A new study has named Sheffield as one of the best cities for independent bakeries.
If there's one thing we're good at in Sheffield, it's baking (and eating).
You really can't walk far in the city without stumbling upon a fantastic bakery, selling everything from fresh sourdough loaves and chewy cookies to plump donuts and flakey croissants.
Tonco Bakery on Sharrow Vale, Bakers Yard in Kelham, Forge Bakehouse on Abbeydale Road - we really are spoilt for choice, and that's only scratching the surface.
Images: The Sheff
And it's not just us who think so, as a new analysis from specialist insurer Hiscox discovered the leading cities in the UK for independent bakeries with Sheffield coming up trumps.
To identify the findings, Hiscox analysed OpenStreetMap bakery data and calculated the number of independent bakeries per 100,000 residents in each city.
The Steel City was found to have 12 independent bakeries per 100,000 residents, putting it level with Manchester and behind only Brighton, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The leading cities in the UK for independent bakeries are:
Brighton (22)
Newcastle (16)
Edinburgh (16)
Sheffield (12)
Manchester (12)
Bristol (9)
Glasgow (9)
Cardiff (8)
Bradford (8)
Belfast (7)
Nick Thornhill, Direct and Partnerships Director at Hiscox UK, says: "It's great to see independent bakeries flourishing across so many UK cities.  Whether it’s a fresh sourdough loaf on the way home or making a regular stop at a local bakery that’s become part of the community, consumers are increasingly seeking out high-quality, locally made products.
"However, strong demand is only part of the picture. As bakeries grow, owners also need to consider factors such as staffing, equipment, supply chains and cashflow management to ensure that growth is sustainable over the long term."
Sheffield has been shortlisted to be the UK City of Culture 2029.
It's great news for Sheffield, as the city has made it into the final four to be considered as the UK City of Culture for 2029.
Sheffield is included alongside Blackpool, Milton Keynes and Wrexham.
All four cities will now receive £125,000 to move forward with their bids, with £10 million going to the overall winner.
The title is currently held by Bradford, and is awarded every four years.
The brilliant news follows months of work by partners, cultural organisations, artists, communities, businesses and residents from across the city, who have come together behind a shared vision for Sheffield's cultural future.
Image: The Sheff
Sheffield's bid celebrates the city's rich industrial heritage and reputation as a place where creativity thrives.
The next step? Each shortlisted city will welcome the expert panel of judges and present their proposals, before the eventual winner of UK City of Culture 2029 is announced in early 2027
Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: "Being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029 is fantastic news for Sheffield and a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape our bid.
"Sheffield is a city built on creativity, innovation and community spirit. From our world-renowned music heritage and vibrant independent arts scene to our festivals, libraries, theatres, museums, galleries and grassroots creativity, culture is part of who we are.
"This recognition reflects the incredible talent, energy and ambition that exists across our city. We look forward to taking our bid to the next stage and continuing to showcase everything that makes Sheffield such a special place."
Surriya Falconer, Chair of Sheffield Culture Collective, said: "Sheffield has the expertise, capability and ambition to deliver a programme that engages and benefits all communities.
"Our city has immense cultural capital and a rich heritage spanning the full spectrum of creative endeavour, making a significant contribution to our economy, our wellbeing and the quality of our lives."
An all-you-can-eat pizza restaurant with no menu is opening in Sheffield this month
Clementine Hall
A restaurant where you can dive into unlimited pizza is opening in Sheffield very soon.
Like pizza? Then you're going to love this.
Introducing Slice Club, a brand-new restaurant concept that's opening in Sharrow Vale this month.
The idea has been 14 years in the making, and it's unlike anything you'll find in the city.
For £17.50 per person, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat pizza, with fresh pizzas circulating around the room and served straight to the table.
There’s no menu or individual ordering, you simply take what you fancy, and a light on the table lets the team know when you’d like to pause or have more.
Image: Slice Club
And it doesn't stop there as there’s no fixed sitting time, either. You simply eat until you're full and then the team will let the next group of hungry punters in, so you don't have to feel rushed.
Dips, drinks and desserts are extra and can be ordered separately.
As for the pizzas, there's plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available so nobody has to miss out on the slice action.
Teasing the opening on Instagram, The Slice Club said: "No choosing a pizza and regretting it when someone else’s turns up. We make them. We bring them round. You take what you fancy. Drinks and desserts work normally."
"You’ve watched the window go up. You’ve watched us get the place ready. Now, you can finally book a table. We’re bringing bottomless pizza to Sharrow Vale, with slices coming to you until you decide to hit pause."
Sounds like a pretty good concept if you ask us, and we don't have long to wait as The Slice Club will be opening on Sharrow Vale Road on Friday 30 October.
Bookings are now open, and you can book your table via their website here.
Clementine Hall -
5th October 2026 
