CHOOSE FROM OVER 20 COCKTAILS TAGGED WITH THE 'CUBANA STAR' IN OUR DRINKS MENU FOR ONLY £7.00! PLUS...
>> House Spirit Double £7.00
>> Selected bottled beers £3.50 - Corona and Super Bock
>> Selected house wines £4.25 per glass or £18.50 per bottle. Choose from Pinot Grigio White, Pinot Grigio Rosé or Montepulciano Red
>> Prosecco - £22.50 per bottle
>> Sangria or Sangria Blanca £22.50 per jug
**DOWNSTAIRS BAR EXTENDED HAPPY OFFER**
We have extended all of the above Happy Drinks offers for a further two hours, until 8pm, Monday to Friday in the downstairs bar **only available in the downstairs bar
available until 6.00pm, SUNDay TO FRIDAY
Call in and chill out at the end of a hard day, unwind and soak up our relaxed Latino vibe whilst enjoying our ‘Happy Tapas’ deals. ANY 2 tapas dishes for £12.95 £5.00 off
OR ––
Fantastic value when you dine early. APPLIES TO ALL TABLES SEATED AND ORDERING BEFORE OR AT 6PM.
Please note our Happy Drinks and Happy Tapas Offers are not available on Bank Holiday Sundays
PA S RES TA URANT
MONDAY - WEDNESDAY
18:
HIGH FIVES
Five years strong and still bursting with energy – Get Together returns this May to celebrate its birthday in style. Exposed spoke to founder Kieran Crosby about the event that started as a live music daydream and has since grown into one of Sheff’s most exciting cultural fixtures.
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ROAD TO RECOVERY
After a standout year for the Dog & Partridge, co-owner Sarah Smith was hit with a life-changing diagnosis. But thanks to rapid NHS care, a touch of gallows humour and unwavering support from the pub’s tight-knit community, she’s back behind the bar with husband Conor. We caught up with the couple to talk recovery, resilience and why the Dog is more than just a pub…
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POWER MOVES
Sheffield rapper Franz Von returns with 'Go My Way' – a bold, bassy new single about self-belief and carving your own path. Teaming up with producer Chris Mayall, it’s the first taste of upcoming debut album Take What You Want. We chat to the duo about making music that empowers.
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COLLAGING THE CHAOS
Local artist Melville brings his raw, unfiltered style to city centre institution Fagan’s with a new exhibition. Blending collage, video and social commentary, the show explores how everyday people push back against the pressures of modern life.
GAFFERS
Phil Turner (MD) phil@exposedmagazine.co.uk
Nick Hallam (Sales Director) nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk
Heather Paterson, Holly Dibden, Heather Anne Swift, Zain Durrani, Mark Perkins, Charlotte Colley, Ella Acton
THE BUSINESS STUFF
Exposed
PHOTO: KARINA LAX
Back for the first time in six years, join The Children’s Hospital Charity as we celebrate the long awaited return of The Winter Ball, hosted by TV’s Dan Walker, raising vital funds for Sheffield Children’s!
GET 'EM IN!
WE’RE GETTING CLOSER TO THE BIG DAY AND VOTING FOR THE EXPOSED AWARDS CLOSES ON 23 APRIL, SO DON’T MISS OUT ON MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD!
WHEN IS IT?
You can expect the usual big night craic taking place at 92 Burton Road on Thursday 15 May promoting the best of the local scene spanning food, drink, culture, fashion, music and beyond – with all winners on the night chosen by you lovely lot and our group of local judges.
HOW TO VOTE
Simply by scanning the QR code on this page, me owd. Please note that voting will remain open until 23 April. Once the votes are counted, we’ll announce the shortlist for each category and hand over to our judging panel.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We tot up the votes, which returns the top five for each shortlist. We then hand over to our panel of independent judges – experts in fields spanning music, hospitality and nightlife – who will rank them in their order of preference. The final results are split 50/50 between audience and judge votes (à la Strictly!).
MORE ABOUT THE NIGHT
Now a regular fixture at the awards, Chris Arnold will return on hosting duties and we’ll have some of Sheffield’s finest handing out awards throughout the night. Tickets are £45 (£25
standing) plus VAT, which includes entry to the event, drinks on arrival and food from some of the city’s finest street food traders – as well as plenty of live entertainment to get you in the party mood.
A VERY SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
Last year we had a local supergroup seeing things out with a superb Moloko cover. It’s a tough one to top, but we’ve pulled out all the stops once again and will have another Steel City ensemble performing live at the end of the night.
ON A LATE’UN?
The fabled awards afterparties will take place at a top-notch venue TBC. It might be worth booking the next day off work... don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Get stuck in and cast your vote for this year's event by scanning the QR code. Feel free to let us know who you're rooting for with the hashtag #ExposedAwards.
CREATIVE HUB ANNOUNCES LOCAL OPERATOR
Sheffield’s city centre is set to welcome a brand-new creative hub as Event Central moves a step closer to opening its doors – and it’s now got a familiar Sheffield name at the helm.
The ambitious project will see a building in the middle of Fargate transformed into a multi-purpose event space, designed to showcase the very best of Sheffield’s diverse creative talent.
Backed by Sheffield City Council and Government funding, the venue will play host to gigs, exhibitions, community workshops and more, adding a fresh cultural focal point to the city’s high street.
In a major milestone for the
project, Sheffield City Council has revealed Creative Arts Development Space (CADS) as the preferred operator to run Event Central when it opens in 2026.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said the venue would play a key role in supporting Sheffield’s creative community.
“We know that Sheffield is packed with talent, and we have some fantastic venues. Event Central will be an ideal location, right in the heart of our city, for all the various types of talent to be showcased under one roof,” he said. “The transformation of the building will be a crucial
part of our vision for Fargate, attracting more visitors to this well-loved area of the city centre.”
CADS, the non-profit organisation known for supporting creative industries and repurposing unique spaces across Sheffield, will bring their expertise to the project. Dan Butlin, Head of Operations at CADS, said the team was looking forward to delivering a diverse programme of events once the venue was ready.
“We’re delighted to have been selected as the operator for Event Central. Once renovations are completed, we look forward to delivering a diverse programme of events
and making the most of the space for years to come,” he said. “With over 15 years of experience in managing cultural spaces and supporting creative industries in Sheffield, we’re committed to ensuring Event Central becomes a vibrant hub that serves the people of Sheffield in the best way possible.”
Updated plans for the venue include a 250-capacity live event space on the ground floor, alongside a café/bar area and the main entrance. The three upper floors will be used for co-working spaces and meeting rooms, offering a creative hub for freelancers, businesses and artists alike.
QUAY TO THE CITY
Sheffield’s popular Quayside Market is back this month, bringing its trademark mix of street food, artisan stalls and live entertainment to Victoria Quays for a weekend of waterfront fun.
2025’s inaugural market will take place over two days – Saturday 11 April from 12pm to 9pm, and Sunday 12 April from 11am to 4pm – and marks the start of its new run as a monthly event.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the city’s historic canal basin, Quayside has built up a name for serving up a lively,
family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can expect everything from hand-crafted goods and locally made produce to craft beer, cocktails and street food from best local independent traders.
Alongside the shopping and eating, live DJs and the vibrant rhythms of Cirque Du Funk will keep the party going throughout the weekend. Moving forward, the festival will take place on the second weekend of every month from now until September. Follow @quaysidesheffield for the latest news and updates.
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS A DECADE OF DEBATE
Sheffield’s Festival of Debate, the UK’s biggest non-partisan politics festival, is back this spring for its tenth year, promising over 50 events tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time. Running from 22 April to 30 May, the festival will take place across the city and online, featuring discussions on poverty, democracy, health inequalities and the climate crisis.
“In the ten years since we started the festival in 2015, we’ve seen the crises we face intensify both in severity and frequency, from the Covid-19 pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis and the slide towards climate breakdown,” said festival director Joe Kriss. “We no longer have the time to tinker around the edges or make minor reforms to existing systems. This year’s Festival of Debate will focus on how we can make a just transition, both in Sheffield and beyond, to a world where everybody’s needs are met while staying within our planetary boundaries.”
The festival’s headline speakers include economist Kate Raworth, who will be in
conversation with Indy Johar on 25 April about sustainable social and ecological futures. On 8 May, bestselling author Shon Faye will discuss her new book Love in Exile, which argues that love is as much a collective issue as a personal one. Journalist Lanre Bakare will join Sheffield writer Désirée Reynolds on 1 May to explore Black British history beyond London, based on his book We Were There.
On 29 April, political economist Jason Hickel will examine how the pursuit of limitless economic growth fuels ecological breakdown and present a strategy for democratic transformation. Guardian columnist John Harris will speak on 24 April about his book Maybe I’m Amazed, which reflects on raising an autistic child and the role of music in communication.
Other notable events include environmental justice researcher Joycelyn Longdon on 21 May, discussing how indigenous wisdom and marginalised communities can help build a sustainable future. On 19 May, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram will share their experiences in frontline politics and discuss their new book Head North, which explores how power can be redistributed across the UK.
“We’ve got a really diverse programme this year, ranging from big names in economics, politics and culture, to brilliant grassroots activists working tirelessly to make Sheffield a fairer and more equal city,” said organiser Nat Burton. “Most of our events are completely free, and we keep the ticket prices for our headliners as low as possible so that people from across the city can get involved.”
Ticket info and the full programme can be found at festivalofdebate.com
Open Up Sheffield returns for its 27th year next month, once again bringing the city to life with creativity and community spirit.
This year’s open studio event features over 130 talented South Yorkshire artists, sharing their passion, creativity and skill across a wide range of artforms and materials. With more than 85 studios taking part – from individual home studios to former industrial heritage sites – it promises a wonderful day or weekend out for all.
Studios will be open across the city, including in Kelham Island, Nether Edge, Walkley and beyond, making it one of the largest events of its kind outside of London.
Rebecca Maddox, Head of Business Development at Sheffield City Council and sponsor of Open Up, said:
“Open Up is a brilliant opportunity to meet and view the work of dozens of Sheffield artists in their own studios or homes across the city.”
Studios will feature a variety of art forms, including painting, metalwork, pottery and more.
All exhibitions are free for visitors to explore, and there will also be the opportunity to buy work directly from the artists.
The event is run by a not-forprofit organisation, managed by a small committee responsible for its planning and promotion.
It will take place across five days over the May bank holiday weekend (3–5 May), and again the following weekend (10–11 May).
For more info and to see the locations of all participating studios, visit the OpenUp website openupsheffield.co.uk. to download a free brochure.
Acoustic
Mandala Café & Eatery
CITY PAW-TRAITS
Wake up, babe, a new Phlegm’s dropped! The inimitable local artist added another mural to Sheffield’s collection of surreal, fantastical subjects. Located on Eldon Street, ‘Devonshire Cat’ was commissioned as part of the Festival of the Outdoors and serves as a nod to the city’s moggies. @phlegm_art
THROUGHOUT APRIL, TRAVELMASTER ARE PARTNERING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES TO GIVE EXCLUSIVE OFFERS TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. Their #ExploreSY campaign highlights an area where passengers can explore exciting destinations with their TravelMaster ticket or smartcard, which can then be used to pick up offers in the following venues:
4
IT PAYS TO SHOP INDEPENDENT
When it comes to vintage shirts, it really does pay to support indie businesses. The classic shirt market is dominated by a few big shops and sites, and unlike a lot of retail, you won’t find big hitters undercutting small sellers. You’ll often find shirts for half the price you’d expect just by doing a quick Google search and looking at the listings that sit at the top of the rankings.
THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL
Collecting football shirts is a complete minefield at times – there are so many intricacies that dictate desirability and value. Often, things such as the country of manufacture, stitching, wash labels and applied namesets all play a pivotal role in determining authenticity, variations and price points. Understanding the specifics of your kits is the best way to avoid getting stung in a space full of chancers – knowledge is power.
COLLECT WHAT YOU LOVE
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Collecting shirts is all about embracing what you’re passionate about. A lot of people fall into the trap of FOMO and influence from others. Your kits should always be a reflection of your love of football and fabric. A lot of collectors and sellers who jumped onto the Covid boom have long since left the space – I’m a firm believer that if you haven’t got a deep interest in your hobby, you’re probably in it for the wrong reasons.
