BEST INDEPENDENT VENUES IN SHEFFIELD
We’re back up North and in the city of Sheffield! Here are some of the best spots to catch some long-awaited live music in the Steel City.
Now on the other side of Freedom Day, live music has finally returned! VOCAL GIRLS is still on tour and we’ve just hit Sheffield, so read on to find our roundup of some must-know independent venues that you should show some love to; here’s hoping we can keep them open for good this time!
The Leadmill
6 Leadmill Rd, Sheffield S1 4SE
First up: the staple of the Sheffield music scene - The Leadmill. Established in 1980, The Leadmill is the longest-running live music venue and nightclub within the city. A former flour mill used initially as a community centre, The Leadmill has welcomed floods of talent over the past four decades. It’s seen the rise of many Sheffield favourites, including the Human League, Arctic Monkeys, Cabaret Voltaire, Pulp and Heaven 17 - and even has a secondary performance space, known as the ‘Steel Stage’. The Leadmill hosts a whole heap of events; from live music to theatre, comedy, and even film screenings and despite a difficult year, continues to be a firm fixture of Yorkshire’s grassroots scene.
Record Junkee
7 Earl Street, Sheffield, S1 3FP
Located in the heart of Sheffield, Record Junkee poses a triple threat as a bar, venue, and official chart registered record store. Embracing the inclusive ethos that bred the best acts from the city’s past, this independent establishment caters for all tastes and is a hotspot for collectors and vinyl heads alike. Record Junkee is “run by the fans, for the fans”, and it’s one we highly recommend checking out!
Corporation
Corporation, Milton Street, Sheffield, S1 4JU
Our next venue has gained quite the reputation amongst the alternative crowd, having been voted one of the ‘Top 3 Rock Clubs in the UK’ by Kerrang!, alongside other reputable accolades. Corporation (locally known as Corp) has been the go-to joint for music lovers to get rowdy since the late nineties. A space known for its boisterous attitude and character, you should definitely get down to Corporation if you fancy jumping into a mosh pit anytime soon!
Yellow Arch Studios
30-36 Burton Rd, Neepsend, Sheffield S3 8BX
Another venue that became part of Sheffield’s formidable music scene at the back end of the last millennium is Yellow Arch Studios. “A Victorian factory complex in the industrial regenerated heartland of Sheffield”, Yellow Arch Studios operates as both a recording studio and performance space. Most famously the birthplace of Arctic Monkeys, the studio has worked with an impressive collection of artists over the years, including Jarvis Cocker and Kylie Minogue. Since opening the building’s doors as a full time licensed venue in 2015, the owners have never looked back! One of Sheffield’s pivotal creative hubs, it’s unique in being somewhere you can write, record, perform, film and even grab a pint under the same roof.
Hope Works
1A Sussex Rd, Sheffield S4 7YQ
An innovation from the mind of Lo Shea, Hope Works is an Artspace and Warehouse Venue, with an aim to provide “a unique and rich environment for the enjoyment of music and art”. It’s a simple concept; however, simplicity often gets overlooked, and Lo Shea has proved that sometimes, less truly can be much, much more!
Plot 22
20-22 Exchange St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S2
Far more than just a music venue, Plot 22 is best described as a “multi-purpose creative space”. Providing support for young people and vulnerable adults in Sheffield, Plot 22’s mission surpasses hosting gigs alone. Founder of the record label RiteTrax and manager of Plot 22, Mike Thompson aims to offer creative outlets for those who may be in need of them, highlighting the importance of keeping the arts alive and the need to nurture new talent. With seven studio spaces and a 110-capacity venue, there’s plenty to get involved with at Plot 22, from workshops and classes to those all-important live events.
Bal Fashions
16 Exchange St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S2 5TR
What was once a clothes shop, now turned events space, Bal Fashions hosts club nights that are not to be missed! With a reputation of staying open long into the next morning, this contemporary hangout has welcomed some of the best underground dance music from across the globe. By day a cosy coffee shop, by night the place to be; as they say at Bal Fashions, “we are all the colours of the rainbow, come as you are!”
Frog & Parrot
94 Division St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4GF
Up next is the comfort of the classic British boozer, the Frog & Parrot. The Frog & Parrot provides all that you could ask of your local pub down the road, from its flouncy flock wallpaper to classic interior. With the company of some good grub and great live music, the place can’t really be knocked, so why not pop in, grab a pint, and catch some of Sheffield’s local talent whilst you’re at it?
The Washington
79 Fitzwilliam St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4JP
Finally, we have The Washington, the last standing bastion of the since-demolished Washington Works - where during the Industrial Revolution, workers would drink through the night hoping to forget the hardship of their day. Skip to the 1970/80s, the establishment soon became a notorious spot for local musicians to hang out, including bands such as The Human League and Pulp. Jump to the modern-day and the venue now frequently hosts live music events, as well as boasting a late license until 3am, which means you can keep on partying at The Washington - with some of the finest local DJs - whilst most of the city sleeps!
