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Five of the best new openings in Sheffield recently – from cookie kiosks to Italian trattorias

Gosh we're lucky.

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall - 13th August 2026

It's been an absolutely belting year for new openings in Sheffield, and we're only just getting started.

We don't know about you guys, but we think Sheffield is really thriving with all it has to offer at the moment. And trust us, that's a lot.

We've had some cracking spots arrive in the city so far this year, and if you haven't visited them then we urge you to check them out pretty pronto.

But first, allow us to tell you all about them...

Maria

4 Wellington St, Sheffield, S1 4HD

Images: The Sheff

The talented team behind Bench and The Pearl opened up this beautiful restaurant in the city centre back in March, and it'll come as no surprise to you that it's absolutely class.

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. 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.

They're cooking up Sicilian-inspired dishes made using Yorkshire produce, like the tortellini in brodo with Yorkshire ham from Swaledale Butchers in Skipton.

Read more: Inside Sheffield’s newest Italian trattoria from the team behind The Pearl and Bench

Cats

465 Glossop Rd, S10 2QE⁠

Images: The Sheff

Just opened in Broomhill, Cats is a Catalonian-inspired bar serving speciality beer and wine imported from France rubber-stamped by a Michelin chef.

The vibe is immaculate, as are the team and obviously the drinks. We reckon this is fast going to be our new favourite drinking spot.

Read more: Inside Cats – the new Catalonian-inspired café and bar that’s just opened in Sheffield

Gooey

Meadowhall, Upper Floor opposite Sephora, S9 1EP

Images: The Sheff

Manchester’s beloved bakery, Gooey, has opened a gorgeous kiosk inside Meadowhall and we’re utterly obsessed.

They’ve brought their thick cookies, pillowy doughnuts and fabulous drink creations (hello French toast matcha) to Sheffield and it’s the perfect mid-shopping fuel.

Memory Dance

21 Chapel Walk, S1 2PD

Images: The Sheff

There’s a brand-new space that’s just opened on Chapel Walk, celebrating Sheffield in a truly unique way. From vinyl records and exhibitions to immersive cinematic experiences, it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the city’s rich creative heritage.

JD Sports

Meadowhall, S9 1EP

Images: The Sheff

High street sportswear and footwear giant JD Sports has officially unveiled its brand-new superstore at Meadowhall, and it’s safe to say they’ve pulled out all the stops.

Packed with the latest trainers, streetwear, and all your favourite clothing brands under one roof, this new store is a must-visit if you’re planning your next shopping spree.

Read more: Inside Sheffield’s new supersize JD Sports Store that has just opened in Meadowhall

Featured images - The Sheff

News

Leeds United’s Anton Stach has launched his very own burger at a local indie – and it’s all for a good cause

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

If it's good enough for Anton Stach, then it's good enough for us.

Well, it really is the signing that nobody saw coming...and it’s happening right opposite the station.

Meat:Stack, the Newcastle-born, award-winning burger joint on Bishopgate Street in Leeds, is giving the people what they want - a burger with Anton Stach’s name on it.

Introducing ‘The Moustachi Burger', officially launching Tuesday 18 August where Anton Stach himself will be down at Meat:Stack to meet United fans, sign autographs and, of course, tuck into his very own creation. 

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Even better, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Elhadj Diouf Foundation (EDF), a charity chosen by Stach that supports children through education.

Not only that, but it's a great opportunity to support Meat:Stack that has been suffering from the ongoing road works for months on end now.

So really, you've got no excuse to come down and tuck into the special which will be available through the opening weeks of the season.

Anton Stach, Leeds United and Germany midfielder, added: “Leeds has felt like home from very early on, and a lot of that is the people and the places around the ground, the businesses fans go to before and after a game. Meat:Stack is one of them, and they’ve had a hard time with the building work on their doorstep. The Moustachi Burger is a lovely nod to my YouTube channel too.

"This is a team on the rise in a city on the comeback, and support has to go both ways. I wanted to back a business Leeds fans care about and raising money for a foundation my family has given so much to at the same time means everything. I’ll be there on the 18th, bring your appetite.”

Read more: Independent Leeds coffee shop crowned one of the UK’s best for 2026

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

News

Jacqueline Wilson and Gyles Brandreth among big names announced for Ilkley Literature Festival 2026

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

The north’s longest-running literary festival, Ilkley Literature Festival, has announced its 2026 line-up.

This year, a host of household names including politicians, national treasures, journalists, novelists, poets, historians, comedians, and academics will head to the quaint spa town of Ilkley for their annual literaty festival.

The festival will take place across 17 packed days from Friday 2 to Sunday 18 October 2026.

Andrew Davies, the maestro of literary adaptations such as House of Cards and Bridget Jones will open the festival, having finally turned his razor sharp pen on the most challenging subject of all: himself, with his memoir, An Unsuitable Boy.

Elsewhere, actress Rachael Stirling will be talking about her exceptional mother, Diana Rigg – icon of stage and screen and the subject of a new memoir, whilst Mark Foster, five-time Olympian, six-time World Champion and eight-time World Record holder, will be discussing his inspiring and moving memoir, My Double.

Image: Supplied

Poetry lovers can spend an evening with the Poet laureate, Simon Armitage, as he reads from his new translation of Gilgamesh, whilst much-loved poet Brian Bilston will take you on a whistle stop tour through the history of verse, reading from his new collection How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth will discussing the secrets for a long and healthy life, whilst icon Dame Jacqueline Wilson will introducing her brand-new book, Esme Pepper, and talking about her career, writing over 120 books for children.

Erica Morris, Chief Executive of Word Up North, the producer of Ilkley Literature Festival, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming some of today’s most exceptional writers, thinkers and entertainers to Yorkshire this autumn. The festival has been encouraging curiosity, open dialogues and a shared love of words for over half a century.

"This year, as part of the National Year of Reading, we’re putting readers at the heart of the programme with a series of book club-style events - Page Turners Classic Fiction Club - celebrating some of the most compelling novels ever written from Wuthering Heights to The Wasp Factory. From dedicated fans to first-time readers, you can be sure of a warm Yorkshire welcome at Ilkley Literature Festival.”

Tickets go on general sale on Tuesday 25 August, with priority bookings open for Friends of the Festival a week before, on Wednesday 19 August. You can view the full lineup for the Ilkley Literature Festival and book your tickets here.

Read more: Facial fitness brand loved by celebrities to open second standalone store outside of London in Leeds

Featured image - Supplied


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