FOOTBALL IS THE WORLD’S GLOBAL LANGUAGE
In an age where social media throws up so many controversies, the connections and friendships I’ve created with people from all over the globe are really quite special. In the few months at our studio in The Steamworks, we’ve had visitors from Japan, Argentina and across Europe – most of these friendships were forged over a shared love of football and kits online.
5
THERE ARE LOADS OF KIT RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you’re looking to get into collecting kits, there are tonnes of free online resources available to everyone. Oldfootballshirts.com and Football Kit Archive are two great sites for determining years of use and researching kits in general. YouTube is another great resource – I’ve spent many hours flicking through old archive clips to determine details, specifically on rarer shirts. You’ll also find an abundance of knowledgeable and friendly sellers and collectors on social media who are normally happy to help if you need a hand with anything.
Tom Granville is the founder and owner of Granny’s Football Store, based in The Steamworks on Randall Street. Browse online at grannysfootballstore. com and follow @ grannysfootballstore for news of monthly pop-up events.
Five years on from its modest beginnings, Get Together has blossomed into one of the city’s most distinctive festivals – blending music, art, beer and community spirit in the heart of Kelham Island. Exposed caught up with founder Kieran Crosby to look back at how it all started, the surreal moments along the way and what’s in store for this year’s birthday edition.
When Kieran Crosby walked down Burton Road and dreamed up the idea of “a bit of a live music alldayer” with bands playing local spots such as Yellow Arch and Peddler, he never quite imagined it would turn into one of Sheffield’s most exciting and eclectic music festivals. Now, five years later, Get Together is a fixture on the national festival calendar in its own right – a heady mix of live music, art, beer and community spirit rooted in the heart of Kelham Island.
“It was right in the middle of the pandemic, which probably wasn’t the wisest time to launch a festival,” he laughs. “But I’m glad we did, because if we hadn’t gone ahead with that, I don’t see how we’d have got to where we are now.”
The inaugural edition in 2021 was headlined by South Yorkshire’s-own Self Esteem – just as her game-changing single ‘I Do This All The Time’ had landed – alongside acts like Black Honey, Ibibio Sound Machine and Dream Wife. “It was a lot of people’s first chance of getting out of the house after the pandemic,” says Kieran. “The atmosphere – even though it was the first year – was electric and the crowds really went for it.”
There’s a specifically surreal moment from that year that still sticks with him: “Dream Wife brought out their nan on stage – and it wasn’t like little old lady coming to say hello. She had a pint of wine and was shouting about ‘bad bitches!’ It was incredible. Everyone was like, yeah – we’re back, we’re out.”
That kind of unfiltered joy has carried through every edition since. Whether it’s Confidence Man tearing up the University venue in year two, or English Teacher returning to headline after playing a tiny side room in 2022, Get Together has consistently had a knack for catching the next big thing just before they blow up. “I think that’s down to how we’re always looking for what’s new, what’s interesting –something that’s bubbling,” says Kieran.
There’s no neat box Get Together fits into – and that’s exactly the point. “The biggest thing is not being in one category too much, making sure you’re seeing something different every five minutes. You can go from watching Ibibio Sound Machine to Tim Burgess to someone like Jessica Winter, pure pop. It flips between everything.”
The festival’s moved around a bit – a temporary home at the University served as something of an incubator for the event – but since returning to its spiritual home, it’s thrived in the warehouses, breweries and independent venues that make up Kelham’s creative core.
“There were all these independents and creatives in the area,” Kieran explains. “It was a perfect fit, the community was so supportive and it was like, great – let’s just build it
up even more.” What started as a small DIY dream is now drawing artists from across the globe. “We’ve now got international acts asking to play. This year alone, we’ve got bands from Australia and the US. It very much stands on its own two feet.”
As well as the music, the festival has become known for its wider cultural offering – including art installations, food stalls and the ever-popular beer trail. The artist-in-residence slot has become a much-loved tradition, with the likes of Corbin Shaw and Conor Rogers bringing humour and heart to the visual side of the festival.
“Get Together is fundamentally about trying to put a positive spin on how we all see the world,” says Kieran. “We want it to be about literally getting together for a good reason – whether that involves forgetting about things for a while, or taking the piss out of them.”
That sense of community is what holds it all together. “Whether you’re coming for the live music or not, you could still come down, have a great day out and come away wanting to come next year,” he says. “Everyone just totally gets on board. That’s what makes it such a fun atmospere.”
Looking ahead to the fifth birthday edition, Kieran’s keeping a few cards close to his chest. “We’ve got some surprises planned. Some of the things we’ve got lined up, if they come off – and it looks like they will – will be up there with the best memories people have of the festival. The best advice I can give is to follow our WhatsApp on the day.”
What you can expect are stellar performances from the likes of English Teacher, Moonlandingz, Katy J Pearson and BC Camplight, secret sets popping up, art installations from Cold War Steve, spontaneous Q&A sessions, late-night DJs playing through to the early hours and the return of a popup record shop and stage curated in homage to the Crow’s Nest at Glastonbury, where Kieran also plays a part.
Five years in, the passion certainly hasn’t dimmed. But what about when it’s all over? “Weirdly, my favourite bit of the whole thing is the day after. Everything starts to come down. If you hadn’t been there, you wouldn’t know what had happened. It’s like this magical feeling – for that one moment, everyone came together and all this amazing stuff happened. That what it’s about for me.”
Get Together takes place on Saturday 17 May. Tickets (£44) are available now from fatsoma.com.
What to Expect at Get Together Festival 2025
Now in its fifth year, Get Together returns to Kelham Island on Saturday 17 May with its biggest and boldest line-up yet. Spread across multiple venues and packed with live music, DJs, street food and craft beer, it’s one of the city’s best summer days out – and this year’s edition is shaping up to be a real belter.
Who’s playing?
At the top of the bill are English Teacher, fresh from their Mercury Prize win and a phenomenal year that’s seen them cement their place as one of the UK’s most vital new bands. They’re joined by acclaimed songwriter and Bella Union artist BC Camplight, Sheffield’s own cosmic pop provocateurs The Moonlandingz, and rising Nottingham alt-rockers Divorce – a group tipped for a breakout summer.
Also performing is Katy J Pearson, whose blend of psych-tinged folk and heartfelt lyricism has earned widespread critical acclaim, along with high-energy garage-punk trio HotWax and much-hyped London five-piece Ain’t. Elsewhere, electronic pop duo Disgusting Sisters bring a dose of dancefloor mischief, while names like April Tapes, Brodie Milner, Kean Kavanagh and Midnight Rodeo round out a rich, genre-spanning bill.
More than music
Get Together offers far more than just a packed music line-up. The festival continues its tradition of mixing art, food and community – with seven stages of live performance, late-night DJ sets and a huge independent food offering curated by Peddler. Expect everything from gourmet burgers to vegan delights, with plenty of local flair in the mix. This year also sees the return of The Kelham Beer Mile – a celebration of great brewing in one of Sheff’s most beer-friendly corners. Hosted by Kelham Island Brewery, the beer mile will feature taps from some of the best breweries in the UK, making it an essential stop between sets.
Artist in Residence
Another exciting addition this year is the appointment of Cold War Steve as the festival’s official Artist in Residence for 2025. Known for his surreal, satirical collages and cult online following, he’ll be creating original work inspired by the festival – expect tongue-in-cheek humour with a distinctly British twist.
A key date for Sheffield’s cultural calendar
Since launching, Get Together has built a reputation for spotting the next big thing – with past performances from the likes of Self Esteem, CMAT, Squid, Confidence Man and Wunderhorse. It’s this mix of credible bookings, local pride and good-time energy that’s made it a standout date in Sheffield’s cultural calendar.
Tickets are on sale now via gettogetherfestival.com, and more announcements – including workshops, art installations and full food and drink details – are expected in the coming weeks.
Follow the festival on socials (@ gettogertherfest) for the latest updates, and get ready for another unforgettable day out in Kelham.
RAISING A GLASS TO RECOVERY
It’s been a tough start to the year for the Dog & Partridge’s husband-andwife owners, but with the help of a world-class neurosurgeon and a loyal pub community, they’re back behind the bar with a fresh perspective on life…
After a standout year that saw the Dog & Partridge crowned Best Traditional Pub at the Exposed Awards, named one of the UK’s top ten boozers by Guinness and raising thousands for S6 Foodbank off the back of a raucous ‘Pack Up and F*** Off’ general election party, pub owners Sarah and Conor Smith were feeling revitalised and ready to build on their success in 2025.
A refurb kicked the year off nicely. The kitchen was buzzing again, the Irish specials were flying out and plans were afoot to spruce up the outside area. “We’re always evolving,” Conor says. “Not massive changes but always trying to make it a bit better.”
Then came the curveball. “We were just back from a weekend in Liverpool, where I’d been a little confused at times, and I turned round to Conor and just said, something’s not right,” Sarah recalls. “No pain, nothing obvious, just this feeling.” Within 48 hours, she was in A&E, and soon after, an MRI revealed a brain tumour the size of a fist.
“It was seven by four centimetres,” she says. “They said I’d probably had it for over 15 years.”
She named it ‘Elon’ (no prizes for guessing why). “It just felt right,” she adds, laughing. “Elon the Tumour – soon to become Musk the Husk.”
Despite the gallows humour, the days that followed were anything but easy. “The worst bit,” she says, “was the wait between the diagnosis and the operation. You’re just sat there knowing it’s in you and you can’t do anything about it.”
Thankfully, the tumour was benign. The NHS moved fast, and the operation was
scheduled within weeks. “They were incredible,” Sarah says. “Honestly, world-class. My neurosurgeon was at the forefront of the Gamma Knife procedure.”
Within three days of having her skull opened and the tumour removed, she was out of hospital – and back in the pub. “They told me I should’ve stayed in for two weeks,” she explains, proudly displaying a mean-looking surgical scar on her scalp. “But I just wanted to get back.”
And while she’s still recovering – there’ve been postop pressure headaches, memory blips and many moments of fatigue – the experience has left her with a whole new outlook.
“You really don’t sweat the small stuff anymore,” she says. “Like, say a guest beer runs out or someone phones in sick, it’s not a big deal! But it’s also made us more determined to enjoy life and work and the people around us.” That shift in perspective has fed into how they’ll keep running the Dog – just as they have for the last 13 years, but with even more heart. “We’ve always loved it, but now it’s even clearer what matters. The music nights, the food bank collections, giving
something back – we’re doubling down on all that.”
She’s become determined to talk openly about her diagnosis, and documented much of the journey, warts and all, on social media in the hope of breaking down stigmas. “I had no idea brain tumours were the biggest cancer killer of kids and adults under 40,” she says. “My symptoms were just a weird taste in my mouth and a bit of confusion. If Covid hadn’t happened, they might’ve found it sooner, but we just assumed everything was Covid-related back then.”
Her advice is simple: “If something feels off, trust your body. Go get checked. Don’t sleep on it.”
In true Dog & Partridge style, the community rallied around her and Conor. “It’s been unbelievable,” she says. “People dropping in to give their best wishes, gifts, cards, even money to get my eyebrows done because I mentioned it in passing! I’ve had messages from Ireland, Australia, America, all over.”
The pub’s team have stepped up, too. “Matt, Nicola, Grace, Arry – every single one of them has been amazing,” Conor adds.
“We’ve always said the Dog is about community, and this has shown it’s not just talk or a buzzword. People care and it counts for something.”
Dogfest is back on 3 May, and they’re looking at launching Irish language and tin whistle lessons, alongside their already popular music sessions – Bluegrass on the second Thursday of the month and Americana on the last. “They’re amazing,” Conor says. “Not just gigs – proper sessions where people get involved and are made to feel welcome.”
There’s also a big party planned for June – Sarah’s official recovery celebration – a chance to raise a glass, have a dance and toast the community that’s been with them every step of the way.
Until then, she’s taking it one day at a time. “Getting out for a walk when I can, doing bits when I can, easing back in,” she says. “Some of the symptoms to look out for include loss of smell, gaps in memory, loss of balance, not being able to find the correct words and feeling confused. I’m listing these because if it helps one person get an early diagnosis, then it’s worth it.”
As she says this, someone waves as they enter the pub. Another punter checking in, another hand on her shoulder, another reminder that at the Dog & Partridge, it’s not just a pub – it’s a family.
