samrawuk

News about this on BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-11768011

I've been to the Damhouse quite a few times; with family, friends, other half, and once for a work do. I think the food is brilliant. My favourite is the duck in cherry sauce, been fab and not too fatty every time I've had it. Also really like the burgers and recently had the refreshing summer risotto. Oh and they did a salmon starter a while ago (maybe salmon roulade?) that I don't know if they still do, but the salmon was delicious. The only complaints I've had have been down to the service. Went for Valentines and it was understandably busy, but we were left waiting quite a while and not offered more drinks. And another time the food took a long time coming out. BUT if you complain and actually let the manager know then they are very responsive. Have provided us with vouchers in compensation and we will definitely visit again.

I agree with swordfish1, the stalls are better. I haven't been on the balcony, but I have a feeling it will be less cramped but more distant, if you know what I mean. I went there to see Goo Goo Dolls a while back, and thought the venue was pretty good. It's not that big so I felt closer to the band than gigs I've been to at say the arena. The drinks weren't too badly priced for a music venue (can't remember exact numbers, sorry) and they had some wifi I got onto with my iphone Only complaint was the merchandise I'd bought - the T-shirt was printed inside out! I really wished I'd checked it at the time, but I was too excited about seeing one of my favourite bands. Hope you have a good time there

I have absolutely no problem with people handing out leaflets - that's actually how I found out about the cafe. I was just saying that if the only other table was staff then they could have been more attentive.

Not sure about real ales at Old House, but they do have brilliant cocktails! The food there and at the Devonshire Cat is really good. If you fancy something a bit more fancy you could try Forum - a bit more expensive (especially drinks) but yummy food. Especially the Thai fishcakes.

Was thinking of heading there soon based on friends' recommendations, was hoping that someone who had visited could tell me what sort of dress code it is? Prices seem to indicate quite formal?

I've been to Sakushi twice; once with boyfriend for lunch and once with him and my Dad for dinner. Both times I've really enjoyed the food. The waiters are very attentive and helpful, will explain any little thing that you feel stupid even asking. The first time was quite expensive as we ordered a bottle of wine (I think it was about £16), but the second visit we had flasks of sake instead, which was much nicer and much cheaper! The food is quite varied; I've tried several of the sashimi, nigiri, californian rolls and some of the hot ordered dishes. The beef teriyaki is delcious (cooked very rare, the way I like it, but be warned others!). The miso soup is fabulous - so much flavour for a soup. Also really recommend the eel nigiri, it's fantastic. I think the portions are quite big, sometimes difficult to eat delicately. The conveyor belt is a wonderful idea for newcomers to sushi as they can see what their food looks like before trying. Gutted that they do not offer more tempura dishes (like the wonderful soft shell crab and sea bass tempura at Wasabi Sabi, part of the Kaisen platter), would like to see more on the menu. Atmosphere has been calm and relaxed when I've been. However, both times were quite empty so this might not be the case for busier times. Even though there weren't many people there, there will still many dishes going around. To summarise, I'd say go to the following: - Yo Sushi in Meadowhall for a quick, cheap intro to sushi between shopping. - Wasabi Sabi for a evening out or a special dinner, if you're willing to pay more for the quality. - Sakushi - for a brilliant lunch in the city centre. Convenient location, but nicely tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main shopping promenade. Good prices and good quality. And 20% student discount - wonderful!

Went for lunch to El Toro today. Have been to La Tasca on eccy road and didn't enjoy it. Also been to Spinrocs nearby and loved that. So thought a bit of tapas would be a nice lunch with my OH. We had two glasses of the house wine (a Spanish-style restaurant that doesn't serve sangria??) and they were pretty aggressive, burning the back of my throat. Perhaps should have gone for a brand instead, but this was probably the worst house wine I've had. Ordered 4 dishes: - sea bream with roasted peppers. This was a beautiful dish and came first. I hoped it was a sign of things to come, the fish had just the right amount of crisp to it. Had a really nice salad with it too. - prawns in garlic sauce. The prawns had their shells on, which I enjoy as it's a nice little 'tear and share'. However, maybe this is typical for the way they were cooked, but the intestinal tracts had not been removed. Me and OH picked them out, but the prawn poo made them taste very bitter! Very unappealing. I do have to applaud them though for providing a finger bowl! - meatballs. Not much seasoning to them, just tasted of mince. Did get a nice size portion. - crispy duck leg. Decent amount of meat on this, nice little orange thing on top too. Although I wouldn't say it was much better than average chinese takeaway crispy duck. Then had desserts: - creme catalan. Like a creme brulee but with pomegranate seeds. Small portion. - strawberries and cream. Sounds boring, but this dish was really nice. Meringue mixed up with strawberries and lovely thick cream. Best S & C I've had. Service was poor. Very attentive when we first walked in, but we sat there for half an hour after finishing our mains and drinks and the waitress did not come over. When we did see her she was very friendly though. Could be excused if busy, but there was only one other table and they seemed to work there - they got up at random points to give leaflets to passers by. They also stared at us quite a lot throughout the meal, offputting. The waitress did not ask us how the meal was or ask if we wanted more drinks, to order more food, etc. We were quite annoyed by the end of the meal and did not feel she would listen to our feedback anyway. Decor - was nice to have Spanish radio on in the background. The wall near our table had smears on it, could have done with a lick of paint. But overall bright, airy and cheerful. Came to £35 which would have been perfect if the food lived up to expectations. Spinrocs is nearby and, whilst a bit more expensive, has the best tapas I've tasted in Sheffield. I'd recommend El Toro for a lunch (if you have the time to wait for service) with a friend, but wouldn't go there for a night out special meal. Won't be going again.