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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Tom Roper

Our Favourite Places would be nothing without our contributors — a massive thanks to all of them!

Tell us about you…
I moved to Sheffield from Norfolk to study. Like most people, I fell in love with the city and didn’t want to leave; now I work at the University of Sheffield.

I enjoy making music, doing pub quizzes, playing cricket and watching documentaries.

What does Sheffield mean to you?
To me, Sheffield means having the opportunity to be creative. It has a great DIY culture where people who want to make things or start new projects can.

What’s your favourite Sheffield place?
There are so many! I’m lucky enough to live next to Two Steps fish and chip shop on Sharrow Vale Road which makes it a real challenge to not eat their delicious, well priced, generously portioned food every single day. In a similar, but slightly healthier vein, I love Blue Moon Cafe next to the Cathedral – it serves great vegetarian food at a low price and you get loads on your plate!

Bear Tree Records is my favourite new shop in Sheffield, Joe gets some great stuff in so it’s always worth a visit. Likewise, the Showroom always has something interesting to watch and is a great place to go for a cosy evening. My favourite places to go for a drink are the Sheffield Tap next to the train station, the Sheaf View in Heeley, and Picture House Social on Abbeydale Road.

What would you do to improve the city?
I’d ban the needless demolition of buildings and encourage renovation of all the beautiful empty spaces.

Latest contributions

Confidence Man

Tue. 26 November 2024

The Octagon Centre

Devoted to having a good time, all the time, Confidence Man are the ultimate party band. The Australian group, fronted by sibling duo Janet Planet and Sugar Bones, create addictive dance anthems in the vein of Deee-Lite, Scissor Sisters and CSS.

Trust Fund

Fri. 8 November 2024

Upper Chapel, Norfolk Street, S1 2JD

Comic, heartwarming and heartbreaking tales set to delicate, lo-fi arrangements. To celebrate the release of his fifth album, Trust Fund (AKA Ellis Jones) will be playing a special show at the intimate Upper Chapel accompanied by a string section.

Milkweed

Thu. 3 October 2024

Bishops' House

A duo whose music is as disconcerting and spooky as it is beguiling and enthralling. Their latest release sounds a bit like scrolling the dial on an AM radio in Tudor England. Part of Sensoria Festival, in the perfect setting of Bishops’ House.

Omni

Tue. 24 September 2024

Yellow Arch Studios

Sharp, driving post-punk stacked full of wiry melodies, intricate rhythms, twists, turns and immediacy. The Atlanta band excel at making  technically complex music sound fun and easy, taking inspiration from the likes of Devo, Pylon and Gang of Four.