Work begins on exciting new Sheffield sports bar at former home of Napoleon’s Casino

The ground floor of the famous venue is being transformed into The Wildcard, where sports fans can keep up with the action via more than 40 TVs and a giant Jumbotron screen like those seen at sports grounds hanging above the central bar.

Napoleons’ Ecclesall Road branch closed in January 2018, after 42 years in business, with owner Dave Allen claiming the area which is known for its nightlife was ‘not what it used to be’.

But that hasn’t stopped The Wildcard’s owners gambling on reviving the premises, where they claim the new bar due to open next spring will be unlike anything currently available in the UK.

Pete Harpham, Dave Nicholson and Mark Holland, who already own the Kettle Black bar on Ecclesall Road, have told how they hope to create a more ‘family-friendly’ venue but one which will be open until 2am.

Speaking to VIBE, Mr Harpham said: “We are hoping to create a venue in which people can enjoy good quality food at the same time as watching a variety of sports on not just big screens, but also one huge screen. This is something lacking not only in Sheffield but across the country.

“We want to create a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere but with a 2am licence for those that like to escape the madness further down Ecclesall Road late at night.”

He described how the restaurant would serve North American-style food like wings, burgers and snacks, with former owner and chef of the old Yankees diner on Ecclesall Road having joined the team.