Hi everyone....

My partner & I, are looking in to getting a bar in a prime location for everything, in the city centre.

So we want to know what people think Sheffields bars are lacking!!

What is missing from your nights out??
What do you want from a bar??
What can make our bar (in your eyes) totally different from the rest??
Where are the others going wrong??

Give us your feed back........

I'm a Beatles fan and always liked the sound of the bars/clubs they frequented in London at the height of their fame.

The Scotch At St. James was one, where they'd mix with the in-crowd, stars of the day like the Rolling Stones and Marianne Faithful. These bars were large enough to have live music and dancing, but the customers could sit in cosy corners in U shaped, comfortable seating around a table. I presume table service was order of the day.

So whenever I've thought about the prospects of opening a stylish bar, this is the sort of thing that springs to mind. A classy, sixties-type establishment with black and white pictures on the walls of the pop stars and film stars of the day, a Sean Connery here, a Roy Orbison there.

Sheffield's got Flares and Reflex, 70s and 80s themed places respectively, but I don't think it's got anything based around the 1960s. The decor would be all black and shiny chrome, the food would be quality steaks and the beer would be real ale.

And I'd probably make it 21 and over too. I'd call it something like A Doll's House, which is what the Beatles wanted to call their 1968 'Double White' album (but didn't because another group had already used that title).

nice fancy cocktails

I like Ousetunes' idea. There is definitely a need for a bar that caters for the more mature punter.
Get some good Beatles/60s bands to perform and it would be perfect.

There's nowhere I know of in Sheffield that's genuinely classy and cool, there's plenty places (I'm thinking Crystal and Ruby Lounge) which are smart venues, where the hollyoaks/men in shirts crowd go and listen to "funky house" - but nowhere that has a hint of class to make it stand out. There's exclusivity, but only in the way that you can't get in wearing trainers!

Starting to rant now! I'm thinking of a place that's as smart as Crystal, with the music and atmosphere of say Dulos on a weekend. Really laid back without being scruffy, maybe with live music on now and again.

Then again I'm knocking on a bit, I'm definately bordering on the "mature punter" in that I'm not 20! I'm just getting a bit fed up of going out and it being like Hollyoaks!

i agree, i think it would be great for a beatles themed pub, even have live tribute groups etc, id deffinatly go

A 60's theme bar could be so bad if it wasn't done properly, it'd just end up like a 60's Flares/Reflex or a Chicago's type place. No doubt would rake in the punters though.

There's a bar in Newcastle I used to frequent, called Popollos. It was reasonably smart, specialised in good cocktails and speciality beers (well, things Erdinger, Asahi, Amstel, rather than Stella and Carling). At the front there is a bar with a standing area, the back was a lounge where you could get Tapas (and so was popular during the week). Music was good, lots of screens, laid back atmosphere. I could get in in my trainers, in other words.

Nothing like that in Sheffield. Only thing missing was a dance floor.

What about one of those old-fashioned places where they throw straw down on the floor at closing time and any punters too tired/pi**ed/lazy to go home can sleep there.

I also like a nice tobacco brown ceiling, seating that's losing it's stuffing and a collie dog that sleeps across your feet.

Any chance?

Maybe have a 60's room and something for younger ones that don't like 60's music, because you need to cater for students etc, because they will spend most of their time in there if it's good!

Hi everyone....

My partner & I, are looking in to getting a bar in a prime location for everything, in the city centre.

So we want to know what people think Sheffields bars are lacking!!

What is missing from your nights out??
What do you want from a bar??
What can make our bar (in your eyes) totally different from the rest??
Where are the others going wrong??

Give us your feed back........

1. there is definatly something missing when i go down town now, can't put my finger on it what it is, but i don't enjoy it very much.
2. Cheaper drinks, i seem to spend loads when i go out.
3. Themed nights often
4. They are all the same, all the time, and it get's boring!

And employ me, i want to work in a bar (a good one!), THATS A GREAT IDEA. lol!:hihi:

A dirty low boozer would be nice. There aren't enough in town.