@dogandpartridgesheffield
VOTE FOR THE DOG IN THIS YEAR’S EXPOSED AWARDS
WE’VE ALWAYS SAID THE DOG IS ABOUT COMMUNITY, AND THIS HAS SHOWN IT’S NOT JUST TALK OR A BUZZWORD. PEOPLE CARE AND IT COUNTS.”
SATURDAY 24 - MONDAY 26 MAY
SOMETHING WORTH CLUCKING OVER
If you’ve ever been burned by bad wings, a much-loved micropub on Chesterfield Road is serving up a redemption arc to savour.
At The Boston Arms in Woodseats, a new food menu has landed and it’s putting wings back in the spotlight. Known for its welcoming vibe, craft beer selection and strong sense of community, this independent micropub is adding another string to its bow – seriously good chicken wings, made with care.
“We got a lot of great feedback on the pizzas we do,” says owner Robbie Macdonald, “but people seemed to want smaller, more shareable things too. I’ve always thought wings deserved a better reputation – they’re a bit retro, sure, but they’re the perfect pub food when done well, and it felt like their time to shine again.”
Not content with just slinging out any old wing, Robbie enlisted the help of his pal Patrick Bond – a chef with experience in top-rated street food kitchens – to get things just right. He researched how to make the perfect sauces, the cooking techniques and, most importantly, how to make wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and full of flavour.
“These aren’t your standard wings,” Robbie explains. “We slow cook them for over an hour, then they're quick roasted at a high heat followed by a few minutes in the fryer to crisp up the skin. It’s all about that double-cooked crunch, done properly.”
The sauces are a big part of the story too – with flavours like Korean, buffalo and house barbecue all made from scratch (well, mostly – “we start with Frank’s for the buffalo and build from there,” Robbie admits). There’s even a plain option for purists, but it’s the saucy ones that have been turning heads.
The wings are available Wednesday to Sunday from
5-9pm, and on Wednesdays, they’re 2-for-1. “Yeah, we know Wing Wednesdays are a bit of a cliché,” he laughs. “But it fits the slightly retro diner vibe of the menu – a little throwback, a bit tongue-in-cheek. We just want people to give them a go because the feedback has been really positive.”
It’s a labour of love, like much of what The Boston Arms does. It’s got the charm of your local, the beer of your favourite taproom and the vibe of a place that knows what its community wants. From serving a decent cup of coffee late into the
FOR TOO LONG, WINGS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED AS A PUB FOOD. WE’RE TRYING TO CHANGE THAT.”
The rest of the menu includes loaded fries, Boston’s Slice pizza, sweet treats from Doughboy and other small plates, all perfect for sharing over a pint or two.
So if you’ve been let down by limp, lifeless wings before, this might just restore your faith. Head down, grab a drink and see what all the fuss is about. As Robbie puts it, “For too long, wings have been overlooked as a pub food. We’re trying to change that.”
@bostonarms.sheffield evening to hosting book clubs, community meetups and Sheffield’s first ever crisp festival (returning this April), it’s a spot that cares about the details –and the people.
Welcome to La Bottega
In our Italian-inspired kitchen in Sheffield, our mission is to bring authentic and original tastes to your lunch and dinner experiences. With a focus on seasonally changing small plates, an impeccable wine selection, and curated events like paired tastings, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Italian cuisine.
Our goal is to share our passion with our community and create a welcoming space where people can come together to enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, good wine, and even better company.
1-3 LEOPOLD ST, SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE, S1 2GY Instagram: @labottegasheffield Email: info@labottegasheffield.co.uk
Paesani, meaning “people from the same place” is Crookes’ brand new family-run casual Italian restaurant.
With a wood fired pizza oven for all your pizza cravings & Pucce aka Apulian panini made of pizza dough.
Monday to Friday 5pm till 7pm, Saturdays 8pm till 10pm & Sunday 12pm till 5pm
Coffee loyalty card
Buy 4 coffees get your 5th 25% off, 9 coffees get the 10th free
2 for £8 on Pints
Pints include Madri, Staroprahman, Pravha, Aspall, Salt Jute & Stones. Monday to Friday 5pm till 7pm
Lunch deal 12pm till 4pm
Burger and soft drink £11 same burgers and any soft drink Sunday 12pm till 5pm Prosecco bottles for £18
Lunch deal 12pm till 4pm
Burger and a Pint £12 (Personal Cheesus, Baconator or Winner Winner Burgers. Madri, Pravha, Salt Jute, Aspall, Stones or any cask available)
Loyalty card
Pints buy 9 get 10th free on Molson Coors brands. Madri, Staroprahman, Pravha, Aspall, Stones, Blue moon, Salt Jute and Salt Huckaback
YE OLDE BELL
Nestled in the heart of Barnby Moor, a 40-minute drive from Sheffield city centre, the historic Ye Olde Bell offers far more than a picturesque staycation. While the centuries-old charm of the building and the luxury lodges already set the scene for a pleasant stopover, it’s the recently launched 7-course tasting menu at Restaurant 1650 that’s been receiving rave reviews and was enough to tempt Exposed into Nottinghamshire on a Friday evening.
THE PLACE
Set in a beautifully restored 17th-century coaching inn, the place oozes character –think oak-panelled walls, twinkling chandeliers and a cosy, old-meets-new vibe that has received a few additional licks of paint recently, namely the St Leger Bistro, which offers its own breakfast, brunch and a la carte menus throughout the week. But it’s Executive Chef Terry Phillips who’s really turning up the flavour at the adjacent Restaurant 1650. With previous experience cooking at Chatsworth House and a passion for top-notch local produce, he’s
put together a menu that’s both modern, elegant and comforting in all the right ways.
THE FOOD
The evening kicked off with a creamy goat’s cheese and caramelised onion jam millefeuille with a punchy beetroot purée and a drizzle of basil oil to set things off – a light yet flavour-packed opener paired with a crisp glass of Chablis. Then came the black bomber cheese croquette with tomato and chilli jam – rich, gooey and had us enthusing and had us raving about chilli jam like it was the culinary invention of the
IT’S NOT ONLY GOOD VALUE BUT A SHINING EXAMPLE OF WHAT CONTEMPORARY BRITISH DINING CAN OFFER.”
century. Next up were perfectly panseared scallops with cauliflower purée and curry oil – a clever combo of sweet, savoury and a little spice. A zingy lemon sorbet gave our tastebuds a fresh reset before the main event: beautifully charred lamb, bubble & squeak, and a Guinness sauce so good we’d have happily asked for seconds (or taken it home in a bottle).
Dessert was a triple treat: a praline & chocolate tart, rhubarb crème brûlée, and a mini toffee apple – all polished off with a rich dessert wine that brought out the best in every bite. We ended the night with coffee, truffles and seriously full bellies. At £65 per head (£100 with wine flight), it’s seriously good value for food of this quality. And with ingredients sourced from Whitby’s coast, local butchers and the farms around the hotel, it’s not only good value but a shining example of what contemporary British dining can offer.
THE VERDICT
Worth the drive? If you’re looking for a top-tier dining experience in a place full of character, absolutely. Just make sure you book ahead – it’s very popular and easy to see why.
Voted ‘Best Traditional Pub 2024’ in the Exposed Awards / Top 10 UK Guinness / Irish food Spice bags…The tasty Irish ones / Dog friendly / Irish measures and lots of Irish drinks...
56 Trippet Ln, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4EL
Kelham Island welcomed new café and deli Brew & Bloom to the neighbourhood last month.
Serving up nostalgic homemade cakes, hearty lunches and beautiful bouquets, the mother-and-daughter-run spot in the burgeoning Merchant’s Court development is bringing something fresh yet comfortingly familiar to the area –and it won’t break the bank.
What is set to make Brew & Bloom stand out in a city packed with coffee spots will be its focus on nostalgia. Alongside fresh paninis, soups, jacket potatoes and croissants, they’ll be serving up old-school cakes – the kind that instantly transport you back to childhood. “We’re talking sprinkle cake, pinwheels, jam roly-poly, cornflake tarts, custard slices – all those proper school dinner favourites,” says Angela. “My friend had a bakery for years, so she’s been making them forever.”
And unlike some of the pricier spots popping up in Kelham, affordability is a big part of the plan. “We don’t want it to be one of those places where you can only afford to come in as a treat,” says
A NEW CHAPTER BLOOMIN' GREAT
Charley. “You should be able to pop in for a coffee and cake or lunch a few times a week, not just as a payday splurge.”
Angela agrees. “I know what it’s like – you go somewhere, and you think, bloody hell, I can’t afford to come here again for a month. That’s not what we’re about. We want to be somewhere between the more expensive cafés around here and just grabbing a Tesco meal deal.”
They’ve also partnered with Heavenly Coffee, a local roastery, to ensure their brews match the quality of their bakes. “We had our training with them the other day,” says Charley. “They’re really lovely people, really helpful, and the coffee is great.”
But it’s not just food and drink that’s on offer. As the name suggests, flowers play a big part in Brew & Bloom’s aesthetic and offering. “We’re selling little bouquets – not big expensive ones, just small cones of flowers that people can take home or pick up for the office,” says Angela. “We’ll also be using edible flowers in some of the cakes, just to make everything feel a little bit special.”
Last month, Sheffield food hall Kommune closed its doors, set to reopen later in the year under a new name and concept: Department.
Before its closure on 1 March, a spokesperson said that the Castle House venue was under new ownership and set to transform into a "brand-new social destination", freshly reimagined for "epic events, co-working and gatherings".
The refurbished venue is set to feature a new selection of nine hand-picked restaurants, each offering unique takes on global dishes, plus a specialist wine bar.
Department will also host a full calendar of monthly social activities, largescale events, private get-togethers and more – all operating out of a variety of spaces inside, which will be available to hire.
It is expected to reopen by the end of April 2025. Follow @department. sheffield for the latest updates.
Brew with a View
Sheffield café Hygge is preparing to open its third venue, bringing Scandiinspired comfort to a new city-centre development.
Set in Elshaw House, on Wellington Street and part of the £470m Heart of the City regeneration, the new spot will feature sunny outdoor seating overlooking popular Pound Park.
Hygge joins the growing food scene in the area, with Two Thirds Beer Co also set to open Kapital nearby, and Cambridge Street Collective and Leah’s Yard just around the corner.
Check back in with Exposed socials for opening dates and further updates in the coming weeks.
RAISING THE BAR
Sheffield’s drinks scene is buzzing, and the Sheffield Cocktail Festival is here to celebrate it in style. With 25 bars, exclusive masterclasses and stacks of local talent all under one roof, it’s the perfect chance to sip your way through the city’s best cocktail creations. We caught up with co-founder Dani Hill to chat about what inspired the festival and how they’re hoping to make it a regular on the city’s social calendar.
What initially inspired you to create the Sheffield Cocktail Festival, and how has it evolved since its inception?
After the success of the Seven Hills Whisky Festival, we really wanted to create a cocktail festival (cocktails are more my thing, James [co-founder] likes whisky). With all three co-founders working in the industry, owning bars and working for brands, it seemed like the perfect fit and an obvious thing to do. We have so many friends who own bars in Sheffield and countless contacts in the hospitality and drinks industry – it would be crazy not to!
Sheffield has a rich food and drink culture. How does this festival reflect or celebrate the city’s unique vibe?
We’re bringing together 25 bars from across the city, and the layout will highlight different areas so attendees can discover something new. Sheffield’s bar scene is incredibly diverse, with amazing spots in the city centre, Abbeydale Road, Ecclesall Road, Kelham Island and beyond. This festival is like the easiest bar crawl you’ll ever do – all under one roof – and a celebration of Sheffield’s unique and vibrant food and drink culture.
With 25 top bars and global drinks brands involved, how did you go about curating such a diverse and impressive lineup?
This is down to the strong relationships we’ve built in the industry. With James and Morgan working for two global drinks companies and both of them owning multiple venues in Sheffield, alongside my extensive experience in event management and brand activations, it’s all come together beautifully.
What are some of the must-try cocktails or experiences at this year’s festival?
The bartenders are still curating their drinks, but we’ve got some truly exciting masterclasses lined up. For example:
• Locksley Gin x StarmoreBoss: You can join Locksley Distilling Co. Ltd. and StarmoreBoss’ Jeff Boss for a one-of-a-kind masterclass diving into the creative process behind the StarmoreBoss Bloody Mary Vodka collaboration.
