Why Crookes has been named one of Time Out's 'coolest neighbourhoods' - according to those who live and work there
“It packs a lot of punch for its size”
A Sheffield neighbourhood has been named one of the coolest places to live and visit in the UK.
Crookes is the only neighbourhood in Yorkshire to feature in Time Out’s list of the UK’s 11 coolest neighbourhoods for 2026.
The national guide praised the area as a go-to food and drink hotspot, adding that it packs a lot of punch for its size.
The article in Time Out said: “Once considered purely a place for students, Crookes has undergone a shift in its development and demographic in recent years, quietly and subtly morphing into a wonderfully self-contained neighbourhood that is now a go-to food and drink hotspot.
“Much like Sheffield, this little suburb is not flashy or fussy – it’s an under-the-radar residential area – but it packs a lot of punch for its size.
Among the local favourites highlighted by Time Out are Proof bookshop, Pom Kitchen and pizza restaurant Paesani, alongside pubs and bars including Two Sheds and Tenaya Wine.
The guide also recommended a visit to Bole Hills, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Sheffield and towards the Peak District, and a visit to Crookes Social Club- which they describe as one of the best music venues in Sheffield.
The neighbourhood’s recognition adds to Sheffield’s growing reputation for its distinctive local areas, following Kelham Island’s appearance in Time Out’s global ranking in 2022.
Maurice Champeau, who has managed Crookes Social Club since 2014, said the area felt more like a village than part of a city.
He said: “I have managed Crookes Club since 2014 and it's always struck me as a great community village within the city of Sheffield. It doesn't feel like part of a city but more a thriving local community.
“Crookes has everything anyone could want from their local community, and I always remain pleasantly surprised by how friendly a community it is. Like living in a village everyone seems to know everyone else.
“As a community venue we are proud to serve our local community and hope Crookes continues to thrive for many years to come.”
The area’s independent businesses have also played a part in its development, with traders working together to improve the high street.
Ellon Watt, founder and director of local shop Small Plants, is involved in Crookes Collective, a group of businesses which secured funding through the council’s Economic Recovery Fund to deliver improvements to the area.
She said: “With community at the heart of Crookes, it is a fantastic place to live, work and visit.
“Local businesses have come together as ‘Crookes Collective’ to make improvements to the high street, supported by council funding, helping to create an even more welcoming and vibrant place.
“These improvements aim to encourage people to visit, shop locally and keep coming back to Crookes time and time again.”
Labour and Co-operative councillor for Crookes and Crosspool Minesh Parekh welcomed the national recognition but warned that the area’s popularity must not come at the expense of affordability.
He said: “I’m delighted that Crookes is getting the national recognition it deserves. Ours is a lovely neighbourhood with a big community heart, and it’s an absolute joy to get to represent our area as a councillor.
“I do know that the flip side of being a cool area can be prices rising, and Crookes – like the rest of the country – has unfortunately become less affordable in recent years.
“This is why our council is building new council homes, including 90 council flats just off Northfield Road, and why I’m pressing for landlord licensing and rent controls, to keep Crookes a lovely and equitable place to live.”