Uncertain future for popular Sheffield city centre pub after landlord hands in notice

Jake Nickles took over the Red Deer in August 2010, but announced he will step down in June after a ‘tumultuous period’.

The pub, based on Pitt Street, dates back to 1825 and is popular among staff and students at the University of Sheffield as well as real ale enthusiasts.

A post on The Red Deer’s website said: “No one can doubt that this has been a tumultuous period.

"It is under these incredibly difficult trading conditions that I have made the hard decision to hand in my notice to our landlord, Star Pubs.”

The pub’s delivery service will continue until June.

The post continued: “It’s been an amazing 10 years, I am glad to have met so many amazing people and worked with the most compassionate and caring team you will ever meet.

“ It is truly awe-inspiring to think of all the meetings, social events, Christmas parties, Movemeber fund-raisers, other fund-raisers, roughly 500 pub quizzes, thousands of guest beers, millions of conversations, and friends that have been here under this roof. When I finally walk away from The Red Deer, I will know that without it, my life would have been poorer.”

The news has also left customers ‘gutted’.

Corrine Howse said: “The Red Deer is an institution within the University and the city. It will be greatly missed.”

Sarah Hawley added: “The Red Deer has been a haven for so many people over the years, and it's heartbreaking what the pandemic has done to you and so many other local businesses.

A Star Pubs & Bars spokesperson said: “The Red Deer in Sheffield is leased to an independent operator to run as their own business. Unfortunately, the licensee has decided to give notice on his contract. He is a great operator who has run the pub for more than 10 years and we have done as much as we can to support him and his business, particularly in the past year. He will be sadly missed by his staff and customers.

“The pub remains closed at the current time but once restrictions allow, we hope to reopen it as soon as possible.”

Mr Nickles declined to comment further.