An independent beer shop that's been operating in Sheffield for more than a decade has announced its closure.
Beer Central has been keeping our city stocked with great beers from local breweries and beyond for years, operating a tiny shop at The Moor market.
While ownership switched last year, with Megan Lindop and Ross Lindsay taking over the reins from Sean Clarke, the heart of Beer Central was unchanged - proper northern beers, European bottles, and fantastic wines.
But now the pair have decided, after 'a lot of reflection and sleepless nights', to cease trading.
They wrote in a heartbreaking statement that it's been a 'genuine privilege' to run Beer Central, but that the reality of running a small business in the current economic climate has become too difficult.
Beer Central posted: "This decision has not been made lightly, and it carries a lot of sadness. What we will always be proud of is the community that formed around Beer Central."
Signing off this 'incredibly special' chapter, their statement finished: ""We may be closing, but the memories, friendships and community it created will stand everlasting. Thank you for being part of an institution."
Dozens of people have left messages of support for Beer Central, including Duration Brewing, who commented: "it’s just so tough out there. Sorry to hear and all the best for the future."
Beer Central has announced its closureBeer Central operates in The Moor market
Someone else posted: "This is so sad to hear. You were always my must visit place whenever I came to Sheffield. Will miss browsing the wonderful selection."
Another comment reads: "Gutted to read this. Always friendly staff and great selection of beers. All the best for the future x."
Beer Central's full statement reads: "This is one of the hardest things we've ever had to write.
"After a lot of reflection, sleepless nights, and some incredibly difficult decisions, we've had to accept that Beer Central has come to the end of its journey and will now cease trading.
"After continuing Sean's legacy back in September 2025, we have been truly honoured to be part of such an incredible beer community in Sheffield. Being trusted with a place that meant so much to so many has been a genuine privilege, and something we will always be proud of.
"Unfortunately, the reality of running a small independent business has become increasingly difficult, and a number of factors have brought us to a point where continuing is no longer possible. This decision has not been made lightly, and it carries a lot of sadness. What we will always be proud of is the community that formed around Beer Central.
"To staff - past and present - your contributions and hard work helped make Beer Central an institution. To our loyal customers who continued to buy from us and build those huge saves boxes with us - thank you. Your support means the world.
"To Sean - it was an honour to carry on something you worked so hard to build, that became so prominent in a thriving beer community, albeit for a short period of time.
"Beer Central has always been more than just a bottle shop. It's been a meeting place, a community hub, and a space where people who love great beer could come together. Being part of that has been incredibly special to us.
"We may be closing, but the memories, friendships and community it created will stand everlasting. Thank you for being part of an institution x."
Tonco has been part of Sheffield’s food scene for years now, and its Sharrow Vale home is still going strong.
There’s something very satisfying about finding a place that basically does everything you need. Need a coffee? Fancy some lunch? Have to pick up some bits for dinner? Well... welcome to Tonco Bakery in Sharrow Vale.
On Sharrow Vale Road, Tonco is a bakery, cafe, and greengrocer all under one roof, making it one of those neighbourhood spots you could very easily find yourself popping into every week.
But the Tonco story actually started somewhere else. Before there was a bakery, there was the restaurant.
Tonco first arrived in Sheffield in 2019, opening its first permanent home in Dyson Place, just off Sharrow Vale Road. It quickly built up a loyal following thanks to its seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients, and ever-changing dishes.
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: The Manc Group
The restaurant became a bit of a favourite among Sheffield foodies, while also helping bring more attention to the independent businesses around Dyson Place. Then, in 2022, Tonco expanded into the bakery world, taking over the former Seven Hills Bakery site on Sharrow Vale Road.
The bakery had already been a familiar face in the area, but the Tonco team gave the space a new lease of life, eventually turning it into the bakery, café and greengrocer it is today.
The original Tonco restaurant sadly closed its doors in 2024, with rising costs and rent making things increasingly difficult for the independent business.
But that wasn’t the end, as instead, the bakery has carried the name forward. Today, you’ll find fresh bread and bakes being made in-house, alongside a seasonal cafe menu and shelves packed with fresh fruit, vegetables, and other ingredients. And obviously, we had to try a few things ourselves.
We tucked into the flatbread lamb kofta, the all-day smorgasbord, and a couple of pastries for good measure, including the tahini pain au chocolate.
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: The Manc Group
What makes Tonco stand out, though, is that it doesn’t really feel like you need a reason to visit. You can grab a coffee, sit down for breakfast, meet a mate for lunch, pick up some bread for home, or do your weekly shop while you’re there. It’s very much a 'pop in for one thing and somehow leave with five' kind of place.
After years of being part of Sheffield’s independent food scene, it’s good to see Tonco still going strong, just in a slightly different form.
So, if you’re heading through Sharrow Vale and haven’t been yet, consider this your sign. Just remember to leave some room in the shopping bag.
Featured Image - The Manc Group
The Sheff
Sheffield put on official flood alert by Environment Agency as torrential rain hits city
Clementine Hall
After months of dry weather, heavy rain has fallen on Sheffield raising concerns.
If you're out and about today, we hope you've got a rain coat and umbrella with you.
Because after what seems like months of nonstop hot and dry weather, the flood gates have well and truly opened on Sheffield.
So much so that experts at the Environment Agency have issued flood alerts for nine areas in and around Sheffield.
The flood alert includes Blackburn Brook, the Lower River Rother, the Porter Brook Catchment the River Doe Lea catchment, the River Holme Catchment, the River Sheaf Catchment, the Upper River Don catchment, the Upper River Rother catchment and the Whiston Brook catchment.
Image: Environment Agency
The alert states: "Rising river levels today may lead to flooding. Flooding is possible on August 27 2026 due to the heavy and thundery downpours expected today.
“Locations most affected will be low lying land and roads near rivers. We are closely monitoring the situation as river levels may rise suddenly and cause surface water flooding.
“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.”
Maps gave been issued by the agency that show the areas covered by the alert, including land near the Don and parts of Kelham Island, Hillsborough College, Hillsborough Stadium close to Penistone Road and land near Holme Lane and Rivelin Valley Road.
The alert comes as The Met Office states: “A broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving in the afternoon and evening. Accumulations of 20-30 mm in an hour is possible locally, while 30 to 40 mm can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period in places."
Daisy Jackson -
10th March 2026 
