The historic Grade II*-listed Leah’s Yard, off Cambridge Street, has been given a new lease of life.
The cluster of workshops, once home to the ‘little mesters’ upon whose skills Sheffield’s reputation for great craftsmanship was built, have been lovingly restored to showcase the city’s new breed of makers and traders.
They will house shops selling everything from locally brewed craft beers to books, artwork and plants, plus a cocoa-themed cafe serving some of the UK’s best hot chocolate.
The stunning brick-fronted complex opposite the new Cambridge Street Collective food hall will also provide workspace for organisations ranging from technological innovators Ferrio to Sheffield Hospitals Charity.
Below are all the independent traders and makers you will be able to visit once Leah’s Yard opens on Saturday, August 24.
5. The Yard Gallery
Ian Proctor and his wife Mary run Knab Farm Shop in Millhouses, Sheffield. They are opening The Yard Gallery at Leah's Yard, a social enterprise which will showcase some of Sheffield’s most talented artists and makers. Ian said: "Ian adds, ‘For the first time in a generation Sheffield city centre will have a commercial art gallery, the space being exclusively for local artists, with profits from sales helping to fund future creative talents from the city, we can’t wait to exhibit their work and make it accessible to the general public." | Leah's Yard/The Yard Gallery Photo: Leah's Yard/The Yard Gallery
6. Mesters' Market
Ian and Mary are also opening Mesters' Market at Leah's Yard, which, like Knab Farm Shop in Millhouses, will specialise in selling the best locally produced food and drink. Ian said: "Leah’s Yard is the perfect place to bring this approach into the city centre. It will be a fabulous location to showcase the very best Sheffield produce." | Leah's Yard/Mesters' Market Photo: Leah's Yard/Mesters' Market
7. Roots & Bloom
Roots & Bloom is opening a florists shop at Leah's Yard selling sustainably sourced bouquets. Gina O'Connor, of Roots & Bloom, a community interest company, said: "Flower farming was a widespread British industry in the 1950s, until imported flowers took over, but we’re bringing a small piece of that back with a modern, sustainable take on traditional floristry!nWe’re offering a truly eco-friendly alternative to imported bouquets with all our flowers coming from our farm just a mile away, or from other local growers." Roots & Bloom aims to help people living with young onset dementia, through social and therapeutic horticulture, and each bouquet sold there will help support isoated or marginalised people in Sheffield. | Leah's Yard/Roots & Bloom Photo: Leah's Yard/Roots & Bloom
8. Kelham Barber
Kelham Barber are opening their second location at Leah's Yard, where they will be 'bringing modern men’s barbering to Sheffield city centre'. "The feel of independents working together fits perfectly with what we’re about and mirrors the vibe at our other site at Kelham Arcade," they said. "We will be offering training for those who want to get into the industry alongside our usual high standard of men’s hairdressing and can’t wait to see the site open and flourishing." | Leah's Yard/Kelham Barber Photo: Leah's Yard/Kelham Barber