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.
9. Persephonica
Persephonica is a podcasting organisation which is opening its first bricks and mortar HQ at Leah's Yard. Co-founders Dino Sofos and Tom O’Hara said: "As well as producing some of the UK’s biggest shows from Sheffield, we want to nurture new ideas and talent - to create the future stars of the industry. We are passionate about diversifying the media. Talented people from lower income backgrounds often struggle to get a foot on the ladder because they can’t afford to do free work experience or freelance on low wages while paying high rents in London. It means people growing up in the South East have an unfair advantage at securing interesting and influential media jobs. The best way to change the status quo is to create more opportunities outside the capital. We will be offering internships, training and workshops, and we look forward to meeting students from all the great media and journalism courses in South Yorkshire. Persephonica has always been a collaborative company, working with everyone from freelancers in their bedrooms to the world’s biggest pop stars. Our new permanent HQ now gives us more opportunities to do that. So please reach out to us if you think we can work together." | Leah's Yard/Persephonica Photo: Leah's Yard/Persephonica
10. La Biblioteka
Since being founded in 2016, this independent bookshop has proudly shone a light on great books and magazines often 'on the margins of mainstream culture'. Speaking ahead of its move to Leah's Yard, Alex Maxwell, of La Biblioteka, said: "The vision for Leah’s Yard aligns perfectly with ours - to nurture independent spaces in the city centre while fostering a love for culture and the printed page. We can’t wait to be part of creating a unique destination for Sheffielders, and the many visitors to our fine city. We see Leah’s Yard as a place where independent businesses can thrive and collaborate. And after years calling ourselves nomadic booksellers since our first pop up we look forward to welcoming customers old and new to discover their next favourite read in our forever home." | Leah's Yard/La Biblioteka Photo: Leah's Yard/La Biblioteka
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11. Dream Life Deli
Dream Life Deli will be another exciting destination for foodies in Sheffield city centre when it opens on the ground floor at Leah's Yard. | National World Photo: National World