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.
Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure has officially been confirmed as the new chairman of the oldest football team in the world, Sheffield FC.
He might be a die-hard Wednesday fan, but given the turbulence his lifelong club have been through over the past couple of years, maybe this is the start of a new love affair.
Sheffield FC had teased that important news was coming soon earlier this month, simply writing on socials: "Not long until we can tell all. We’ve been sitting on something big."
As it turns out, the news is that one of the Steel City's most famous and beloved sons is now part of the club's new ownership structure. McClure quickly took to social media to help join in with the announcement as well.
The veteran indie frontman and Day Fever co-founder has continued to branch out from solely music-related ventures, having gone into business not only with multiple names for the smash hit afternoon-into-early evening music festival, but also joining forces with a fellow Sheffielder.
Since November of last year, Jon's has often appeared alongside his brother Chris, who plays the comedy character of 'Steve Bracknall' on the Game's Gone podcast.
A bit like Yorkshire's answer to Alan Partridge, there remains a sporting throughline in pretty much all of the 44-year-old's career at the moment - now so more than ever.
Speaking online, McClure said: "What am I doing at the world’s oldest football club, you ask? Well, meet the new chairman of Sheffield FC.
"Our vision is that we honour the club’s roots and pay homage to its incredible history, whilst restoring it to its former glory." He's already been making his presence known around their home ground.
— Sheffield Football Club (@sheffieldfc) March 3, 2026
While some are still looking for updates on the plans to bring the historic outfit back closer to Sheffield proper - the non-league club currently playing at The Home of Football Stadium in Dronfield, Derbyshire - this fresh start for the now oft-neglected native minnows has still sparked some excitement.
At present, 'The Ancients' are in the process of developing a new 5,000-seater arena at the old Sheffield Transport Sports Club site in Meadowhead, which was initially slated to open this year.
But as for the musician, he went on to add that "There’s a lot to be done, but we’re ready to get stuck in and give Sheffield FC the love it deserves"; McClure and co. have dubbed this "a new chapter" for "the first in the world", and the update will no doubt bring some fresh hope to the organisation.
What do you make of the announcement, and is a local figure like Reverend and the Makers' Jon McClure the right person to help take over this community cornerstone and national institution?
Featured Images — Sheffield FC/Reverend and the Makers
Sheffield
Iconic Sheffield music venue The Leadmill launches Crowdfunder to secure a permanent new space
Clementine Hall
The Leadmill has launched a relocation Crowdfunder after leaving its original home.
You may remember last year the trials and tribulations The Leadmill endured to try stay on Eyre Street where it had been stood since 1980.
From absolutely legendary gigs to unforgettable moments, The Leadmill provided some of the best nights in Sheffield for over 45 years, before the team unfortunately had to vacate the premises.
There is now hope though, as The Leadmill has set up a Crowdfunder and is asking the people of Sheffield to help hit a £30,000 goal to relocate to a new premises.
You can donate as little or as much as you’re able to, and all donations will go towards securing a new venue, building infrastructure, ensuring full accessibility, and even preserving the legendary neon sign.
Posting to their social media, The Leadmill wrote: "Following the departure from our original home, we’re working towards securing a new permanent venue - a space where The Leadmill can continue to grow and bring people together.
"We’re still presenting live music, comedy, club nights, cinema and talks, in various other venues but what we’re wanting to build now is our long-term future. To help make that happen, we’ve launched a public crowdfunding campaign which you can access using the link in our bio.
"This isn’t about starting over from scratch. It’s about continuing something that matters to people. If The Leadmill has ever meant something to you, we’d love you to be part of what comes next.
"Whether you’re able to donate, share the campaign, or simply send support we really appreciate the help and will not forget it. With love always, Team Leadmill ❤️"
If you want to bring The Leadmill back just as much as we do, you can donate here.
Sophie Smith -
15th November 2023 