Bar with nice reggea RnB soul can not fail

to be fair this is sheffield, heres what the people want.

dirt cheap drinks served by fit bar staff.

unless, you and partner have enough money to be in it for the long haul. what sheffield could really use is a bar with an incredibly eclectic music policy serving quality drinks in a safe atmosphere.

this means that at first you'll have to make a loss because you have to keep the less desirable elements out but if you stick with it eventually you will clean up

I would like to see a bar that...

Decent beer range - usual lagers plus some geniune continental ones, along with real ales from local breweries.

Premium quality spirit options, along with a nice cocktail range too.

Fast and friendly service

Daytime atmosphere relaxed with comfy chairs and good food available

Evening atmosphere would see entertainment in the form of either live bands or a DJ playing good music (nothing too trendy or too cheesy).

Reasonable prices.

That'd do me..!

Oh and just to add I would like to see a suitable clientele in there too. No roughnecks and no up-their-own-arse types either. Just a good, friendly crowd enjoying themselves.

Oh and finally please fit it out in a style that is individual and has character, not a generic could be in any bar anywhere in Britain style such as BRB or HaHa.

Oh and just to add I would like to see a suitable clientele in there too. No roughnecks and no up-their-own-arse types either. Just a good, friendly crowd enjoying themselves.

I must agree with Andy, I like going to a nice bar for a drink but not with the 17 year olds out in their underwear with boyfriends wanting a fight to finish the night off! Town's become a live version of the Jeremy Kyle show in places and I'm sick of it.
It'd be nice to have somewhere for over 25's, classy bar, nice lighting, serving food and a range of cocktails. Maybe live music at the weekends too. But it prob needs strict doorstaff to prevent it becoming a chavvy footballers wife kind of bar like most of the others in town!

A proper bar for indie & rock lovers. You dont need to know what day of the week it is you know the music will be quality indie & rock. When you've not got a DJ on have a good jukebox that offers value for money and lets you know how many tracks are to come before yours comes on. An outdoor area which is actually comfortable and can be used into the wee small hours.. Decor featuring posters of the great bands and solo artists along with classic film posters. A small dancefloor perhaps.

Dont offer cocktails unless you're going to recruit loads of bar staff...I hate the queues they generate.

The kind of place where you could end up talking to randoms for hourson end...that'd be good. What I wouldnt want is a Bungalows & Bears with all its special events, that doesnt do anything for me.

Where's Firecracker when you need him? Here's your chance to give your opinions to change the future of Sheffield ! :hihi:

There's nowhere I know of in Sheffield that's genuinely classy and cool, there's plenty places (I'm thinking Crystal and Ruby Lounge) which are smart venues, where the hollyoaks/men in shirts crowd go and listen to "funky house" - but nowhere that has a hint of class to make it stand out. There's exclusivity, but only in the way that you can't get in wearing trainers!

Starting to rant now! I'm thinking of a place that's as smart as Crystal, with the music and atmosphere of say Dulos on a weekend. Really laid back without being scruffy, maybe with live music on now and again.

Then again I'm knocking on a bit, I'm definately bordering on the "mature punter" in that I'm not 20! I'm just getting a bit fed up of going out and it being like Hollyoaks!
Btw, have you ever been to Damons? Their bar area sounds exactly as you described.

I've been to Ruby Lounge and not Crystal. Ruby Lounge is an odd place, but I think the owners are trying everything to get the business going, I suppose. It used to be really quiet, but now it's a little bit more busier.

From what everyone is describing, it sounds like the likes of All Bar One. Which I've always thought to have attracted the older clientele. It has maintained that kind of image, and being in the more commercial area of the city centre. It has definitely got that vibe.

I think location is important depending on what type of clientele you want to attract. If you maintain reasonable prices, and not go down the route of jugs of cocktails, then maybe you will attract the type of clientele who will pay for individual drinks which lasts all night. If you want people to go where they will appreciate the music, then you gotta find some seriously decent musician who will provide that, and to attract people to pay for entrances or marked up prices in drinks or something.

Trippets Wine Bar is a bit like that. Just not in a very upmarket style, but I think people go and appreciates the music.

So we want to know what people think Sheffields bars are lacking!!
Individuality and uniqueness.

What is missing from your nights out??
Great music.

What do you want from a bar??
If it's a proper bar, then proper cocktails ?

What can make our bar (in your eyes) totally different from the rest??
Unique music which true music lover will recognise and will pay the price to listen to. However... it wouldn't be often. So maybe certain nights and venues may enable you to do this better.

