The talented team behind two of Sheffield's best eateries have opened a restaurant in the city centre.
And it'll come as no surprise to you that it's absolutely class.
When it was announced last year that the masterminds behind Bench and The Pearl, two award-winning Sheffield venues, were setting their sights on opening an Italian trattoria in the city centre we couldn't believe our luck.
Maria, located on Wellington Street in the new heart of the city development, is a homage to owner Ronnie's grandmother and a nod to his southern Italian heritage.
Images: The Sheff
It's a space unlike anything in the city, a small but perfectly-formed space complete with counter dining where you can watch the magic happen.
And magic really is happening, because the food is nothing short of brilliant.
They're cooking up Sicilian-inspired dishes made using Yorkshire produce, like the tortellini in brodo with Yorkshire ham from Swaledale Butchers in Skipton.
Images: The Sheff
They're making their own focaccia daily, in fact our portion was cooked just twenty minutes prior to it being served to us, still steaming and utterly delicious.
There's a special selection of 'before you wait' cocktails on the list, with £5 negronis and dirty martinis that remain that price throughout the day. This is something more restaurants need to be doing, please.
You could come here and get a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta on your lunch break, or you could get comfy and indulge in three or four courses with a few cocktails. Either way, you'll be leaving very happy.
Images: The Sheff
This is elevated dining in a cosy, neighbourhood setting. Even the tiny touches have been thought of, including tiny bowls of Maldon salt on each table in case you need an extra sprinkling.
They're yet to open their bookings due to awaiting approval from the council, but for now you can pop by Maria to sample their preview menu and they'll welcome you in with open arms.
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.
Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at a pub in Sheffield
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at a pub in Sheffield this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.
The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.
On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”
Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including one in Sheffield, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.
He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”
The chosen pub in Sheffield is The Hallamshire House, a lovely old boozer serving real ale in Crookesmoor.
Announcing the news to social media, Channel 4 and Joe Lycett wrote: "Take this as your excuse to drop what you’re doing, call a mate, and head to your local pub. Even if you see this during the middle of a working day. Go. Be free."
Well, you certainly don't have to tell us twice.
Some pubs have even agreed to match the offer, commenting on the post: “Thank you so much for the shout out. Next time you find yourself nearby, pop in for a pint!”
So this Friday, get your friends together and have a free pint on Joe Lycett himself - you know you want to.
Clementine Hall -
20th March 2026 
