Cheap pubs are absolutely central to student life in Sheffield, not just for the cheap booze, but pub trips offer a time to enjoy sitting and chatting with all your new friends in a way that nights out don’t always allow for. Some of my favourite memories from first year are all the bizarre conversations chucking 10 completely random people in a flat together led to!

Uni culture is often synonymous with drinking culture, but it doesn’t have to be. For some of my cheap pub trips I didn’t drink any alcohol, I stuck to J2o or even a hot chocolate in the winter. Personally, I only drink to get drunk so there was no need to for a relaxed pub trip.

Here’s your guide to the most student friendly pubs all located in and around student accommodation/housing for Uni of Students all with plenty of alcoholic and non alcoholic options! Grab a pack of cards and tick off a few of Sheffield’s best cheap pubs!

1. Kelham Island Tavern

Kelham Island Tavern Sheffield
Source: Kelham Island Tavern Twitter

Address:62 Russell St, Sheffield S3 8RW

Described by one TripAdvisor user as a ‘Great pub, like they used to be int owd days’, the tavern has all the charm of an old school pub. But don’t take the word of one reviewer. The pub has won a Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) award celebrating good beer, quality and service 16 times since 2004. Saved from dereliction in 2002 the tavern has risen from the ashes with live music, quizzes and a cosy beer garden. All of which can be enjoyed with a selection of 12 cast beers. This pub is loved by locals and critics alike and with a 4.5 star TripAdvisor rating, it’s worth a visit.

2. Riverside Kelham

Riverside Kelham Sheffield
Source: RiversideKelham Instagram

Address: 1 Mowbray St, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8EN

Also at Kelham Island is Riverside Kelham, a True North Brew Co pub serving modern pub grub. True North Brew Co has been serving some of Sheffield’s most popular pubs since the early 90s and Riverside is no exception. The beer garden overlooks the River Don and houses artwork from local muralist Phelgm as well as a bright neon sign perfect for Instagram. Inside, there’s a fire ready for colder weather and events almost everyday, from quizzes to DJ sets. The menu offers pub classics and Sunday roasts amongst the more unconventional pastas and burgers. Overall, Riverside is a unique, aesthetically pleasing pub deserving of the detour out of the city centre.

3. The Closed Shop

The Closed Shop Sheffield
Source: The Closed Shop Facebook

Address: 52-54 Commonside, Sheffield S10 1GG

Located in Crookesmoor, the main student area for the University of Sheffield, The Closed Shop is a favourite of both students and locals. Not only do they serve a great variety of real ale from Stancill Brewery. They also have an extensive menu suitable for all dietary requirements. Every day there is a different offer ranging from £5 cocktail Fridays to Shot Saturdays. It has a four star rating on TripAdvisor and it’s easy to see why. The cosy interior gives way to a large beer garden where you can enjoy various bar snacks and beers available whilst looking over to our next choice.

4. The Nursery Tavern

Address: 276 Ecclesall Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S11 8PE

This is a bit more of a trek from Uni of Students as it is located on Ecclesall Road, however, the student deals make the walk arguably worth it. The Tav hosts Happy Hour every Monday to Friday from 5-8pm with beer, cider, spirits, cocktails and wine for just £3, making it one of the best cheap pubs in Sheffield. They also serve food and host quiz nights! What more could a student ask for?

5. The Hallamshire House

The Hallamshire House Sheffield
Source: The Hallamshire House Facebook

Address: 49 Commonside, Sheffield S10 1GF

Directly opposite The Closed Shop and affectionately known as ‘Hally House’, this pub is also a student favourite and rivals it’s neighbour with a 4.5 star rating. The Thornbridge Brewery Pub has various board games and a pool table, or if that’s not your cup of tea, try their quiz night. Outside, a colourful mural leads you to the hidden beer garden. Unlike the Closed Shop, The Hallamshire House does not serve food but why not enjoy a beer there and see which is better for yourself?

6. The Gardener’s Rest

Gardener’s Rest Sheffield
Source: gaz_rasp Instagram

Address: 105 Neepsend Ln, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8AT

Although linked to Sheffield Brewery Tap, this pub is a community enterprise and an established part of the Neepsend community with its easy going vibes and traditional feel. The pub was awarded Best Pub Sheffield North in both 2019 and 2020 due to its community focus and commitment to real ale. Aside from this, the pool table, riverside beer garden, live music and frequent beer festivals make it a local attraction, earning its 4.5 star TripAdvisor rating.

