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The Sheff

Drake-backed fried chicken brand Dave’s Hot Chicken confirms Sheffield opening date

Can you handle the heat?

Clementine Hall - 2nd February 2026

The huge LA-based fried chicken brand backed by Drake is heading to Sheffield for the very first time this year.

Get ready Sheffield, because Dave’s Hot Chicken is set to open in the the old Ask Italian site on Cambridge Street on Friday 20 February.

Dave’s Hot Chicken is famed for its signature Nashville-style hot chicken, which is served in seven different spice levels from No Spice to Reaper.

Expect sliders, tenders, ‘next-level’ top-loaded shakes and slushes.

Images: The Manc Group

Images: The Manc Group

The 'Reaper' is so hot that you even have to sign a waiver before trying it, so that's when you know its serious.

The brand has grown so quickly that in 2021, it caught the eye of none other than rapper Drake, who is a ‘significant investor’ in the brand.

The fast food chain currently has branches in Manchester, Birmingham, Stevenage and London, with this new Sheffield city centre restaurant set to continue their rapid growth.

Food from Dave's Hot Chicken. — Image: The Manc Group

Inside the new site on Cambridge Street, the interior will feature towering ceilings, exposed steelwork, and laser lights, claiming to be a ‘full-on sensory trip, where music, light and fried chicken will come together to create a high-voltage experience’.

There will also be custom graffiti inspired by L.A.-based street artists Splatterhaus and Dehm.

Dave’s Hot Chicken still has hour-long queues down in Manchester and London, several months after opening.

And this is just the start of a nationwide expansion.

So if you're brave enough to see just how hot Dave's chicken is, get yourself down there on Friday 20 February to check it our for yourselves. We'll see you there.

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Featured images - The Manc Group

The Sheff

Sheffield restaurant JÖRO has said it’s ‘incredibly proud’ after being awarded a coveted Michelin star

Clementine Hall

It's fantastic news for our city's food scene, as Restaurant JÖRO has been awarded a Michelin star.

Not only is it a huge triumph for JÖRO, but it is also a massive win for Sheffield as the award breaks a decade-long drought.

Often hailed as the city's best restaurant, JÖRO is run by husband-and-wife team Luke French and Stacey Sherwood.

Born in December 2016 in Sheffield's ultra trendy Kelham Island area, JÖRO (which is Old Norse for 'earth') quickly became the city’s first Michelin Bib Gourmand before then collecting three AA Rosettes and an entry in the 2025 Michelin Guide.

It is loved by critics all over the country, so it's safe to say this Michelin star is absolutely well and truly deserved.

The space has just 11 tables, and their food is focused on top ingredients, purity and locality.

The space is light and airy, no dress code necessary with an inviting open kitchen that entices you to sneak a peek.

But, don't just take our word for it. Here's what the guide has to say: "JÖRO’s relocation to this 300-year-old former mill on the edge of Sheffield has certainly been a labour of love. The building has been smartly converted, with bedrooms available upstairs and an open kitchen in the dining room.

"The cooking is pure and occasionally playful, with the quality ingredients treated with respect and understanding. Just take the Vale of Mowbray hogget, for example, enhanced by a mint-tinged lamb jus, a bright tomato and chipotle cream, and a vibrant caponata.

"The excellent service is a real team effort, with every person brimming with enthusiasm."

A whole flood of love for JÖRO has been posted online, including that from the team themselves. Announcing the news to Instagram, they said: "Wow! We are absolutely thrilled to announce that JÖRO has been awarded One MICHELIN Star at last night's Michelin Guide ceremony.

"We are incredibly proud of this recognition and as we enter our 10th year, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our team’s success. Hard work makes the dream work."

A huge congratulations to Luke, Stacey and the team - we couldn't think of anywhere more deserving. Cheers to you!

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Featured image - JÖRO

The Sheff

Planning application submitted for new padel courts at Sheffield’s Steel City Stadium

Clementine Hall

A property specialist has submitted an application to build three padel courts on land at Steel City Stadium.

It seems the padel craze is never ending, as more padel courts could soon be landing in Sheffield.

Scarborough Group International (SGI) are looking to build the courts as part of the group's long-term investment into the stadium.

The three courts would sit on the same level as the stadium, giving padel players access to the toilets, cafe, changing facilities and the stadium's workspace community.

If the plans are approved, the courts are expected to be up and running by summer 2026.

Image: Scarborough Group International

Scott McCabe, Director at SGI, spoke about the application: “Submitting this planning application marks another important step in the ongoing evolution of Steel City Stadium.

"We have invested considerably in the Stadium over recent years, from delivering the grandstand to opening the new café and coworking lounge, and we are committed to ensuring this becomes a vibrant, inclusive and active place for the whole community.

“Padel is a sport that is growing at remarkable pace across the UK. If consent is granted, we stand ready to deliver these courts quickly and bring a much-needed new opportunity for participation, wellbeing and community connection to the Park.”

The application follows a huge period of investment by SGI into Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, to date they have invested a whopping £10 million into the stadium.

We'll keep you updated when we know more about the progress of the application. Game, set, padel!

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Featured image - Scarborough Group International