Where are the others going wrong??
Too many people, too crowded at the bar sometimes.

Give us your feed back........
I wouldn't mind a Jazz bar.

You will make a bar different from the rest, if you seriously employ a bartender who can indeed throw the bottles and create cocktails! However, doing this may mean upping the prices, so therefore there's only a certain type of style of bars you can create. Maybe reducing the size of the premises or something. Cheap drinks and pubs are over-saturated in Sheffield. So you gotta create something new to the market, which does not currently exist, and be pioneers.

80's, 90's + mix of good new indie with live indie bands + dance floor would be good too :cool:please.

Id personally like to see something nice and relaxed, something a bit like the wig and pen but maybe a little more modern in style.. def somewhere you can go and listen to some nice chilled music after work.

If you need an architect, give me a shout and I’ll see if I can do you a deal :D

Individuality and uniqueness.


Great music.


If it's a proper bar, then proper cocktails ?


Unique music which true music lover will recognise and will pay the price to listen to. However... it wouldn't be often. So maybe certain nights and venues may enable you to do this better.


Too many people, too crowded at the bar sometimes.


I wouldn't mind a Jazz bar.

You will make a bar different from the rest, if you seriously employ a bartender who can indeed throw the bottles and create cocktails! However, doing this may mean upping the prices, so therefore there's only a certain type of style of bars you can create. Maybe reducing the size of the premises or something. Cheap drinks and pubs are over-saturated in Sheffield. So you gotta create something new to the market, which does not currently exist, and be pioneers.

Yep, it almost throws you into a trance seeing the bar staff prepare cocktails in the Hard Rock Cafe, Tiger Tiger, Browns and the Restaurant Bar and Grill in Leeds.

And as for a Jazz bar, the locals would throw up at the mention of a Living Room in Sheffield (just like they have in Leeds).

WELL GUYS!!!
We've received a better response than I could have imagined and every single opinion is definately worth thinking about. (even down to the "Straw-bale")

Your all singing from the song sheet, that Sheffield is PANTS and really is in need of some thing new.... Lets hope WE'RE the ones to give you!

Cant guarantee to please everyone, but will honestly try.
The things I can guarantee up to now are, Live music, fit staff (catering for all, of course) including Bubbly Bird8 if she wishes :hihi: , strict door policy and a chilled out-relaxed-classy environment.... oh and entry with trainers.
We'll be keeping you all up-dated.

THANKS AGAIN! :banana:

A 60's theme bar could be so bad if it wasn't done properly, it'd just end up like a 60's Flares/Reflex or a Chicago's type place. No doubt would rake in the punters though.

There's a bar in Newcastle I used to frequent, called Popollos. It was reasonably smart, specialised in good cocktails and speciality beers (well, things Erdinger, Asahi, Amstel, rather than Stella and Carling). At the front there is a bar with a standing area, the back was a lounge where you could get Tapas (and so was popular during the week). Music was good, lots of screens, laid back atmosphere. I could get in in my trainers, in other words.

Nothing like that in Sheffield. Only thing missing was a dance floor.

jgsafc.......You will be pleased to know that Popollos are opening there second outlet in the new Leopold Sq development in the city centre in the summer.
Hope this cheers you up....as if your not smiling already looking at your name your teams just got promoted;)

Hi everyone....

My partner & I, are looking in to getting a bar in a prime location for everything, in the city centre.

So we want to know what people think Sheffields bars are lacking!!

What is missing from your nights out??
What do you want from a bar??
What can make our bar (in your eyes) totally different from the rest??
Where are the others going wrong??

Give us your feed back........

Right here goes.....

1..Good service
2..Table service (run up a tab,pay at the end)
3..Dress smart/casual...no chavs or tramps
4..Non smoking
5..Don't start doing drink offers to get the punters in,if it's a good place people will return
6..Pleasant staff
7..Nice food at reasonable prices,not cheap but not ridiculously expensive..this is Sheffield
8..Good choice of beers and wines
9..Good Cocktail menu
10..Don't have the music so loud that you cant hear yourself speak
11..A lounge type bar.
12..Live music....but not the local punk band

Don't know if youve ventured out to see whats in other citys, but Sheffield is seriously lacking big time in these kind of places, The Living Room chain http://www.thelivingroom.co.uk and the Montpeliers chain http://www.montpeliers.co.uk/oursites.html in Scotland know how to do it, you should check them out and this will give you and idea of what Sheffield needs.

