New Sheffield bar will boast one of city centre's biggest beer gardens

Watt Bar & Kitchen on Charles Street, in the heart of the city’s Cultural Industries Quarter, is aiming for a winter opening after work to restore the building was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Once open, its cafe culture-inspired outdoor seating area will be big enough for 84 people, with a capacity of 100 inside. The venue has also been granted a music and late night licence.

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Andy Grice, the man behind the development alongside former Masterchef contestant Chris Hale, said: “We want to encourage people to come and have a great time with a variety of music acts and DJs. There’s parts of me which wishes it’s open now. We’re about to start the internal fit out.

“What we want to prove is that buildings or areas of urban decay can be redeveloped and revitalised outside and inside.”

Chris, 34, will use his expertise in the kitchen to create the bar’s food offering.

“Food wise, we are looking for something that’s easy for people – because of coronavirus we are looking to put a bit more focus on the food,” Andy, 36, said.

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Guest chefs and food brands could also be brought in “on a regular basis”, with the pair aiming for “variety but simplicity”.

Work has now restarted on the project but an exact opening date is not yet known. Chris admitted it could be pushed back to 2021.

He said: “We’re still ambitious and excited to bring something to the area, we just want to do it sustainably.

“We’re not trying to replicate anything else in the city centre. We want to contribute to the area and its wider potential, the area is yet to see its full potential.”

Coloured bricks have been retained from the old building and used sporadically in the new build to create a mosaic effect, which has already proved popular with selfie-lovers. Artwork from Sheffield artist Rob Lee, who created the Now Then mural on Arundel Street, just off Howard Street, will also be featured inside the bar.