Prominent Sheffield pub closes for major £206,000 revamp
A £206,000 refurbishment starts next week to restore a prominent Woodhouse pub to its former glory as a hub of the area
A prominent Sheffield pub is set for a £206,000 transformation that will see it reopen in time for England’s first World Cup match - complete with a new sports viewing system, games room and expanded community events programme.
The Royal on Market Street in Woodhouse will close on May 10 for a major refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, with the revamped venue expected to reopen by mid-June.
The investment will also create five new jobs.
Plans for the pub include a large dedicated games room featuring a pool table, a raised darts area with two halo-lit dartboards and a high-spec audio-visual system showing Sky and TNT Sports.
Multiple large screens will be installed throughout the venue to improve sports viewing.
The redesign will split the pub into three distinct areas, including a traditional bar, a lounge space and the new entertainment-focused games room.
Outside, the 40-seat beer garden will also be upgraded.
Star Pubs said the aim is to restore The Royal as a family-friendly community hub after years of decline.
The relaunch will be led by experienced publican Paul Rimmington, who has worked in pubs across the UK for more than 20 years and is returning to Sheffield to be closer to family.
He said: “The Royal had a brilliant reputation back in the day. The refurbishment will give it the boost it desperately needs to be a top local once again.
“I can’t wait for the reopening; it’s ideal timing as the new AV system and multiple screens will make The Royal the perfect place to watch the World Cup.”
As well as live sport, the pub plans to host regular community events including board game sessions, senior citizen meet-ups and mum-and-baby coffee mornings.
Evening entertainment will include live music and karaoke, while families will be catered for through children’s events and school holiday activities.
The drinks menu is also being refreshed with additions including prosecco and cocktails.
Len Jackson, investment manager at Star Pubs, said: “We’re giving The Royal the works to bring it into the 21st century; it will be unrecognisable.”
The Royal is the third Sheffield pub to be refurbished by Star Pubs this year, following work at The Half Moon in Darnall and The New Inn in Gleadless.
The latest project brings the company’s investment in Sheffield pubs to £598,000 so far in 2026.
Across the UK, Heineken is investing £44.5 million in upgrading its estate of 2,350 Star Pubs this year.