And yes I am in my mid 30's before anyone asks,

Out side seating , if possible. to take advantage of this good weather we have each year.

If i can sit out side and eat sardines and salad for under a fiver I'd be there.
A good breakfast importaint(blackpudding avaiable,) if you open early
Some home made food on the menu. A good pan of chilli, a curry , proper burgers and most importaint of all. proper chips (no where since lions lair does this in town).
Basically i'd like a place to have good decent food with some thought that is so up its arse as not to have Hp sauce available (like lions lair regrettably was). Don't be a rip off.

On the evening plenty of places to sit, good tunes and a dance floor, no noticable door policy. 'No trainer rules' are for Top man shoes and shirt type dives that infest small towns.

Bikini barmaids. They have them in Newcastle but I haven't seen any in Sheffield yet. Am I going to the wrong bars!?

To be fair if you could get a decent outdoor drinking area you'd be onto a winner

Out side seating , if possible. to take advantage of this good weather we have each year.

If i can sit out side and eat sardines and salad for under a fiver I'd be there.
A good breakfast importaint(blackpudding avaiable,) if you open early
Some home made food on the menu. A good pan of chilli, a curry , proper burgers and most importaint of all. proper chips (no where since lions lair does this in town).
Basically i'd like a place to have good decent food with some thought that is so up its arse as not to have Hp sauce available (like lions lair regrettably was). Don't be a rip off.

On the evening plenty of places to sit, good tunes and a dance floor, no noticable door policy. 'No trainer rules' are for Top man shoes and shirt type dives that infest small towns.
Have you tried the Harley, their breakfasts have Black Puddings and is available from 9:30 in the morning. They have proper chips and the food is home made, no curries though, but the burgers are good and you can get chilli with nachos and it is delicious!

I read this thread, and half the suggestions already exist. Go out and find them folks.

You mean the harley , make its chips from spuds on the premises.

Quality! Chip butty coming up!

I read this thread, and half the suggestions already exist. Go out and find them folks.

I was thinking ther same.

To be fair if you could get a decent outdoor drinking area you'd be onto a winner

I was once told (so don't know how true it is) that a lot of the land in Sheffield city centre was church owned and it was particularly hard to get a outdoor drinking license because of this.

I was once told (so don't know how true it is) that a lot of the land in Sheffield city centre was church owned and it was particularly hard to get a outdoor drinking license because of this.Huh, didn't know that but if its true it explains a lot

I'd like to see a bar like the one in the film Coyote Ugly

Dave..

Keep your eyes open in about 4 weeks, there will be a nice suprise for Sheffields bar scene.

I'd like to see a bar like the one in the film Coyote Ugly

Dave..

Me too.........however, to set fire to an entire bar top with spirits with semi-naked dancing barmaids on the same bar top is somewhat risky, and the Fire Department, Health and Safety, Police, and Licensing, would be descending like a plague of wasps. Lovely concept, but works better on a movie set.......

To be fair if you could get a decent outdoor drinking area you'd be onto a winner

Here here! A decent beer garden for when it's sunny. The closest I've seen is the forum. (Admittedly I don't make iot out of the city centre often!)

I think alot of the ideas are good, bars do them for a few weeks/ months but end up the same worrying about costs/ profits and drop them.
The coyote ugly style bar has been done soooo many times and everytime it lasts a months at most.

Me too.........however, to set fire to an entire bar top with spirits with semi-naked dancing barmaids on the same bar top is somewhat risky, and the Fire Department, Health and Safety, Police, and Licensing, would be descending like a plague of wasps. Lovely concept, but works better on a movie set.......
There used to be a restaurant with a bar in Meadowhall that had this. Does anyone remember it? It was more of a 60s theme though.

Can't see Coyote Ugly style bars in Sheffield though. Anyway, this type of thing typically used to happen in the Firkin pub chains. :hihi: Or so I've heard...

It doesn't really work if its just girls dancing on tables, and guys don't.