One of Sheffield’s oldest and finest traditional pubs. Still standing from the 1830s, it oozes character and charisma, whilst also offering an excellent selection of real ales, wines and a very fine rum menu to top it off. Whether you sit downstairs playing a free board game, or toddle off upstairs to catch many of the bands and DJs that regularly perform here, The Shakespeare has much to offer.

The Venue
The pub sits on Gibraltar Street, just a few minutes from the city centre, and offers a peaceful alternative from the noise and goings on of busy city centre streets. The pub is traditional in many senses and creates a warm, inviting and cosy environment. There’s an open fire that’s great for winter nights, whilst the beer garden is ideal for summer visits.

It has a separate pool room, so you can play in peace, or if pool isn’t your thing you can avoid it completely. The walls are decorated with local photographers’ and artists’ work, which rotates every 3-4 months. Pictures range from local bands right through to David Lynch.

Upstairs, there is a completely separate floor that feels more like a working man’s club, but in a charming way as opposed to a garish one. This room often plays host to nights put on by local promoters and has become somewhat of a hotspot for bands and DJs. Expect the place to be littered with free fanzines and magazines for the taking; you may even stumble across an art exhibition taking place.

The People
The bar staff are friendly, polite and welcoming. Due to the small size of the pub it feels like a much more personal experience when drinking here, almost like an extension of someone’s living room at times. This can also be said of the clientele, who are always relaxed, friendly and fun. Busier band nights may see the place being filled with twenty-somethings, whilst quieter nights may be occupied by more local, elderly drinkers. In-between you will get a mix of all ages, usually more of an alternative bunch than the kind you might find in a city-centre chain bar. This only adds to the individuality and appeal of the pub.

The Drink
The Shakespeare offers an excellent selection of drinks. Don’t expect a cocktail list, but do expect a good quality bottle of house wine for under a tenner. A selection of real ales (Bass Premium, Theakston’s Best Bitter, Old Speckled Hen, Harvest Pale and Easy Rider are amongst the selection at just £2.50 a pint). Imported lagers, in bottles, include Asahi, Budvar, Estrella Damm, Peroni and Moretti. These average around £2.70.

You will also find Weston’s organic ciders and, most impressively, a rum selection that boasts at least 10 varieties at any one time (from standards like Mount Gay, Sailor Jerry and Havana Club to Bundaberg, Ten Cane and Brugal). They even change their spirit selection in conjunction with the changing seasons, how’s that for dedication to the cause.

The Last Word
The Shakespeare has everything you need in a pub, and caters for all your needs, all-year-round. Whether its music, atmosphere, drinks or relaxation you are after, The Shakespeare will not disappoint.

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