• Northtown’s Negroni Masterclass: Hosted by Pasquale, this is an extension of his famous Negroni nights at Northtown.
• Thornbridge Beer & Cocktail Masterclass: This will
be perfect for anyone who loves the fusion of beer and cocktails.
We are really looking forward to Bench’s food to see what they create for the festival. Bench will be using seasonal British ingredients cooked over coal. Bullion will be there with cakes and bakes – because who doesn’t love chocolate and cocktails, right?
This festival is all about discovery – discovering new drinks and new favourite places to go. I find sometimes when I go out, we hit up the same places and drink the same drinks. The vouchers on the day are priced at £8 or 2-for-£15, which is really good value and allows people to try something new.
Where do you see the Sheffield Cocktail Festival heading in the future? Are there any plans for expansion or new elements you’d like to introduce?
We would love to make this a yearly, or even twice-yearly, event. There’s so much potential for growth, and we’re already brimming with ideas for future editions.
We’ve heard there’s an impressive SWAG bag on offer with bits from a load of brands and businesses featured at the festival. How can people go about getting one of those?
There are 25 VIP tickets available that come with skipthe-queue access, a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne, cocktail vouchers and the VIP bag. The bag is packed with miniatures, merch, fun brand swag and loads of vouchers to redeem at the bars after the event. It’s honestly worth its weight in gold!
Finally, what’s your personal go-to cocktail?
It has to be a Negroni, especially the ones from Northtown. In my opinion, they’re the best in the city!
Follow @sheffield_cocktail_festival for updates. Full ticket details at sheffieldcocktailfestival.co.uk.
Sheffield Cocktail Festival takes place on 17 May, 2-8pm, at The Steamworks. General entry (£25 - includes x2 cocktails) and VIP (£45 - Q jump, arrival champagne, 2x cocktails and goody bag) available by scanning QR code.
10 REASONS WHY SHEFFIELD COCKTAIL FESTIVAL WILL BE ONE TO REMEMBER
1. 25 OF SHEFFIELD’S BEST BARS
All in one place, for one day only. It’s the easiest bar crawl you’ll ever do!
2. DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE BAR
Sheffield’s bar scene is thriving –chat to the staff, try their drinks find your new go-to spot.
3. MEET THE CITY’S BEST BARTENDERS
Chat to the award-winning talent behind the drinks, and watch them do what they do best.
4. TRY UNIQUE COCKTAILS
There’ll be signature serves and one-off creations you won’t find anywhere else.
5. YOU CAN GRAB A BITE
Steel City favourite Bench will be serving up their exceptional cuisine, and street food specialists Cowboy Burgers will be slinging those juicy buns for ya!
6. SOAK UP THE PARTY ATMOSPHERE
Expect live entertainment and a buzzing vibe from start to finish, all taking place in one of the city’s coolest events spaces.
7. BOOK A MASTERCLASS
Learn a thing or two from the masters and mix up your own creations – if you’re quick enough to grab a spot!
8. JOIN IN THE FUN Cocktail tastings and competitions will be taking place – jump in and have your say, expert or not.
9. SUPPORT LOCAL
Celebrate Sheffield’s incredible bars and bartenders while having a great time.
10. THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Expect a top selection of nonalc cocktails and 0%/low-abv beers (‘tee-total tickets’ available on the website), while there’ll also be draught options from Thornbridge and Guinness, plus the likes of Franklin & Sons making the best G&Ts.
BAWTRY
Every now and then, Exposed have been known to leave the warm embrace of a Sheffield postcode and venture further afield in search of a restorative night out. For our latest soirée, we took a half-hour drive to Bawtry, a historic South Yorkshire market town known as the ‘gateway to Yorkshire’. Here’s how the evening panned out…
STOPPING OVER?
The Crown Hotel is a four-star stay, smack bang in the centre of the action on the high street. The vibe is contemporary boutique, blending plush touches with good old-fashioned Yorkshire warmth. Feeling peckish? The Robata Grill Restaurant has you covered from breakfast to Sunday lunch, all cooked over a sizzling charcoal grill that means business. Or you can head out to the terrace, plonk yourself down with a glass of something fizzy and watch the world roll by. It was a tad too early for us, however, so we settled for a few coffees before heading to our lunch date.
@crown_hotel_bawtry
WHERE TO LUNCH
There are a few spots dotted around town for a relaxed afternoon bite, but you won’t go far wrong with a visit to The Pantry Bar & Brasserie. With former MasterChef contestant and Sheffield restaurateur Reece Elliott in the kitchen, you can expect modern twists on classical dishes, all served in wonderful ambience inside this gorgeous heritage building – a former townhouse with roots stretching back to the 16th century. They’ve also got Thornbridge on draught, which is always a bonus. @thepantrybrasserie
AFTERNOON PINTS
Post-lunch, we had a stroll around the town, visiting some of the many independent retailers on offer (would recommend the historic interiors store Womack’s if you’re looking for a sensory overload) before we decided to rest our tired feet in The White Hart – Bawtry’s oldest pub, which has been quenching the thirst of weary travellers since 1689. Things look a little
different now, of course, and it’s the perfect spot to watch the afternoon scores come in while enjoying a chat with friendly locals. A proud member of CAMRA, this backstreet boozer prides itself on well-kept cask ales – which we can certainly attest to… hic thewhitehartpubbawtry. co.uk
OUT FOR TEA
A couple of pints later and our stomachs were rumbling once more. Thankfully, Ziniz was just across the road – a family-run Italian restaurant specialising in
Tuscan cuisine, recently listed in the top 10 Italian restaurants in the UK by The Times. We gorged greedily on fresh seafood pasta dishes and their famous homemade polpette –meatballs made using a family recipe passed down through the generations. The postmeal espresso martinis were a delicious digestif and very much needed to add a little more fuel in the tank ahead of our final stop of the night.
@zinizbawtry
LAST ORDERS
This small but mighty watering
hole may look unassuming, wedged between two of the town’s most historic buildings, but step inside The Market Bar and you’ll find a cool, laid-back vibe and an excellent selection of craft beers and cocktails. The heated back area was an unexpected surprise and we passed the final hours of our jaunt across South Yorkshire merrily potting under twinkling lights and heaters. ‘Hidden gem’ is tossed around all too frequently these days, but Market Bar, you’re more than worthy of the accolade. Salutes. @the_marketbar
THE MAIN EVENT
Molly’s Café & Deli has fast become a staple of Hillsborough, a cosy spot where regulars drop in for their morning caffeine fix, a catch-up, or a quiet moment with a book. But behind the scenes, something much bigger has been simmering away in their kitchen.
What started as a simple lockdown pivot – offering cheeseboards and charcuterie platters for delivery – has grown into a full-scale outside catering business, feeding up to 1,000 people a week and supplying some of Sheffield’s biggest names.
“We started off with our cheese and charcuterie boards, with a bit of a Polish twist,” co-owner Lucy Poplawski explains. “Pete, my husband, makes them all. It’s not just a normal cheeseboard – there’s something a little bit different about it.”
Word spread quickly, and soon people were asking for larger versions for family gatherings, then weddings, then corporate events. “It just got bigger and bigger. Now we do up to 350 people at a time, and some of the boards stretch out to these incredible graze tables.” explains Lucy.
Despite their rapid growth, Molly’s catering business is still very much defined by its personal touch. The food itself is refined and aesthetically stunning, offering a welcome contrast to the usual sad buffet fare of curled-up sandwiches and uninspired pastries. “We’re not the kind of buffet where you’ll get dry triangle sandwiches,” Lucy says. “Even if it’s a five-person board meeting or a 200-person wedding, you’ll get the same quality – artisan cheeses, homemade sausage rolls, fresh fruit, and Polish delicacies you might not have tried before.”
This dedication to detail has attracted an impressive roster of clients. “We do a lot for universities, hospitals, biotech firms, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the council… even Disney, when they come across the pond,” Lucy says. “We do events for up to 1,000 people a day, but it’s all tailored to each client.”
It’s all been built almost entirely through word of mouth – and the feedback speaks for itself. “I love it when we’re delivering a work lunch and people walk in and say, ‘Yes! We’ve got Molly’s again!’ It really perks the team up.”
As much as they’ve thrived in catering, the heart of Molly’s remains in Hillsborough. “Having a café gives people confidence in what we do,” Lucy says. “We get people coming from Nottingham, Leeds, all over, saying, ‘I want you for my wedding, but I want to try something first.’ And we say, ‘Yeah, come in, have a coffee on us, try a cheeseboard.’ Meeting us first makes a
big difference.”
The past year has been particularly tough for Lucy and Pete, balancing the demands of a booming business with personal challenges. “In the last seven months, we’ve had a newborn, I gave birth the same weekend as three weddings, and then my dad passed away,” Lucy shares. “He was the life and soul of the café – a decorator by trade, so his touches are everywhere in the café. He was also a baker so half of his recipes are in what we do. He’d be so proud of how far it’s come.”
That’s part of the reason they’re finally shouting about what they do. “We’ve been flying under the radar, but we’ve got weddings booked till the end of 2026. The catering side is 75% of our business now, and with everything changing in April, so many businesses going under, you have to be forward-thinking. We’ve got something special here – it’s time to tell people about it.” @mollyscafeanddeli
Bookings and Info:
Email mollyscafedeli@gmail.com with event details, dietary requirements, and contact info. A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your date. Gluten-free and vegan options available (+£4pp).
WHAT’S ON THE MENU
From working lunches to wedding feasts, Molly’s outside catering has a package for all occasions.
Buffet (£12pp + VAT)
• Cheese board and crackers
• Crudités and antipasti
• Deli sandwiches and salads
• Homemade sausage rolls and homity pie
• Fresh fruit and triple chocolate brownies
• For groups of 20+, artisan bread boards and charcuterie included
Signature Grazing Table (£14.95pp + VAT, min. 30 people)
• Cheese and charcuterie selection
• Polish smoked sausage, artisan breads and deli sliders
• Crudités, antipasti and deli salads
• Homemade sausage rolls and homity pie
• Fresh fruit and triple chocolate brownie grazing table
• Includes catering equipment and foliage hire, with setup and next-day clean-up
SHEFFIELD’S NEW LIVE MUSIC COLLAB POWERED BY EXPOSED AND JOE GREEN
BROMHEADS JACKET
For anyone who’s been in a rehearsal room, you’ll know there’s something about the raw energy in those spaces – the clatter of a drum fill, the hum of an amp, the singer and the guitarist arguing about the length of a solo in the corner!
It’s a world away from the polished sheen of a live gig or a studio recording. And that’s exactly what Red Light Sessions, a new Sheffield-based music project founded by drummer Joe Green (Milburn, Bromheads Jacket) in collaboration with little old us, is here to capture.
“The idea was to get the most out of rehearsals,” Joe tells us. “A lot of bands post performances, post gigs, but they don’t really show what happens inside the practice room. I wanted this to have all the flaws, all the imperfections – it’s about seeing music at its rawest.”
The concept is simple but effective. Each session brings together different local musicians for a spontaneous, live-recorded jam – one take, no do-overs, just pure collaboration. The house band (Joe, alongside fellow Bromheads band members, Tim Hampton and Jono West) provides the backbone, while guest artists bring their own flavour. The results? Unpredictable, high-energy, and always unique. “Sometimes it could be a
heavier version, sometimes it’s stripped back – it depends on the mood that day,” explains Joe.
At Exposed, we love shouting about Sheffield’s music scene, so when Joe approached us about getting involved, it was a no-brainer. We’ll be premiering a track from each session across our platforms, giving a wider audience a front-row seat to these one-off moments.
Each session is filmed and recorded professionally, with filmmaker Dan Booth capturing the visuals and Dave Sanderson handling the sound engineering. The goal is to create something that isn’t just another live session but a snapshot of Sheffield’s musical DNA, unpolished and unfiltered. “It’s just about doing something fun with musicians,” Joe says. “No overthinking, just playing.”
The name Red Light Sessions comes from the old-school red recording light – something that can either bring out the best in musicians or freeze them in their tracks. “On the big old studio tape machines, there was this huge red light that came on when you were recording,” says Joe. “Some people would outperform; others would completely freeze – it’s that pressure of knowing this is it.”
