9 of the oldest pubs in Sheffield with fascinating stories, including Strines Inn and Norfolk Arms

You’re never too far from a good pint in Sheffield.

By Robert Cumber

Published 28th Aug 2023, 04:45 BST

Updated 21st Dec 2023, 12:52 BST

But at many of the city’s best pubs you can soak up the history while savouring your brew.

Some of Sheffield’s most loved watering holes are hundreds of years old, with one dating back to 1475, and there are tales of ghosts, royal connections and even a secret tunnel. The stories behind how the pubs got their names also reveal much about Sheffield’s history.

Below are nine of the city’s oldest pubs, all of which have listed status due to the history of the buildings.

Some of Sheffield's oldest pubs, which between them have been standing for hundreds of years

1. Old pubs collage.jpg

Some of Sheffield's oldest pubs, which between them have been standing for hundreds of years Photo: National World

The White Lion, on London Road, in Heeley, Sheffield, is a Grade II-listed building which has reportedly been trading as a public house since 1781. The attractive building is notable for its pretty glazed green green brick frontage and stained glass windows, and it has a pair of cosy snugs. It's a popular music pub, with live acts playing there most nights.

2. The White Lion

The White Lion, on London Road, in Heeley, Sheffield, is a Grade II-listed building which has reportedly been trading as a public house since 1781. The attractive building is notable for its pretty glazed green green brick frontage and stained glass windows, and it has a pair of cosy snugs. It's a popular music pub, with live acts playing there most nights. Photo: Chris Etchells

The Brown Bear on Norfolk Street is one of the oldest pubs in Sheffield city centre. The Grade II-listed red brick building dates back to the late 18th century, according to Historic England. The Samuel Smith pub, where the walls are plastered with posters from the nearby Crucible and Lyceum theatres, is believed to take its name from the bear pit at Sheffield Botanical Gardens. According to Sheffield & District CAMRA, in the 1920s a game called 'bumble puppy' in which balls were rolled down a slope towards a series of nine numbered arches was played there.

3. The Brown Bear

The Brown Bear on Norfolk Street is one of the oldest pubs in Sheffield city centre. The Grade II-listed red brick building dates back to the late 18th century, according to Historic England. The Samuel Smith pub, where the walls are plastered with posters from the nearby Crucible and Lyceum theatres, is believed to take its name from the bear pit at Sheffield Botanical Gardens. According to Sheffield & District CAMRA, in the 1920s a game called 'bumble puppy' in which balls were rolled down a slope towards a series of nine numbered arches was played there. Photo: National World

The Albion pub on London Road, just outside Sheffield city centre, is Grade II-listed. According to Historic England, it began life in the late 18th century as three houses before being converted into a pub. Today, it is particularly popular with Sheffield United fans and students. As well as a range of beers, it serves cocktails and pizzas, and it has a large, heated beer garden, where a colourful mural features several of the city's iconic buildings.

4. The Albion

The Albion pub on London Road, just outside Sheffield city centre, is Grade II-listed. According to Historic England, it began life in the late 18th century as three houses before being converted into a pub. Today, it is particularly popular with Sheffield United fans and students. As well as a range of beers, it serves cocktails and pizzas, and it has a large, heated beer garden, where a colourful mural features several of the city's iconic buildings. Photo: Google