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June 2024. Sheffield.
Back in Sheffield from the cold, grim, South, we’re seeing a fresh spurt of regeneration in the centre of town.
The main pedestrian shopping street renewed, posh Scandinavian shops, even the Sam Smiths has found a new management couple.
But the Big Thing is Cambridge Street Collective, Europe’s BIGGEST purpose built food court.
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718382920397.jpg)
This may not be quite as big a claim as you think, as 99% of food courts are repurposing of meat markets, meat markets or meat markets.
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pxl_20240605_172744537.jpg?w=576)
But it’s certainly busy. I read 70,000 visitors in the first week, and packed two weeks in, which means a sizeable turnover at £15 an average dish and £6+ a pint.
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718382905503.jpg)
Really good food, too, including these excellent Palestinian dishes
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718382945589.jpg)
but it’s exciting beer you’re interested in, yeah, and beer lovers prepare to be delighted as,
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718382788695.jpg)
they have Madri, made by Spanish artisans in a nano brewery in Ye Olde Spain.
Or, if you’re more of a craft man (or woman, casual sexist), it’s Beavertown or Brew Dog.
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718382883144.jpg)
Ever one to support the underdog, I go for Wingman. At least it’s a clean glass.
I missed the hidden Abbeydale keg, apparently.
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718382971559.jpg)
Three levels, great view from the top over “new” Sheff, though perhaps the craft range leaves a little to be desired.
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718386826898.jpg)
Honestly, that’s it.
A soundtrack of Genesis and U2, and a toilet only allowing hand-holding couples.
![](https://retiredmartin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/wp-1718386868168.jpg)
It’s a formula that cannot fail.
There’s a bit of Abbeydale (Heresy/Heathen) on FYI at the downstairs bar, cunningly hidden by being nowhere near the rest of the taps. Mad old place tbf.
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Ah, missed that, cheers. Cutting edge stuff.
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ah Political food, brilliant. I’ve been avoiding the Grove in Huddersfield since they took it on themselves to be blatantly pro Ukraine. I just don’t care – give me good beer.
I don’t go to a pub to be bombarded by nationalist flags.
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I’d burn all flags too (apart from the CAMRA flag, obvs).
But in this case it’s just food. Made by Palestinians. Like the Korean food, made by Koreans.
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Indeed, Spinko. There seem to be a lot of red and white ones in quite a few pubs just now. They’re always best avoided I find.
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It does seem to be an advertisement for poor cask. I had my only second plant pot pour yesterday, in Northallerton.
A town that could be so much better.
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Yes, Northallerton not as good as you might hope.
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I bet Etu’s local is called the Virue-Signallers Arms …
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Yes I was in the Cambridge Street food court last Tuesday. I have been watching it’s construction from our nearby office. The rust shed as we call it. Quite impressed apart from the drink options.
Robin
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Thanks, Robin.
I’m impressed with it, looks great and anything that creates jobs and rejuvenates central Sheffield good, though of course may impact Cutlery Works etc. Cambridge St seemed to have a distinct after-work crowd.
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ICYMI there was a story about Sheffield in the Gruaniad recently that included stuff about Cambridge Street. Probably mentioned the Fat Cat and Rutland Arms too
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/article/2024/jun/06/an-alternative-guide-to-sheffield-a-crucible-for-left-field-culture-and-regeneration
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Such lazy, clichéd journalism. The BBC is even worse. I don’t miss old music but I do miss old journalism that doesn’t always hark back to the past.
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