Kicking things off, then, is a brand-new Bromheads Jacket track, the first taste of new material from the band in years. “We’ve been back in the studio working onan album,” Joe says, “so this is a great way to start sharing new music.”
On the live front, Bromheads Jacket are set to play The Leadmill on 9 May, a gig that could carry extra weight following recent developments in the venue’s court case with its landlord. With its future uncertain, this could be one of the final chances to catch a Sheffield band on that legendary stage under its current guise.
The first session – featuring Bromheads – is out now now, so hit up ours and Red Light Sessions’ socials to check it out. And if you’re a Sheffield artist interested in getting involved, Joe’s got an open-door policy: “I know loads of musicians in Sheffield, and this is about bringing people together. Just drop us a message and get involved.”
And if you’re into this first vid, there’s plenty of exclusive content over on The Red Light Sessions Patreon – so go check that out.
TURBO DIESEL @ DELICIOUS CLAM
Hate to keep banging this drum (I don’t), but with music venues under threat left and right and the ‘use it or lose it’ sentiment being screamed from the city’s mosh pits, another Sheffield gig took place last Friday, headlined by a Sheffield-based band, and it was rammo, sweaty and bouncing!
The venue in question was the (probably) soon-to-be three-time Exposed Awards loser Delicious Clam, and the occasion – Turbo Diesel’s debut EP launch.
Made up of a selection of recognisable Sheffield bandsmen, Turbo Diesel is fronted by Lewis Sharman (formerly of Sheffield fuzz rockers Best Friends), with Ben Chapman (Knorke) on bass and Rory Loveless (Drenge) behind the kit.
Their five-track, self-titled EP is a formidable collection of hook-laden riffs, draped over deep, fuzzy bass grooves and Devo-esque backwards drum samples – all brought together with a cast of sardonic characters. More on these royal fuck-ups later!
First up on the bill is Big Break, a Sheffield hardcore(ish)
band featuring another former Best Friends alumnus on guitar duty, as well as a host of other solid Sheffield bands on the remaining members’ résumés.
It’s their first gig for nine months, but there’s no ring rust as they rip through a litany of breakneck twominute screamers about everything from bad bosses and smartphones to human toilets and disdain for the police. There’s a frog and a rat in the mosh pit. I don’t know why.
Next up is Plastics, who have travelled all the way up from Brighton to lend their own brand of punk to the evening. Neither of tonight’s openers seems to be able to get beyond the two-minute mark of a song, and this set – much like Big Break’s – whips your pants down and legs it long before you’ve figured out why your nethers have caught a chill!
Lead singer Oli is having a great time as she invites us into
the Plastic World and declares mid-set that Delicious Clam is her favourite thing about Sheffield. She’s got a point. Wonder if she’s voted in the awards?
So, kegs back up, I discuss the merits of the ‘dodgylooking cash machine’ with one of the Brighton contingent out front before it’s onto our headliners: Turbo Diesel. Having had a sneaky listen to the EP earlier in the week, I did wonder how their poppier brand of garage post-punk w Turns out, after some technical difficulties with their backing tracks (swiftly dealt with by the Clam guys and a double helping of ‘Shred It’, one sans backing), it’s a different vibe but no less well received by the Clam crowd. Pogoing gives way to indie shuffling.
The standout track is their debut single, ‘Sweat It’, a monster of a tune – eminently danceable, full of backwards
drum samples, big whooping slidey bass lines, delicious guitar interludes and a tonguein-cheek lyric about a certain perspiration-averse royal:
“When the shots fired over the bow / ’Cause you’ve been doing things you know you’re not allowed / Don’t you sweat it” … plus an outro of ‘Meet me at the Express’. Lovely stuff. They fire through the five EP tracks, and I’m completely sold on them. My only complaint? I want a bit more. Maybe that’s just me being greedy. I leave, thankful to have witnessed another local gem, but mainly thankful there’s so much good stuff going on in Sheffield if you scratch beyond the surface just a little bit.
Turbo Diesel’s self-titled debut EP, on Sheffield DIY music connoisseurs Delicious Clam Records, is available in digital format, along with a limited run of 40 cassettes (if there are any of those left?).
PHOTO: ROBERT WANNOP WORDS: ASH BIRCH
Tell me about the tune – when we spoke about your last EP, you said your mission was to help people feel empowered. This feels like a continuation of that theme?
FV: It’s part of an album. This is the first single, and it’s definitely a continuation from People Di Powa. That one was about empowerment – people fighting for themselves – and this one is more about asking, now that you feel empowered, how far are you willing to go with it?
I don’t like the word “advice” – I don’t think I’m in a position to be giving people advice. It’s more like, if I was in this situation, how would I look at it? It’s just speaking it out loud and hoping that somebody can take something from it, without me telling anyone what to do.
A big part of your music is making sure it’s danceable and has good energy – is it difficult to balance that with heavier lyrical themes?
put the drums up, but then we realise the drum sounds fine – we’re trying to get more of a produced feel sometimes, but we always want a live feel too, because they’re all going to be played live eventually. So the mindset switches and we start to produce for a live sound. So, yeah, it’s about having a bit of a good, danceable live feel but make sure it’s not as long as one of our live songs. We want it played on the radio too!
You’re known for bringing vibes on stage and putting on great parties – but is there a concern about being labelled as a ‘festival artist’?
FV: I want to cover a range of perspectives in anything I’m doing. I love high-energy stuff and I’ll never get away from that. But I also love chill hiphop and music that you can sit back and listen to – stuff with lyrics that stay with you after the song ends.
The album is a lot more electronic than your usual stuff – how did you approach it production-wise?
CM: It started as a beat on my hard drive. I was mucking about with a drum machine and bass synth one day and it all came together. I was listening to a lot of Boards of Canada, so the chords were inspired by that – I was playing around with that kind of harmonic world.
Most of the tunes start with a stupid name. 'Go My Way' was originally called 'Flock-a-Bock'.
FV: A lot of time when I get beats, if I’ve got nothing I want to add, I’ll just listen to the beat and see where it takes me. But if the beat has a name that stands out, then that’s what I’ll go for. So when it comes called something like 'Flock-a-Bock', it really helps.
funk and soul. In my twenties I started taking production seriously – I had tons of instruments and thought, I wish I could play all these at the same time. Then I realised that with a computer, you can.
Why choose Go My Way as the first single?
CM: Most of the ideas started with just me and Franz in a room. It felt right to start with something that was just us two mucking about. We brought in Phil [bass] and Paolo [drums] for the later tracks – they’re all over the album – but this one was just stripped back. Just us.
FV: The overall vibe just felt mentally in the right space as well.
Do we have an album name yet?
FV: It’s called Take What You Want. It’ll definitely be out by the summer. Nine tracks – my first LP in music!
Any message you want people to take from it?
FV: More empowerment. More direction. Just solidarity and community – whatever you’ve decided to do, you’re not alone in it. You may not see it, but hopefully people are at least thinking it.
The album name isn’t aggressive – it’s assertive. Take what you want in life. Commit to things. You just need to take it. If you’re approaching it like a mission, it won’t work – take things like you deserve them. I never want to sound preachy. That’s not what I’m trying to do. But if I’ve got a platform, then I’ve got to say something and people can listen, have a dance, or do both!
FV: That is a good question. I spend so much time on that. We’ll start producing and working on the lyrics, but there’s always something else happening. We have a live drummer who comes in, someone sets up the bass... Sometimes I’ll tell Chris to
I want to get that in without totally moving away from the dancey stuff. I feel like 'Go My Way' is kind of laid-back and relaxed, but still has a dance rhythm.
CM: The beats start as a skeleton. Usually when we get together to work on something, there’s two loops – an A and a B section – and we flesh it out together. That collaboration is so important.
How did you get into producing?
Sheffield rapper and community activist Franz Von is back with ‘Go My Way’ – a bold, bouncing track about self-belief, resilience and finding your own path. Teaming up with producer Chris Mayall, it’s the first track from upcoming debut album Take What You Want. Exposed caught up with the pair to chat about beats, balance and making music that means something. GO MY WAY BY FRANZ VON IS AVAILABLE TO STREAM/ DOWNLOAD NOW
I’m usually like, Chris – let’s go harder, darker – but Chris is like, let’s ease back a bit and push more of the dance thing.
CM: I’ve been in bands since I was 16. I was always into band-y music, but the first thing that made me dance was
PHOTO: EMMA LEDWITH // WORDS: JOSEPH FOOD
AVALANCHE PARTY @ SIDNEY & MATILDA
On the back of the release of their long-awaited second album, Avalanche Party brought their brand of garage punk from the wilds of the North Yorkshire Moors to Sidney & Matilda on Friday night, with support from the wonderful, all-queer, allsinging Sheffield punks Cattle Grid.
With an over five-year wait for the release of Der Träuma Über Alles (or ‘The dream above all else’ in our softer-sounding mother tongue), Avalanche Party had a lot to live up to after the high-energy promise of their first outing, 24 Carat Diamond Trephine
Originally scheduled for recording in 2020, the band’s second album was eventually captured in 2022 at Rancho de la Luna – the home studio of Dave Catching (Queens of the Stone Age) – after inevitable Covid delays. It’s been another couple of years since then, but it’s finally here, and it was well worth the wait!
Home listening sessions have revealed some stone-cold bangers on the album, so, heavy with anticipation, we headed to the subterranean sweatbox in Sidney & Matilda on Friday 14 March to find out how it translated live.
First though, as is to be expected from a Jarred Up-
promoted show, the support came from yet another of Sheffield’s solid crop of current bands, Cattle Grid.
It was my first time seeing Cattle Grid live, and following their contribution to Teah Lewis’ International Women’s Day coverage in a recent issue of the mag, they were firmly on my radar.
They didn’t disappoint. They’re simply a lot of fun. The set is a mixture of cleverly crafted punk vignettes and highenergy offbeat covers. You’ve
got witty originals highlighting the absurdity of catcalling, alongside an unexpected cover of Slipknot’s ‘Duality’. Sounds good, right?
If their stage personas are anything to go by, they’re clearly very funny people too – the chat between songs is self-aware and bursting with charisma. Add in an electric violin, floating or stabbing its way through each track, and I’m all in. Go see ’em next chance you get!
Stage set for Avalanche Party then, and much like the wait for the second album, it’s not a disappointment – it’s actually better than I could have expected. With confidence bordering on arrogance, lead singer Jordan Bell spends a good portion of the set up close and personal with the crowd, oozing Messianic levels of strut.
The confidence is warranted. His vocal range pushes more buttons than he’s bothered to button up on his silk shirt, and he’s got a set of tunes behind
him that are setting the room alight. Throughout, the feral wall of sound pouring out of the fivepiece feels perpetually on the edge of spilling into chaos.
Guitarist and sax player Jared Thorpe clambers around the cramped stage, pulling a physics-defying range of facial expressions from beneath his double top knot. The entire band attack each track with a pent-up release – maybe in part thanks to their hefty lay-off. Either way, they absolutely rip the arse out of this set.
For me, the new stuff feels like more than just progression for the band – it’s transformation. ‘Nureyev Said It Best’, ‘Shake the Slack’ and ‘John Coltrane’s Moscow Skyscraper’ (this one’s my favourite – the opening riff was teased throughout the set and got me every time!) all stand out in an hour-long set chockfull of high-energy bangers.
Hopefully, it’s not another five years before we get more from this lot.
PHOTO: OLIVER FRANKLIN WORDS: ASH BIRCH
thursday 3 april 2025 refugee rhythms: franz von, Tradwife & Junk
£6 / £8, Doors 7:30pm
thursday 3 april 2025 soul jam
£7, Doors 11:30pm, 18+
friday 4 april 2025 lottery winners
£15.50, Doors 7:30pm
thursday 3 april 2025 grapefruit
lgbtq+ clubnight
£7, Doors 11:30pm, 18+
SATURDAY 12 april 2025 fleetwood bac
£19.00, Doors 7:00pm
thursday 17 april 2025 footprints jazz club:
K.O.G & afrodesia
£12/14/16, Doors 7:30pm
saturday 26 april 2025
Kiell Smith-Bynoe
£26.00, Doors 7:00pm
sunday 27 april 2025 razorlight
£30.00, Doors 7:00pm
saturday 3 may 2025
30 years of pop
tarts day party!
