A cafe in Sheffield has addressed the burglars who broke into the business this week, in a surprisingly light-hearted statement.
Birdhouse Tea Co. seems to be looking on the bright side of the break-in, which saw the criminals make off with the staff's cash tip as well as some 'interesting choices from the bar'.
In a statement shared online, the beloved cafe described the burglary as bring like 'something out of Home Alone', describing the CCTV that caught one of the criminals falling through a mop bucket.
They also wrote that their choice of alcohol to steal - pink gin, Aperol, and Chambord - had them thinking they'd 'been robbed by Gemma Collins on her way to bottomless brunch'.
Birdhouse has passed the CCTV over to the police in the hopes that the crew will be caught, assuring followers that they have 'beautifully clear footage of all the silly sausages involved'.
Their full statement said: "Sadly, we were broken into last night, and they got away with the staff cash tips, along with some interesting choices from the bar
"Out of all the booze they could have taken, they left with Pink gin, Aperol and Chambord.
"If I hadn’t watched the CCTV footage (yes, you silly sausages… we have cameras inside and outside, so turning one around achieved absolutely nothing) of a bloke carrying them out, I’d have assumed we’d been robbed by Gemma Collins on her way to a bottomless brunch.
"Hope they enjoy drinking warm Aperol straight from the bottle. Some crimes really do punish themselves.
"Police have been informed, and we’ve handed over some beautifully clear footage of all the silly sausages involved, including the chap who pressed his face right up against the window while his mate tried to climb through another one by standing on a mop bucket which immediately collapsed under him it’s giving Harry & Marv from Home Alone tbh.
"Thankfully, there’s very little damage, so it’s business as usual today. And don’t worry, we’re professionals. We have emergency backup Aperol.
"Half price Aperol Spritz today with every vajazzle."
Plans are now advancing to transform the former ski village site at Parkwood Springs into a major new leisure development.
Skyline Enterprises is a New Zealand-based sector leader in adventure tourism, and they're now setting their sights on Sheffield.
A strategic framework how now been agreed upon with Sheffield City Council, establishing a shared plan to revive the long-derelict site, which sits one mile north of Sheffield city centre.
The proposed development would bring forward a landmark visitor destination for the city and be delivered in multiple phases.
The final mix of attractions is still being confirmed, the first phase would include Skyline’s signature gravity-fed downhill karting attraction (Luge), alongside a family playground, food and beverage offering, and the indoor attraction ‘Beat the Storm’.
A zipline and surf wave experience remain key elements of the site’s longer-term vision, while dry ski slopes are also being explored.
A public consultation is expected to launch in September, providing local residents the opportunity to learn more about the proposals and provide feedback ahead of planning application submission.
Geoff McDonald, CEO of Skyline Enterprises, said: “Sheffield is seen as the ideal city for our next UK development. Our adventure and experience brand aligns perfectly with Sheffield’s renowned ‘Outdoor City’ ethos.”
“We know that Parkwood Springs has been a challenging site to bring forward over the years, but with strong support from Sheffield City Council and an experienced project team on board, the pieces are now in place to deliver something truly special for the city. The scheme would enhance Sheffield’s visitor appeal, stimulate the local economy and create permanent jobs.”
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Our plans to transform Parkwood Springs into a vibrant and thriving area of the city are continuing to move forward, and Skyline’s plans for the old Ski Village site remain a focal point of the work we are doing.”
“The site has had many false starts over the years, but I am now delighted to see the latest proposed details for their facility. Alongside the wider investment into Parkwood Springs, this project has the potential to create jobs, boost tourism and support economic growth, while providing a new attraction for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
Sheffield’s beloved Baker’s Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site
Thomas Melia
Tried and trusted Sheffield indie spot Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site and potentially dropping its "micro-bakery" title.
Opening just three years ago, Baker's Yard has become a sweet-treat staple in its Sheffield neighbourhood, Kelham Island, so much so, the owners have taken to social media to announce some very big plans.
Known for keeping Kelham Island visitors satisfied with their key lime pie and cheesecakes to loaves of bread and freshly baked pastries, now Baker's Yard is expected to continue doing so on a larger scale.
After putting out a call-out post earlier this month to recruit more front of house team members, the bakery waited just one more week before sharing its latest news.
What was once a "micro-bakery" is now about to undergo a particularly large transformation, as revealed in a new announcement via social media by the Baker's Yard team: "Our bakery is growing, into next door!"
Explaining this decision in further detail, the Kelham Island hotspot has said: "You can expect a greater variety of bakes, breads, pastries and cakes, including bespoke celebration and wedding cakes".
Already known for their bakery and coffee shop-hybrid, as well as the bespoke cake services they offer too, now Baker's Yard are covering all bases with an all-new venture.
Life just got a whole lot sweeter, as you'll be able to get your Baker's Yard fix all-day-long with the arrival of a restaurant, with the team promising, "Baker's Yard Bistro, a French inspired neighbourhood eatery" later down the line.
This year has been nothing but positive for this independent Sheffield business, as back in March Baker's Yard found itself included in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Bakeries in the UK - Huge congrats.
Sheffield's beloved Baker's Yard is expanding its Kelham Island site / Credit: The Sheff
Anyone up for sampling some sweet treats or savoury selections that Baker's Yard has to offer can currently find them at 1 Baker's Yard, Sheffield (and very soon 2 Baker's Yard too) or online HERE - Good luck guys.
Daisy Jackson -
1st August 2026 
