A pub with a view – drinkers give their verdict on the Brothers Arms as lockdown eases

After Monday’s mass pub frenzy the drinking citizens of Sheffield seemed to be taking a well-earned rest today.
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At the Brothers Arms in Heeley the queues were a little more sedate than yesterday when thirsty punters stood in line for two hours and a socially distanced line snaked down Gleadless Road.

The popular real ale pub is renowned for its beer garden and regulars were again drinking in the expansive sunset view over the leafy suburbs of Heeley and Nether Edge.

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"We were very very busy yesterday but I was actually pleasantly surprised by the lack of trouble,” said manager Emma France.

In the beer garden at The Brothers Arms: Declan Walsh, Matt Tate and Erin Cullen.In the beer garden at The Brothers Arms: Declan Walsh, Matt Tate and Erin Cullen.
In the beer garden at The Brothers Arms: Declan Walsh, Matt Tate and Erin Cullen.

"Everybody was just happy to be back.

"It’s nice to meet up with people again. I’ve been seeing people out on my walks but it’s nice to see everyone back in.

"A lot of people have missed it – it’s a weird thing people have almost forgotten how to be social – we’ve all been out of practice for so long.”

The Brothers has set up a new queuing system, track and trace requirements masks, extra sanitisers and table service.

Enjoying  a drink at The Bothers Arms: Andy Gray, Katelyn Mahew, Luke Young and Rebecca Vanslyke.Enjoying  a drink at The Bothers Arms: Andy Gray, Katelyn Mahew, Luke Young and Rebecca Vanslyke.
Enjoying a drink at The Bothers Arms: Andy Gray, Katelyn Mahew, Luke Young and Rebecca Vanslyke.
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Emma added: “We’ve bought a new marquee and we’ve used the car park to be able to spread out the tables.

"All these tables used to fit in the back garden but to make the distancing we’ve spread them out.

“We’re fortunate here we’ve got the garden space.

"The whole thing is supporting local businesses as well, not just pubs . We’re going to need it especially in May when the other local ones open.”

Joanne Ogden raises a glass at The Brothers Arms, Heeley.Joanne Ogden raises a glass at The Brothers Arms, Heeley.
Joanne Ogden raises a glass at The Brothers Arms, Heeley.

Enjoying a pint with friends in the marquee, Andy Gray said: “In hindsight five months has been quite a while.

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“You don’t realise how much you miss it. Because they have got a system in place it’s nice to know you can just turn up. We weren’t planning on coming but we walked past – it’s a bit different from planning to go some where."

Rebecca Vanslyke said: “I came here yesterday and it was chaotic outside so this is my second time. They are doing really well here – people are distanced and everything is sanitised. They were the best well organised pub last lockdown. I’m happy to come here it’s good.”

All masked up at The Brothers arms: Assistant manager James Hughes, manager Emma France and barmaid Ruby Hayworth.All masked up at The Brothers arms: Assistant manager James Hughes, manager Emma France and barmaid Ruby Hayworth.
All masked up at The Brothers arms: Assistant manager James Hughes, manager Emma France and barmaid Ruby Hayworth.

Joanne Ogden was enjoying a pint of Blonde. “It’s nice to be out and see people with safe distancing in place,” she said.

"It’s nice to have a bit of normality, that’s what people want - to have a chat and a laugh and catch up with your friends who you’ve not seen for months and months.”

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Enjoying the view in the beer garden, Declan Walsh said: “We thought we would hold off a day, yesterday was crazy.

“One of the reasons we feel comfortable coming here is I trust the staff to make sure everyone is safe, making sure that all the regulations are being followed, things are being cleaned down, everyone is socially distanced and everything’s outside. They are not pushing it or taking chances here.

“Also it's great beer. And out here in Spring it looks fantastic. This is one of the best pubs in Sheffield and we’re very lucky to live round the corner.”

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