£7.00, Doors 4:00pm, 18+
sunday 4 may 2025
Beth mccarthy
£19.00, Doors 7:00pm
thursday 22 may 2025 footprints jazz club: blue lab beats & fuji speedway
£12/14/16, Doors 7:30pm
friday 4 july 2025
rob mullholland
£18.00, Doors 7:00pm, 18+
thursday 28 aug 2025
martha wainwright
£33.00, Doors 7:30pm
thursday 4 sept 2025
george lewis
£21.00, Doors 7:30pm
SATURDAY 13 sept 2025
antarctic monkeys
£20.00, Doors 7:00pm
SATURDAY 27 sept 2025 float along festival
£35.00 (early bird), Doors 12:00pm
thursday 16 oct 2025
hollie mcnish
£18.00, Doors 7:30pm
friday 14 nov 2025
Craig charles
funk & soul house party
£19.00, Doors 7:00pm
thursday 4 december 2025 inspiral carpets
£28.50, Doors 7:30pm
SATURDAY 6 december 2025
808 state ex:el live
£30.00, Doors 7:00pm
friday 1 may 2026
just radiohead
£17.50, Doors 7:00pm all shows open to the public (14+ unless stated otherwise) tickets available from foundrysu.com box office: 0114 222 8777
foundry, sheffield students’ union western bank, s10 2tg foundrysu.com - foundry@sheffield.ac.uk @foundrysheffield scan for tickets
SHOOTING FOR THE STARS
It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for once Sheffield-rooted now London-based neo-pop performer abs. Since we last caught up, she’s toured the UK, opened the Leadmill stage at Tramlines and dropped her debut self-titled EP. Now, with her brand-new single ‘Stellar Collision’ making waves, abs is ready to take on the rest of 2025 with renewed energy. I caught up with the upcoming artist to talk about her musical evolution, Sheffield’s lasting influence on her artistry and what’s next.
WORDS: MEGAN POCOCK // PHOTO: @JAMBURRITO1
Your new single ‘Stellar Collision’ is out now – what’s the story behind it? This song actually came together in just an hour. I wrote it with my partner, Zach Masho – he’s a bassist and producer who’s worked with a lot of artists in the Sheffield music scene. One morning, we woke up, and he said ‘let’s write a song today,’ so we did. He asked me what genre I wanted to go for, and I told him I had this playlist called Hot AF, which didn’t have any of my songs on it yet. And so that’s how the song was born - I wanted to create something that would fit in with my playlist, inspired by artists like D’Angelo, Jacob Banks and Lianne La Havas.
Zach started playing this really cool guitar part, and from there, I just started writing lyrics. I then took it to my band in rehearsal and they helped build up the parts. We ended up performing it on my UK tour last year before officially releasing it in October. It came together so naturally- that’s one of the reasons why I love it because it just felt like it was meant to happen in that moment.
How does it compare to your past releases?
As an artist, I don’t believe in sticking to just one style - I think you should write based on how you feel. But right now, I am absolutely loving jazzy, neo-soulinspired music. It’s very chilled, very cool, and I love that my band is on it as well. It’s all live recorded, which makes it different from my previous, more electronic-leaning work. This one is much more down the neo-soul route and
I think that’s where I’m at.
Since we last spoke, you’ve toured the UK, played Tramlines and released an EP. How does it feel looking back? It’s honestly crazy because I do think that it is quite a lot to have achieved in a very short space of time especially for an upcoming artist. When I look back, it reminds me that people are connecting with what I’m doing – people are showing up to gigs and booking me -it proves that I’m on the right track and that’s reassuring.
I only celebrated my second anniversary with my band the other week, so to have done all this in just two years is something I’m really proud of. It’s a testament to not just my talent but how hard I have worked and everything I have put into this.
What have been the biggest highlights for you? What’s been the most rewarding part of your growth as an artist?
Touring was definitely one of my proudest achievements. I was lucky enough to get funding from Help Musicians, who supported the tour and gave me expert advice. That in itself was massive because funding applications are so competitive and rejection gets disheartening. I actually got rejected the first time, but I took a massive leap of faith -I booked the tour and then applied for funding, hoping I’d get it.
I cannot even describe how much work and time it took to manage the whole tour myself. I was working a
full-time job, then spending every spare moment on admin, emails, promo, and rehearsals. I am very lucky to have had my partner who massively supported me throughout the tour. It was exhausting, but it was also the best week of my life. We played seven shows across the UK and sold out two of them all while connecting with fans who I still speak to now. It was such a rewarding and emotional experience, when we finished the last gig, the band and I were all in tears but it was just such a proud moment for us all.
Any unexpected challenges along the way that shaped your journey?
Funding is my biggest challenge in everything as a musician. I have so many big ideas, but I can’t afford a single one of them. I’ve got around 10 songs written or in demo form, but I don’t have the money to properly finish and record them the way I’d like - with my full band in a studio. I’m also working a full-time job, which makes it difficult to dedicate as much time to music as I’d like. Doing music full-time is the dream, but I can’t afford it and I think that’s the sad truth for most independent musicians.
Even though you’re based in London now, how has Sheffield continued to shape your music?
I went to university in Sheffield, and that’s where I started as an artist and met my band which is still based there, so I travel back and forth for rehearsals and gigs. I felt it was time for me to expand my horizon, so I moved to London where I have met so many more artists of my genre. But Sheffield is my roots and the music scene is so supportive – Exposed Magazine was the first to interview me, and Tramlines gave me that huge opportunity. I have a lot of love for Sheffield and I will always be coming back because I have fans there, I have my
PHOTO: JACOB FLANNERY
band there and I don’t want to lose that connection – it really shaped who I am as an artist.
I was heartbroken when Dorothy Pax shut down – it was such an important venue for upcoming artists. Sheffield’s music scene is so intimate, and the venues play a huge role in supporting musicians. It’s such a loss for the music scene. Without the musicians, the venue struggles and without the venues, the musicians struggle.
What’s next – more singles, an album, another tour?
I’m working on my second EP at the moment and would love to release it this year, but it all depends on money.
BUT SHEFFIELD IS MY ROOTS AND THE MUSIC SCENE IS SO SUPPORTIVE
I have definitely got my second bad bitch anthem which I debuted at my sold-out London headline gig, and
the reaction was wild, so that one is definitely coming. I feel really creative at the moment. I could have a conversation with someone, hear one line and it inspires a whole song.
Gigging is my main priority right now. Personally, I connect with people best through my live shows and that’s how I build my audience in the most organic way. I do have a couple small festivals coming up which I can’t announce just yet but that’s very exciting too. I was shortlisted for Tramlines again, so whether that happens or not, I would love to do that again.
Stellar Collision is out now. Follow @absmusic for the latest updates.
ANTONY SZMIEREK @ THE LEADMILL
WORDS: NICK HARLAND PHOTO: GANDHI WARHOL
Antony Szmierek (smeh-rik) is excited to be here. As well he might: less than two years ago he was still working as an English teacher, and tonight he’s playing to a sold-out Leadmill. After this he’ll set off on a jaunt of 20 more mostly sold-out dates across Europe, with a quick pit stop at SXSW Festival in Texas. It’s also his first solo tour as a ‘proper’ musician – no more Mr. Szmierek – and so when he says he’s excited you can tell he genuinely means it.
Though his music is more danceminded, Szmierek comes from that fine Northern line of literary-minded songwriters. You can hear echoes of Cocker and Turner in his smart and sardonic lyrics, which tackle everything from misguided late nights in 'Dance Better' (Got the Sunday scaries on a Saturday night / Tryna fight the strobe lights like they cut me up in traffic) to misguided mid-90s construction projects in 'The Great Pyramid of Stockport' (Stockport council abandoned their valley of the kings / but I’ll never abandon you).
Szmierek’s song titles may suggest hedonism ('The Afters', 'Twist Forever', 'Dance Better'), and his lyrics often verge into silliness (in 'Yoga Teacher': ‘On this musty borrowed PE foam mat / I’m a downward-facing class traitor’), but there’s a dark undercurrent running through his music. He sings of being
caught up in a fight in his own mind and only getting older, never wiser. Yet each time these dark thoughts threaten to overcome his psyche, they’re punctured by burst-of-light lyrics that bring him (and us) back down to earth: a mention of The Simpsons at 6 here, a reminder that tomorrow will be brighter there. It’s at these points when his music starts to make the most sense, and when the Leadmill crowd really start to connect with it.
And it’s maybe that contrast which makes Szmierek so relatable, so popular and, well, so good. At one point, Szmierek writes, directs and stars in a smash hit mosh pit – ‘the first ever poetry mosh pit.’ A couple of songs later, he’s almost brought to tears during an emotional rendition of ‘Restless Leg Syndrome.’ Inbetween, he’s belting out a faintly-ludicrous cover of Robbie Williams’ ‘Feel,’ which just works, and I do not have the words to explain why exactly it does.
So when Szmierek closes the show by imploring the crowd into an early-March New Year’s countdown before ‘The Words to Auld Lang Syne,’ it somehow makes sense, again. ‘All the little things that you needed,’ sings the song’s refrain. ‘All the tiny pieces will fall into place.’ It’s a fitting summary of where Szmierek stands now – and you can’t help but feel just as excited as he is. All the best, Mr. Szmierek.
THE LOTTERY WINNERS
Foundry Students’ Union // 4 April // £19.00
To celebrate the release of their new album, KOKO – which, at the time of writing, is on course to be The Lottery Winners’ second UK number one album – the Leigh-based indie funsters (and pals of our very own Rev) are swinging by for a party at the Foundry. foundrysu.com
LITTLE COMETS
Network // 4 April // £26.65
Cheeky Tyneside indie stalwarts Little Comets roll their spring tour into Sheffield’s Network this month, fresh off the back of three new single releases in as many weeks. Expect the new tunes alongside sing-along bangers… "One Night in October!"
networksheffield.co.uk
HENGE
Sidney & Matilda // 4 April // £18.70 Henge have been spreading their ‘cosmic dross’ across the UK and Europe since they landed on Planet Earth nine years ago. Following the release of their new album Journey to Voltus B, extraterrestrial joymongers Zpor, Goo, Grok and Nom head to the subterranean Sidney & Matilda stage for a live show that you might love or hate, but will certainly remember.
sidneyandmatilda.com
BUFFET LUNCH + BEAN WEEVIL
Delicious Clam // 9 April // £12.10
Scottish imperfect pop-purveyors Buffet Lunch bring their Perfect Hit tour to one of our fave alt venues, Delicious Clam. Sharing the bill are Sheffield-based grunge-pop merchants Bean Weevil –expect a night of melodic oddities and fuzzy riffs.
deliciousclam.co.uk
RAZORLIGHT
Foundry Students’ Union // 27 April // £33.00
Self-proclaimed ‘genius’ Jonny Borrell brings his mid-noughties indie darlings Razorlight to Sheffield’s Students’ Union for a night of nostalgic glances back to a time when an indie shuffle on a sticky dancefloor to ‘Golden Touch’ was commonplace. Reforming in 2021, they’ve got some newer tunes to show you too.
foundrysu.com
FEMUR @ THE LEADMILL
In light of recent events, a Friday night gig under The Leadmill’s luminous signage is likely something to be cherished for posterity, so it felt fitting that last Friday (1 March), a stacked lineup of Sheffield bands fulfilled their rite of passage and stomped around the 30-odd-yearold Leadmill boards for the evening (yes, the boards have probably been replaced once or twice in that time, but you take the point).
With apologies to Flat Stanley, who I arrived too late for (although I have it on good authority that they were great!), it was heartening to witness a crowd in The Leadmill go mental to some of Sheffield’s finest current crop of guitarbased, high-energy merchants.
Headlined by Femur, the sold-out night in the small room was put together by the band themselves and local promoter Jarred Up and showcased other local faves Django Jones and the Mystery Men and Any Old Iron.
As I arrive, Django Jones’ Will Tomlinson flexes and prowls the stage before eventually abandoning it all together to join the crowd and stoke the barely contained mosh pit’s early embers. With the fuse lit, Any Old Iron simply need to strike a few chords to reignite it.
I’ve seen Any Old Iron a coupla times before and, while I’ve rated previous shows at Yellow Arch, for me, tonight sees them seriously take it up a notch.
