s suddenly appeared on Middlewood Road.
F Funks butchers in Sheffield. Credit: The Sheff
It’s not trying to be the next big food opening or become Sheffield’s newest Instagram hotspot. It’s simply doing what a good local butcher should do: selling quality meat, making cracking sandwiches, and keeping the regulars coming back.
Whether you’re a Hillsborough local, heading to Sheffield Wednesday, or simply fancy ditching the meal deal for something a little more substantial, F Funks is well worth knowing about.
Sheffield might have plenty of new food spots popping up every other week, but sometimes the best finds are the ones that have been quietly serving the locals for years.
You’re not just buying a sandwich, you're buying a proper bit of Sheffield food history.
Clementine Hall -
20th March 2026 
