'Fine dining without the pomp': Restaurant Elm earns two AA Rosettes for fine dining in relaxed setting

Walking into Elm feels less like entering a traditional fine-dining restaurant and more like stepping into a creative studio.

Vinyl records line the walls alongside striking artwork – a reflection of the owners’ background in graphic design – while shelves are dotted with trinkets and jars of Sheffield honey for sale.

The space has an edgy, modern feel, reminiscent of a cool London kitchen where food culture is taken seriously - but the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming thanks to the friendly team running the floor.

At Restaurant Elm on Glossop Road, co-owner Nick Daughtry and Jon Daughtry said the AA Rosettes reflect the vision they share with head chef Nathan Wall and their small team.

“This has always been a partnership between the three of us,” Nick said.

“Nathan was doing pop-ups before and we all had this idea of creating somewhere where the food is really on point, but the service is warmer than some other places.”

“We’re about fine dining, but in a casual, relaxed setting without the pomp or theatre.”

The restaurant focuses on locally sourced British produce – from Derbyshire lamb to fish caught in the surrounding region – but avoids rigid culinary labels.

Despite being firmly rooted in Sheffield, Elm has quickly built a reputation that draws diners from further afield.

“We are a local restaurant, but the food attracts people from out of town,” Nick said.

“We get visitors from Leeds, Manchester, all over. It’s become a bit of a culinary adventure as part of the city’s offering.”

The AA Rosette scheme recognises restaurants delivering high standards of cooking, with two rosettes marking venues that demonstrate notable quality and consistency.

Nathan said the team hope to push further.

“The highest they could award us on the first visit was two rosettes, so the aim is to get three. It can take time and multiple visits, but hopefully in the next year.

“We don’t plan on stopping – we want to keep building.”

For the past four years the Glossop Road venue has operated as a neighbourhood coffee shop, serving pastries and specialty coffee in a calm, low-key setting.

But when evening arrives, the lights dim, candles are lit and vinyl records spin as the restaurant service begins.

Tables fill with diners settling in for either a four-course or seven-course tasting menu – a culinary journey that moves from house-made bread through vegetarian dishes and seafood to meat courses, followed by pre-dessert and dessert.

Rather than overhaul the entire menu each month, Nathan gradually evolves the dishes, swapping one or two courses at a time.

“It’s forever evolving,” Nick explained.

“We see repeat customers coming back, so you might have four or five dishes that stay for a while while others change.”

Dinner is served from Wednesday to Saturday with tasting menus priced at £55 for four courses or £75 for seven.

Lunch is offered on Thursdays and Fridays with a three-course set menu for £35, while the café continues to operate throughout the week.

For the team behind Elm, the goal remains simple.

“Generally we just hope people have an amazing time, and that’s definitely the feedback we’re getting – both on the food and the hospitality side,” said Jon.