Blasting out more songs than their bass player could fit under his little cowboy hat, Any Old Iron’s shaggy-haired, moustachioed frontman
commands the crowd with a mix of aloofness and jerky energy that I don’t remember seeing at previous shows. It’s good stuff! An excellent entrée.
I always seem to bump into Femur’s lead singer and all-round top human, Felix Renshaw, before a Femur show, and they always give off a barely contained nervous energy in these chats.
Still, they assure me they’re looking forward to the gig and, interestingly, to playing some new tracks – though they’re a little worried about forgetting the words, given the whole thing is being filmed. It’s also their birthday, which I didn’t realise at the time, so happy 27th, Felix!
As it turns out, Felix needn’t have harboured any nerves, and they, in particular, are on sparkling form this evening,
swinging from the rafters and trust-falling into the crowd like they’re on an anarchist corporate away day!
It’s been a little while since I last caught Femur live, and I’d almost forgotten just how special they are. They are, in my humble opinion, the best in the city at what they do – and that’s no shade on other bands of similar ilk, or even those on tonight’s bill – it’s just a very high bar they’re setting.
You feel in safe hands with Femur. There’s trust established there. They’re going to drag you along for the ride, which musically, tends to be the long way round.
Within the same song, you’ll face moments of doomy metal drone that suddenly explode into monster dance beats, as drummer Danny Cox flings open his hi-hat. Catchy
4/4, almost indie choruses collapse into mesmerising, snake charmer-esque, Balkaninflected riffs. It’s a trip, man! And whether Felix likes it or not, it’s groovy music!
Big tunes, like ‘I Don’t Like’ (above) and ‘Comeback Kid’, rightly get the crowd response they deserve, but the new stuff is met with the same enthusiasm. All stage-managed by Felix (at one point, they even coax the majority of the crowd, including me and my weathered knees, to squat down), a good portion of the near-300-strong crowd spend the entire evening in the pit that fans out nearly as far as the sound desk.
Whether it’s the knowledge that this might never happen quite like this again or the irrepressible magic of Femur, this has been a bloody good time.
PHOTO: @JAMBURITTO1 WORDS: ASH BIRCH
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FB: The Ranmoor Inn // Insta: @the.ranmoorinn
NO CLOWNING AROUND
A much-loved Steel City festival returns with a stacked bill of rock ‘n’ roll icons, circus acts and local talent...
Following the announcement that Queens of the Stone Age will open the festival in August, Rock N Roll Circus has revealed even more huge names set to perform under the Big Top – with more announcements to come soon!
The multi-day event, known for blending world-class live music with a full-on immersive circus experience, confirmed last month that James will headline Sunday 31 August. They’ll be joined by a stellar supporting line-up, including Ocean Colour Scene, Embrace, Cast, Sleeper, The Lilacs and Girlband.
The festivities kick off on Wednesday 27 August, with Queens of the Stone Age launching the festival in style – before returning for a second date on Thursday 28 August. Sheffield’s own Reverend & The
Makers take centre stage on Saturday 30 August, leading into a final night stacked with classic indie anthems on Sunday 31 August.
Other names taking to the stage over the weekend include the likes of Peter Doherty, Carl Barat, The Viagra Boys, Jehnny Beth, The Murder Capital, Circa Waves, Groove Armada, with plenty of local talent signed up too.
More than just a music festival, Rock N Roll Circus will combine massive live performances with aerial stunt acts, circus performers, and an expanded food and drink village.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said: “After the huge excitement around Queens of the Stone Age, we’re thrilled to announce yet another phenomenal night of music. James are one of the
UK’s most celebrated live acts, and alongside an incredible supporting cast, we know this will be an unforgettable night. Rock N Roll Circus is all about delivering a unique and immersive festival experience, and we can’t wait to bring it all to life this summer.”
With plenty more still to be announced, Rock N Roll Circus is shaping up to be a memorable event on the city’s social calendar this summer.
Tickets and more info available at rocknrollcircus. co.uk, while you’ll get the latest festival announcements by following @ranrcircus on Insta.
LISTEN UP! GET IN THE MOOD BY THE LISTENING TO THE
APRIL’S BLOOMING!
Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ communities are set to enjoy a vibrant array of events this month, offering something for everyone.
Start your week with Dempseys’ Quiz Night [every Tue], featuring a mix of trivia and disco bingo, or check out the karaoke [every Wed] with the charismatic Ivabollocoff, inviting everyone to showcase their vocal talents. For more chances to take to the stage, head to Maggie May’s for Dragoke [every Thu], where the fabulous Emma Maezin leads an inclusive drag karaoke session, complete with student and industry discounts. You can also catch Emma at Drag Karaoke [Fri 11 / Sat 19 Apr] at Ball Inn.
Gut Level is the place to be for music enthusiasts this April. On Friday, they kick off with a Members Party [Fri 4 Apr], featuring master selector Joe Delon. The following night, GL Presents brings Stolen Velour and Lindsay Losam [Sat 5 Apr] to the stage, promising an eclectic mix of sounds. Sassy Saturdays [Sat 5 and 26 Apr] at Malin Bridge Inn offer non-stop bops with DJ Brooke, ensuring lively evenings filled with dance and entertainment. For those seeking
a unique experience, Cryptid Queers X [Sat 12 Apr], hosted by King Confuza at Forge Warehouse, combines alternative drag performances with a two-room club night, blending metal, goth, techno, and uplifting queer anthems. Later in the month, Dandy [Sat 26 Apr] returns to Yellow Arch, bringing their signature blend of alt-dance, indie bangers, hyperpop and more, ensuring a night of colourful chaos.
Sheffield’s stages are alive with diverse performances this month. Gut Level hosts a gig featuring Luce Mawdsley and L.T. Leif [Thu 10 Apr], offering cinematic instrumentals and introspective folk tunes. Their Folk Session [Thu 3 Apr] provides an inclusive evening for musicians and singers of folk and traditional music, hosted by Lucy and Rosie Huzzard. Also at Gut Level, GUT LEVEL LIVE W/ Nic Krog, LINTD & Porter Brook [Sat 12 Apr] brings a night of experimental electronic music juxtaposed with subversive sound art and
spoken word. Steel City Comedy presents Worms in Progress [Fri 11 Apr], a platform where queer comedians test new material in a supportive environment. Drag enthusiasts can look forward to Kate Butch [Wed 16 Apr] – a one-woman show at Leadmill blending comedy with live vocals and lipsync extravaganzas. Additionally, Divina De Campo’s I Do Think tour [Tue 22 Apr] stops at Leadmill, delivering an electrifying mix of comedy, music and storytelling.
For those eager to learn and connect, Gut Level offers several engaging events. The FLAW DJ Workshop & Social [Tue 1 Apr] welcomes LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and gender minorities to explore DJing skills in a supportive setting. The Craft Social [Wed 9 Apr] invites attendees to bring their art or mending projects for a creative evening in good company.
Additionally, the QTIBPOC Cinema Club [Thu 15 Apr] provides a space for queer, trans, intersex, Black, and people of colour to watch films that disrupt colonial and straight narratives, fostering community and discussion. Community support and well-being are at the forefront with events like Rainbow Minds [every Wed], an LGBTQ+ social café held at Sheffield Mind, offering a safe space for connection and relaxation. Trans Active swim sessions [every Saturday] at Heeley Pool and Gym provide private swimming opportunities for trans, non-binary, and gender-questioning individuals of all fitness levels. The LGBTQ+ Over 50s Group [Thu 10 Apr] meets at Weston Park Museum, offering a supportive environment for older LGBTQ+ individuals to connect and share experiences. Gut Pleasers [Wed 2 Apr] returns to Gut Level for an evening of culinary ecstasy at their vegan/veggie communal meal.
Camp Club Fridays [Fri 25 Apr] at Graduate features Sheffield’s drag royalty, Emma Maezin, for an evening of great food, cocktails, and camp music – an ideal way to welcome the weekend. That same night, Gut Level hosts Cyb3r: Spring Breakers [Fri 25 Apr], an electronic music event celebrating hyperpop favourites. For those interested in alternative nightlife, Cruise – LeatherDyke Bar Night [Thu 17 Apr] at Gut Level offers a dyke-centred bar night with low-slung tunes in a pervert-friendly atmosphere. Sheffield’s LGBTQ+ scene this April is rich with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and express oneself. Whether you’re into music, comedy, creative workshops or community gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and feel part of this vibrant community. That’s your lot for this month – make sure to check out the latest event announcements at www.facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents
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FROM GRAFT TO CRAFT
Exposed caught up with Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad, founder of Work-Leisure – an exhibition celebrating the unsung creativity of workers across the UK, which has spent the last year exploring Sheffield’s industrial landscapes. From scissor factories to concrete workshops, the project brings together objects crafted during downtime on sites, exploring the traditional divide between work and play.
Work-Leisure explores the relationship between work and free time. What inspired you to investigate this theme?
As a designer and maker, I’m personally interested in how play informs my work. Working outside of supply and demand allows for creative expression, material experimentation and skill development through projects that fall beyond economic logic.
The practice of making whimsical objects using workplace skills and materials dates back to an unknown time. At some point, I encountered the tradition of ‘frigging’, where glassworkers would use leftover molten glass in the furnace at the end of the workday to create small objects to gift or trade with fellow workers. Reflecting on the heritage of making in the UK, I became curious to see how this tradition has translated into the contemporary industrial landscape.
How did you locate the different objects to feature? The project involves a lot of walking, door knocking and word of mouth. The process includes identifying industrial sites and spending a number of days meeting workers in their workplaces.
The question “Do you make things for fun at work?” is clearly understood, and the responses vary from “No, we just finish up and go home”, or “Yes, well, I like to mess about with this and that” to “No, but I know who does.” That’s how we ended up with these objects.
Can you tell us about some of the people or communities you worked with?
One of the things I enjoy about the project is that it’s full of chance encounters. I meet people of different cultural backgrounds, industries, interests and temperament. From traditional industries like third-generation blacksmith Richard Lewis and scissor maker Grace Horne, to newer ones like CNC fabricators Chop Shop and concrete countertop producers Conplex. To share these insights
and stories, we’ve made a publication with Everyday Press that features interviews and photographs of the makers and their work.
Sheffield is rich with making, and the people and communities I’ve met have been very receptive to the project. We’re hoping to gather many of the makers at the exhibition opening.
Were there any unexpected insights or discoveries that emerged during the making of the exhibition?
I don’t know where to start –the whole project is based on discoveries and the unexpected.
What’s interesting is that the objects we’ve found are often gifted or traded with other workers. You meet someone and they send you across the city to visit someone who likes to ‘mess about making things at work’. That person shows you a gem and tells you the background story.
There’s a very strong social element, often with no real desire to make things public. I, alongside my collaborator Matthew Harle, am really a facilitator, investigator and producer in this process. The real skill and creativity lie with the makers.
How do you hope audiences engage with the pieces in Work-Leisure?
We hope to show the beauty, skills and history of these objects to the wider public through the exhibition and publication – to bring attention to the making that shapes our
material world and the reallife stories and characters that make it happen.
The website www.work-leisure. uk is a growing archive that expands as the project moves from one city to another, discovering things along the way. We’ve also started an Instagram account, @work_ leisure_uk, which provides updates as the project develops.
Work-Leisure is at Yorkshire Artspace, 21 Brown Street, until 12 April. More info available at artspace.org.uk.
Healthy & Tasty
On a cold day, there’s no beating an authentic hot pot. This dish consists of a shimmering pot of broth filled with various tasty ingredients like egg noodles, eggs, meats, veggies, tofu and even dumplings.
Always Fresh! Always Home Cooked
We get our produce fresh daily so our specials change often! From seafood to some incredible meats we work with the best suppliers from Sheffield to ensure we keep amazing standards of food.
We have 2 places for you to try our Szechuan food, join us at our Restaurant on the Moor or at our new street food stand at Cutlery Works. 41 Boston Street, Sheffield, S2 4QF
Sweet Christmas Add On Add a crème brûlée for £1.50 when purchasing any boba drink. (Crème brûlée in its own: £2.50 each),
Gingerbread Boba (go hot +30p)
Merry Matcha £6.50 (cold only)
Cinnamon Boba £5.50 (go hot +30p)
Chocolate Strawberry £6.50 (cold only)
YOU BE THE JUDGE
Charlotte Colley sits down with actor Joshua Welch, who takes on the role of Eddie Harper in the upcoming theatre production of Murder Trial Tonight 3 – an immersive courtroom drama where the audience plays judge and jury.
