For a generation of children who grew up in Sheffield during the 1990s, it also meant pick and mix from Woolworth, choosing from the latest video releases at Blockbuster, and days out at Sheffield’s Ski Village and the American Adventure theme park in neighbouring Derbyshire.
This retro photo gallery should bring back plenty of memories for those children of the 90s for whom the decade feels like it was just yesterday. It features favourite toys from the time, much-missed shops, popular haunts which are no longer and lost landmarks including the fondly remembered Hole in the Road.
The photos are taken either from The Star’s archives or shared courtesy of Picture Sheffield.
. 90s memories
Some of the sights and attractions which will be familiar to children who grew up in 1990s Sheffield Photo: Other
. Rock Island Diner
Rock Island Diner at Meadowhall's Oasis dining quarter was a popular attraction in the 90s, famous for its dancing waiters. Photo: Steve Ellis
. Dancing at Rock Island Diner
Lyceum dancer Hannah Waddington is seen here in 1998 shimmying for the camera before appearing in Smokey Joes Cafe. She is pictured with Rock Island Diner waiters Shaun Yarde and Dee Hancock at the Meadowhall restaurant. Photo: Paul Chappells
. Crystal Peaks cinema
Sheffield's first 10-screen cinema opened at the city's Crystal Peaks shopping centre in Waterthorpe in May 1988, and was popular with families until it closed in 2003. It is pictured here in 1997, when The Full Monty took the world by storm. Photo: Chris Lawton
. Silver Blades ice rink
Silver Blades ice rink on Queens Road, Sheffield, ran from 1965 to 2005. It was a popular destination for young people in the 90s. Photo: Picture Sheffield/Sheffield Newspapers
. Hole in the Road
Sheffield's Hole in the Road was nearing its final days when the 90s began. The famous landmark at Castle Square, pictured here in September 1992, would soon be filled in so tram tracks could be laid. Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
. Toymaster
Every child of the 90s surely visited a Toymaster shop at some point. Pictured here is the Toymaster store at Crystal Peaks, Sheffield, where Lorraine is seen presenting the winning prize for a colouring competition to Jordan Mappin, aged four, of Harthill. Photo: Submitted
1. 90s memories
Some of the sights and attractions which will be familiar to children who grew up in 1990s Sheffield Photo: Other
2. Rock Island Diner
Rock Island Diner at Meadowhall's Oasis dining quarter was a popular attraction in the 90s, famous for its dancing waiters. Photo: Steve Ellis
3. Dancing at Rock Island Diner
Lyceum dancer Hannah Waddington is seen here in 1998 shimmying for the camera before appearing in Smokey Joes Cafe. She is pictured with Rock Island Diner waiters Shaun Yarde and Dee Hancock at the Meadowhall restaurant. Photo: Paul Chappells
4. Crystal Peaks cinema
Sheffield's first 10-screen cinema opened at the city's Crystal Peaks shopping centre in Waterthorpe in May 1988, and was popular with families until it closed in 2003. It is pictured here in 1997, when The Full Monty took the world by storm. Photo: Chris Lawton