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.
Whether it's coming home or not, we've rounded up five of the best pubs, bars and cultural hubs in our home for you to watch the World Cup.
After getting eliminated in the quarter-final four years ago at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the England team are back with a vengeance as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup across USA, Canada and Mexico.
Just like every football tournament, there's always high hopes for our lads, and rightly so as this team has won once, placed fourth twice and reached the quarter-final stage a whopping 7 times.
This time round, the football frenzy is kicking off right in the middle of the British Summertime, and weather-depending we'll be enjoying a crisp pint or two with the sun beaming on us.
Failing that, we're sure there's plenty of indoor room at these five Sheffield spots where we can comfortably watch the match, and maybe grab a bite to eat too.
Where are some of the best places to watch the World Cup in Sheffield?
Riverside
Images: The Sheff
Self-appointed 'Friendly local pub' Riverside is located in Kelham Island and is hosting matches throughout the pub and to ensure everyone gets a good seat, they're showing England games in their function room and courtyard too.
It's no surprise that this notable South Yorkshire watering hole is screening as many football games as they can, as it's recognised for hosting all sorts of activites including a Cowgirls and Cocktails night recently with painting, limbo and drinks.
Known for its iconic neon sign which adorns the side wall of the pub that overlooks its accompanying beer garden, this Sheffield pub is encouraging footy lovers to make bookings to avoid disappointment, although walk-ins where possible will be welcomed.
Cambridge Street Collective
Images: The Sheff
If you didn't know already, Cambridge Street Collective is Europe's largest purpose-built food hall with a variety of bars and some seriously tasty scran being served up by 20 diverse kitchens.
In case that wasn't enough to tempt you, it's launching some deals just in time for this football celebration with £10 entry securing you a nice seat and a pint valued up to £7.
There's even £5 Pravha an hour before England match kick-offs, live DJs to give the space a more fan zone-esque feel as well as a retro footy shirt pop-up on Sunday 14 June from 12pm to 4.30pm.
Kapital
Images: The Sheff
This 'promised land of European drinking and dining' is obviously getting involved in all the World Cup action with free entry and no bookings required.
This booze-filled institution is even giving away free pints of Paulaner for you to enjoy during England's first match against Croatia through the link in their bio.
After a beer? There's definitely no short supply as you can grab a one litre stein. Prefer a cocktail? You're in luck as this Sheffield pub is pouring frozen margs too.
Also joining in on the generosity with a giveaway is Neepsend Social, who are offering a free pint for you and a mate during any of the upcoming World Cup matches.
Although not much is listed about their plans for the World Cup, considering this social club is always running a variety of events, it's more than likely they're getting involved in showing the footy.
This venue is walk-in only and dog friendly, meaning you really can bring everyone you know including your friend's nan's dog - pawfect.
BOX Sheffield
Images: The Sheff
This designated sports bar is obviously making the most of the World Cup celebrations, even hosting an orchestra take-over at their London Piccadilly location playing iconic anthems.
All their sites across the UK are getting booked up fast, so if you're after watching England with a few pals here, it's better to get this booked sooner rather than later.
Not in the mood for football but still up for a party? Their Sheffield location has a couple of karaoke pods available to hire too - We're sure 'Three Lions' will be on the playlist regardless.
Viral Manchester bakery Gooey is opening in Sheffield this summer
Clementine Hall
Manchester’s beloved bakery and brunch spot Gooey is officially coming to Sheffield.
The bakery is famed for its chunky freshly-baked cookies, its pillow-soft doughnuts, and its sticky, icing-topped cinnamon rolls, as well as viral brunch dishes.
If you’ve spent any amount of time scrolling through social media over the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Gooey’s famous creations pop up on your feed.
From chunky cookies that barely fit in your hand to those picture-perfect egg sandos, the Manchester-born brand has become a go-to for sweet treats and brunch lovers alike.
Right now, Gooey operates two cafés in Manchester city centre, as well as three smaller kiosks dotted around the city for anyone needing a quick sugar fix on the go. There’s also a kiosk over in Liverpool, but the new Meadowhall opening marks another exciting step in the brand’s expansion outside its home city.
Images: The Manc Group
The first signs of the move appeared over the weekend, when Gooey’s unmistakable branding was spotted inside the shopping centre. Signage at the unit revealed that shoppers can expect all the favourites, including cookies, doughnuts, coffee, and matcha drinks.
The best part? There's not too long to wait.
The new Gooey Meadowhall site is set to open in summer 2026, meaning Sheffield residents will soon be able to get their hands on the bakery’s viral bakes without making the trip over the Pennines.
You’ll find the new store on the first floor of Meadowhall, above Mango and right next to Fraser Hart.
Safe to say, Sheffield’s bakery game is about to get a serious upgrade. We'll keep you updated with an opening date as and when we find out.
Sophie Smith -
15th November 2023 