What can people expect from an interactive theatre show like this?
They can expect to be part of the play – the audience acts as the jury and must deliver the correct verdict, so they’re not just passive spectators. They have to really pay attention and, at the end, decide whether this man goes to prison for life or not – a big responsibility within the context of the play. They will watch a film and the entire court case live on stage before deliberating among themselves. They’ll then use their phones to vote guilty or not guilty, and the ending of the play will completely change depending on their decision. The audience is constantly involved as we try to steer the verdict in the direction our character wants it to go.
What storylines does the show follow?
The character on trial is Dale Irvin, accused of murdering his wife, who was found strangled on her doorstep. Throughout the trial, you’ll meet witnesses testifying about their marriage. The first half presents the prosecution and witnesses arguing that Dale is capable of the crime, but in the second half, new evidence may make you think twice about what you’ve heard. The court case unravels possible motives and reasons why he may – or may not – have killed his wife.
What was the inspiration behind the show? Is it about breathing new life into theatre? Definitely. What’s so great about it is that it brings a whole new audience into the theatre – people who wouldn’t normally go. It’s been heavily targeted at true crime fans, particularly those who watch Netflix documentaries but
don’t necessarily see theatre as something for them. This show is changing that and bringing a fresh demographic into theatres across the country.
THEATRE IS ALWAYS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE –WHATEVER HAPPENS ON THE NIGHT EXISTS ONLY IN THE MEMORIES OF THOSE WHO WERE THERE, UNLIKE TV. IT’S LIVE, IT’S FLEETING, AND IT’S NEVER QUITE THE SAME TWICE
The company was founded by former barristers, and all three iterations of Murder Trial Tonight have been inspired by real-life cases, with verbatim material from court proceedings dramatised for the stage. The show really asks: how can we be sure of anything? It highlights how easily legal cases can go the wrong way and how difficult it is to uncover the truth when you’re presented with two conflicting narratives – both of which could be completely believable.
Why are theatre events like this such a unique experience? Theatre is always a unique experience – whatever happens on the night exists only in the memories of those who were there, unlike TV. It’s live, it’s fleeting, and it’s never quite the same twice. But this show is particularly unique because there’s nothing else quite like it – the audience plays a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the play.
Murder Trial Tonight 3 heads to Sheffield City Hall on 30 April. Tickets (£30) are available from murdertrialtonight.com.
SOUTHERN ITALIAN PASTA LAB
INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL FLAVOURS, WE OFFER A FRESH, CREATIVE AND ORIGINAL INTERPRETATION OF PUGLIAN CUISINE, IN THE HEART OF SHEFFIELD.
LOCAL, FRESH & AUTHENTIC
We use local independent suppliers as well as typical Southern Italian ingredients to create homemade sauces, authentic desserts and unique Apulian dishes that you won’t find in Italian chains.
9 LEOPOLD STREET, SHEFFIELD, S1 2GY INFO@GRAZIESHEFFIELD.CO.UK
OPENING HOURS
MON - THURS: 12PM - 9.30PM
FRI - SAT: 12PM - 10PM
SUN - CLOSED
Coffee Morning
Notice: At St Winifred’s, this Saturday, 11th June, there will be a coffee morning (there’s tea available too!)
Please arrive at 12pm, prompt, then we shall begin to think of ways to raise money for St Winifred’s roof now that wet rot has set in.
We’ve had rather too much rain this year (The village green was sodden through!) We’ve had to think of ways to attract a younger crowd, as the modern Church ought to do. So then after coffee, there’s a bottomless brunch, all the prosecco you can drink, with karaoke and comedy hosted by local drag act, Lily The Pink.
Straight after that, because the roof really has gotten rather thin, we’ve hired two progressive trance DJs and are flying them in from Berlin. Parishioners: fetish wear is optional, chains and whips (bring ear plugs) plus, Reverend Martin has decided there’ll be a relaxed attitude to drugs.
Following on from that, a wicker man will be erected on the Village Green, where parishioners will be encouraged to dance in the nude, before running primal screaming into the sea. So! We hope to see you this Saturday now you’ve been alerted well ahead, and if you’d like to help, please contact Damien at the Friends of St Winifred’s.
Taken from David Venn’s recently released collection of poems, Hell’s Angel Coffee Morning (@hellsangelcoffeemorning). Signed copies available from davidvennwriter.wordpress.com. Illustration: Helen Frank (@helen___frank)
THE SILENCE OF SNOW: THE LIFE OF PATRICK HAMILTON
PLAYHOUSE // 3 APR // £12-£14
Winner of Best Solo Play at the 2023 London Pub Theatre Awards, The Silence of Snow is Mark Farrelly’s powerful portrayal of writer Patrick Hamilton. A gripping, witty exploration of genius, addiction and loneliness, it charts Hamilton’s dazzling highs and devastating lows with honesty, energy and emotional depth.
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
EVERYWHERE
PLAYHOUSE // 5 APR // £12-£14
Fearless British African heritage company tiata fahodzi presents Everywhere – three short plays exploring identity, family and survival. Written by Yusra Warsama, Magero and Anyebe Godwin, and directed by Roy Alexander Weise MBE, the triple bill offers a timely look at who we are, and who we’re becoming. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
LYCEUM // 8-12 APR // £15-£60.50
Dear Evan Hansen follows anxious teen Evan as a lie spirals out of control, forcing him to confront who he really is. Featuring a hit score by Pasek and Paul, this multi-award-winning musical is packed with heart, humour and unforgettable songs from the team behind The Greatest Showman.
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
LYCEUM // 15-19 APR // £15-£46.50
Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns after a record-breaking, sell-out tour in 2022. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman.
sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
PORTRAITS AND THE HUMAN FIGURE
GRAVES GALLERY // 1-25 APR // FREE
Drawn from Sheffield’s collections, this refreshed display explores the power of portraiture. Featuring over 80 works by artists including Freud, Goya, Hockney and Claudette Johnson, it examines identity, status and representation –from flattery to mortality – and how photography reshaped who gets seen and how.
sheffieldmuseums.org.uk
Sheffield-based artist Melville is bringing his latest exhibition, The Symptoms of Social Observation, to beloved city centre boozer Fagan’s next month. True to form, the artist’s unfiltered collage-style approach will capture how pockets of society rail against multiple grievances with the modern world. Ahead of opening night, we caught up with the main man to find out a bit more.
What inspired The Symptoms of Social Observation?
When people ask what my work is or how would you describe it in a few words, I’d never know what to answer to it. But one thing that did stick was the idea that my work was, in the purest form, a social observation. I think I’d mentioned it in a few interviews, and it just described it perfectly. The ‘symptoms’ idea was literally exploring the effects of life, being able to show the hardships, warts and all.
How does this exhibition reflect the progression of your work? Are there any key themes that have evolved over time? With progression, I feel the confidence and knowledge I’ve built has made me be able to continue to focus in on what I want to achieve and to be able to navigate the way in which my work is heading in. The more you believe in yourself and being able to deliver your messages through your work, it kind of elevates you to push on more and more. Stylistically, the work is better than it ever was – it’s still raw and gritty. But I’m always wanting to try new approaches to be able to influence my work.
Can you tell us more about the new accompanying video with Bloodshot Inc? The new video is where we left off with our last one, which featured in the ‘we love what you’ve done with the place’ exhibition last year. There’s going to be a mix of older video styles, as well as more spoken dialogue. It fits in well with the themes of the exhibition itself, wanting to mix old and new works together like what I’m doing with the artwork. We’ve filmed parts of it in Fagan’s, which should add personal touches to the night.
Why did you choose Fagan’s as the venue for the exhibition? Does the pub’s history or atmosphere influence it?
I’d met James, one of the owners of Fagan’s, at the Kneecap afterparty. We got chatting, he’d looked at my work and offered me the chance to do some kind of exhibition at the pub. Personally, I feel Fagan’s is a cultural hub. There’s lots of history and character in the place. It just seems to be a favourite pub for people regardless of who you are or what you do. It was an opportunity too good to not do. Pubs in general are one of the main influences in my work, as they are so pivotal to the social aspects of modern life. Growing up as a kid in and around them or on a Saturday heading off to the working men’s as a late teen with my parents, it was always intriguing and fun.
You mentioned exploring how the world is going at the moment and how people cope with stress – how do these ideas come through in what you do?
Life is shit at the moment, and it has been for a long while. Social, economic and governmental issues seem to have accumulated into this big furnace of hate and sadness. The themes of my work do regularly explore the side effects to these issues and how we deal with these problems. Whether it’s through drink, drugs or whatever your vice or coping mechanism is. I don’t know if my work helps the situation, but it always needs to be documented.
What can people expect from the opening night?
Hopefully, a fun night! Most importantly, if you’ve never been to an exhibition I want it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone. As a working-class man myself, there’s a stigma at art shows and people are sometimes put off by the idea of having to go to one. There’ll be music from True Fiction and plenty of Guinness too, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Art shouldn’t be pretentious.
What do you hope people take away from this exhibition?
Hopefully, people have something to think about when they go away. It’s never too late to start something creatively if you’ve always held back. Most importantly, people enjoy it and have a headache in the morning.
What’s next for you after this? Do you have any future projects in the works? There’s plenty in the works – a few I can’t share right now. But hopefully just getting up to more chaos and creating new work!
The Symptoms of Social Observation opens on Thursday 3 April, with an opening party from 7pm ‘til late, and will be on display throughout the month.
@melville_the_third
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE @ THE CRUCIBLE
Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire has arrived at the Crucible for a month-long run, bringing with it all the tension, passion, and raw emotion of this iconic play. Under the direction of Joshua Seymour, this production remains largely faithful to the Pulitzer Prizewinning original, allowing Williams’ storytelling to shine without unnecessary embellishments.
Speaking to Exposed before opening night, lead actor Jake Dunn recalled how Seymour set the tone for rehearsals: “No one in the room has to try and be a genius when we start. Williams is the genius. We’ve got the genius already. Let’s just play.” This philosophy is clear to see in the production, which places its trust in the strength of the performances rather than elaborate staging.
The set is deliberately sparse, reflecting not only the stark difference between Blanche’s romanticised illusions and the reality of Stanley and Stella’s existence but also intensifying the emotional weight of the drama. Blanche arrives with a trunk filled with trinkets and furs, yet finds herself surrounded by the bleakness of the Kowalski’s world, a contrast that is underscored by the minimalistic and cramped set.
Jake Dunn delivers a compelling performance as Stanley Kowalski, often exuding
a crude, animalistic presence on stage. He prowls with an air of aggression, displaying a particularly large chip on the shoulder when it comes to the DuBois sisters’ background, and his working-class sensibilities clash violently with Blanche’s refined, aristocratic pretensions. His hostility towards her is instantly palpable, though at times, their conflict feels so heightened from the outset that a more gradual build-up of tension may have been a better route to take. Joanne Vanderham is on superb form throughout, presenting Blanche as a whirlwind of vanity, anxiety and myriad neuroses that quickly takes up a lot of room in the small apartment. Her frequent interactions with a ghostly presence from her past add an eerie dimension, though I’m yet to decide whether it is an effective technique or needlessly on the nose.
Amara Okereke’s Stella is warm and patient, caught between the clashing forces of her sister and husband. She appears to be a genuinely caring soul, with a patience that is often stretched to breaking point and, occasionally, snaps –though sometimes the impact of her fury is lost amidst a more general sense of meekness. Some welcome reprieve from the triangle of sadness on
display comes through Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong’s mostly affable portrayal of Mitch and his unlikely, developing courtship with Blanche.
Visually, the production makes excellent use of the Crucible’s rotating stage to heighten the sense of chaos and Blanche’s spiralling descent. The movement of the set mirrors the psychological disarray of the characters, reinforcing the claustrophobic feel of the household.
It is far from an easy watch, and nor should it be. A Streetcar Named Desire is a play about class, gender roles, power and, of course, desire. Ultimately, much of the story revolves around contentment: what it means to different people and the lies we tell ourselves to protect it. Such heavy themes are explored and laid bare by a cast well on top of their game.
