Its famous guests ranged from Prime Minister Winston Churchill to comedy legends Laurel and Hardy and sporting greats including Pele and Bobby Moore. They lapped up the luxury at the impressive landmark, which opened in April 1910 on Balm Green, in Sheffield city centre, and closed its doors for good in February 1971. Other big names to have stayed at the Grand Hotel include George Formby, Diana Dors, Gracie Fields, Danny Kayes and Arthur Askey, while the Beatles reportedly hid from their screaming fans in there.
The building stood empty for a few years after it closed but a menu discovered inside from February 5, 1968 would give an insight into the grandeur enjoyed by guests, who that evening tucked into Hors d'Oeuvre, Supreme of Halibut Galliera, and Saute of Beef Provencale with Noodles, followed by Camembert with biscuits – all for just £1.15.
It was eventually demolished in 1974, with souvenir hunters gathering to claim what they could, including a restaurant owner who took the figureheads from the Captain's Cabin bar. In its place today, beside Sheffield City Hall, stands the rather less impressive Fountain Precinct development, part of the lower floors of which are being converted into a New York-inspired cocktail bar called Manhatta.
We’ve searched the archives to bring you these photos of the Grand Hotel during its heyday and some of the famous guests it welcomed.
It was eventually demolished in 1974, with souvenir hunters gathering to claim what they could, including a restaurant owner who took the figureheads from the Captain's Cabin bar. In its place today, beside Sheffield City Hall, stands the rather less impressive Fountain Precinct development, part of the lower floors of which are being converted into a New York-inspired cocktail bar called Manhatta.
![Famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy with a bride at the former Sheffield Grand Hotel in March 1954](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjBhNDg3MTc1LWRkNGQtNGViZC1hMzg3LTVkODE5NzkzOTZlNzo2NzczMmYxZC1kODQyLTQ3NDEtYWU1Zi03ZWZhMTc0Y2QxNTM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Laurel and Hardy
Famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy with a bride at the former Sheffield Grand Hotel in March 1954 Photo: Bellwood Photography
![Apprentice chef David Colley at the Grand Hotel, Sheffield, in October 1963](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjgyMjhlNzFkLWQ0YzUtNGI0Ny1hNjAxLTgyMjNiMjk3MzllZjoxNWE1ZmMwMC00OGU0LTRjNTAtOTBlYS05MmY1ZmE2NjM4ZTc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. In the kitchen
Apprentice chef David Colley at the Grand Hotel, Sheffield, in October 1963 Photo: ©Sheffield Newspapers Ltd
![Ald H Hebblethwaite surrounded by jubilant supporters at a celebration party in the Grand Hotel, Sheffield, in May 1968, following the municipal election](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjU4MTRkOTA0LTJiNzAtNDYyYS1hMGQ0LWQ3MjM1NzViZWM3ODo5YzI0NDA3NC04MGNhLTQxNjQtOWZjZS04NmUwM2JjZmM3OGY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. Celebrations
Ald H Hebblethwaite surrounded by jubilant supporters at a celebration party in the Grand Hotel, Sheffield, in May 1968, following the municipal election Photo: Julia Armstrong
![The view towards Sheffield City Hall along Barker's Pool, as seen from the Sheffield Town Hall tower in 1956. Part of the Grand Hotel can be seen, along with Cinema House and the Royal Hospital (top left)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjFjMDY4YTRhLTYzMGEtNDBiOS1hNWRiLTM0ZGU1MTVhNzFlMzpkZWNhMDI5NS04MjRjLTQ4ODItYTRlMS1kYTIyZmIxMTBhZDc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. Sheffield skyline
The view towards Sheffield City Hall along Barker's Pool, as seen from the Sheffield Town Hall tower in 1956. Part of the Grand Hotel can be seen, along with Cinema House and the Royal Hospital (top left) Photo: Unknown