7. The Itchy Pig

Itchy Pig Sheffield
Source: The Itchy Pig Website

Address: 495 Glossop Rd, Sheffield S10 2QE

Just down the road from University of Sheffield accommodation this micropub is small but mighty and cheap. This is evident from its 5 star TripAdvisor rating and the Best Pub Sheffield West Award from both 2020 and 2019. It is one of few micro pubs in the city, famed for its ‘Pig of Doom’ Pork scratchings and pig themed decoration. Top this off with its selection of board games and penny bartop and you have one of Sheffield’s most unique venues.

8. The Francis Newton

Address: Clarkehouse Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2LA

This is the closest Wetherspoons to Endcliffe and Ranmoor Student Accommodation so I can almost guarantee you will not escape a trip here during your first year. As it is on route to West Street, it makes a great pit stop to keep you going, however to say it gets a little busy would be a huge understatement. 

During my freshers week we attempted a drink here before a night out and quickly accepted defeat as we couldn’t even make it to the bar, so timing is everything! Alternatively there are 9 other Wetherspoons in Sheffield to meet all your cheap drinks needs!

9. The Nottingham House

The Nottingham House Sheffield
Source: The Nottingham House Facebook

Address: 164 Whitham Rd, Sheffield S10 2SR

The Notty House is famous for its absolutely delicious pies, however, I would recommend going halfsies with a mate because they are huge! This is one of my personal favourites, it has a cute little outdoor seating section with fairy lights and heaters to keep you warm. Given its location in Broomhill it hosts students of all years and is always pretty busy. Lots of students tend to take their parents here when they visit because their pies are always a hit!

10. The Beer House

Beer House Sheffield
Source: The Beer House Facebook

Address: 623 Ecclesall Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8PT

The second micropub on this list but the first in Sheffield, The Beer House is a local favourite. The pub, located on Ecclesall Road is surrounded by many impressive independent bars and restaurants but is known for its quiet atmosphere and friendly service. Recently, the venue found fame when it denied service to someone who refused to sign up to track and trace, reflecting the pubs’ commitment to the community. It has also enjoyed four years on the Guardian’s Good Beer Guide and has a 4.5 star visitor rating.

11. The Red Deer

The Red Deer Sheffield - cheap pubs in the city
Source: The Red Deer Facebook

Address: 18 Pitt St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4DD

Nestled between the University of Sheffield’s campus and the city centre, the Red Deer is a longstanding Sheffield Pub, dating back to 1825. Known for its friendly atmosphere and traditional feel, the pub has won CAMRA’s pub of the month award six times. Moreover, the pub immediately attracts visitors due to its impressive mural by artist Frau Isa, installed in 2016. Offering a variety of food and Sunday Roasts the Red Deer is a great option for all tastes.

12. Shakespeare’s

Shakespeare’s Sheffield
Source: Shakespeare’s Facebook

Address: 46-148 Gibraltar St, Sheffield S3 8UB

Found on the A61 going out of Sheffield you might miss Shakespeare’s, however this classic pub, originally a Georgian Coaching Inn, has a lot to offer. Since it’s renovation in 2011 Shakespeare’s has served over 6000 cask ales, showing the variety on offer. Upstairs, you can find the Bard’s Bar which frequently hosts live music. Downstairs, you can take part in the Thursday night quiz with its infamous Shakespeare round and see performances of local folk music. With a 4.5 star rating Shakespeare’s is not to be ignored.

13. The Bloomery

The Bloomery cheap pubs in Sheffield
Source – The Bloomery

Address: Nile St, Broomhill, Sheffield S10 2PQ

The Bloomery is located just off Fulwood Road in Broomhill and is home to some of the best student deals in Sheffield. On student nights, cocktails that usually cost £12.95 are just £3.95 and pints are much cheaper too! If you head to their website ahead of time they’ll drop you an email with a code for free drink on your next visit!

They also offer excellent bottomless brunches and always show football games. Just to top it all off, they have outdoor seating, a pool table, darts board and a bookcase full of games to keep  you entertained. You can’t go wrong with the Bloomery!

14. The Old Grindstone

Address: 3 Crookes, Sheffield S10 1UA

Located in Crooks this is perfect for second and third year students or first years who don’t mind a trek! 

The Old Grindstone offers a loyalty card, the Pledge, for just £5 which sees you entitled to a different deal every day of the week and 20% of everything all day, every day! It also hosts bottomless brunches, karaoke nights and quiz nights. A great cheap pub in Sheffield that has everything you need.

For more cheap nights out, head to one of these student nights in Sheffield next.

 

Last Updated on December 19, 2024

Authors

  • I’m a second year Politics and International Relations student at Sheffield, I am particularly passionate about social justice, reducing inequality and international affairs. Outside of academica, I try to make the most of every day and like to keep myself very busy! I enjoy writing about student life, particularly top tips for new students and mental wellbeing.

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