Favourite Things: Scenery and nightlife are Sheffield's main draws

Andrea Marsden, 54, is head of residential at City Estates. She has worked in the property industry for 20 years, having started as a sales receptionist at an estate agent before becoming sales manager in new homes for a Sheffield-based builder. She then joined City Estates as marketing manager, then moved to her current position. The Sheffield firm owns the West One student accommodation portfolio that embraces student flats in Sellers Wheel in Arundel Street, Huttons Buildings in West Street and at Broomgrove Apartments on Broomgrove Road as well as the West One residential, leisure and commercial development in Fitzwilliam Street. The company is also currently developing the site of the renowned former Gatecrasher nightclub in Sheffield, which is set to become Gatecrasher Apartments and will house more than 240 students from September. Andrea grew up in Lodge Moor and now lives with her partner, John, in Fulwood. She has two grown up sons, aged 29 and 25.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Mar 2016, 09:00 BST
Andrea Marsden, head of residential at West One Student Accommodation part of City Estates, outside the new site of the Gatecrasher Apartments. Picture: Andrew RoeAndrea Marsden, head of residential at West One Student Accommodation part of City Estates, outside the new site of the Gatecrasher Apartments. Picture: Andrew Roe
Andrea Marsden, head of residential at West One Student Accommodation part of City Estates, outside the new site of the Gatecrasher Apartments. Picture: Andrew Roe

Riverside Pub

I love the atmosphere here, whether it’s a night out or a sneaky Twisted Burger on a Saturday afternoon. I normally have the Pig Daddy Kane burger and a portion of jalapeno business fries – it tastes amazing! The pub is part of the real ale circuit in Kelham Island so they have a great range of drinks. The beer garden is lovely on a warm day as it overlooks the River Don. You wouldn’t think it’s a stone’s throw from the city centre. They have music, comedy and quizzes, so there’s always something going on.

the Leadmill

The Leadmill is one of my favourite clubs in Sheffield for a no-frills good time. I’m probably getting a bit old for it these days but who cares! It’s got a fantastic reputation not just in Sheffield but across the country and helps put the city on the map. Some of the biggest music acts in the world have played there and I love the fact that ultimately it is a great, iconic live venue. You can watch a great gig or just go to one of the various club nights throughout the week for a drink and a dance and you know you’ll have a good time. It’s easy to take for granted that we have somewhere like this in our city.

Forge Dam and

Mayfield Valley

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We’re so lucky in Sheffield to have such beautiful countryside on our doorstep. Living in Fulwood, Forge Dam and the Mayfield Valley are only down the road, and it’s brilliant that we’re so close to it. We love taking the dogs for a walk round there. We have a very handsome and youthful 14-year-old border collie called Mac, who these days reluctantly tolerates a very boisterous but adorable 18-month-old black lab called Buddy. They love getting out and about so it’s perfect for them, and if it’s one of their favourite places, then it has to be one of mine! Whether you want to pop out for a quick walk for some fresh air or be out all day on a long hike, there is beautiful scenery throughout the area.

West One Plaza

This is slightly biased as I work for the company that built this development, but I think it’s fantastic for the city. I can’t help but look at the whole place in awe. At the time it was built it was a visionary and flagship development that was ahead of its time and I believe it still is. I also love the bars and restaurants within the plaza - there’s something for everyone. The accommodation is of a fantastic standard with many of the apartments having beautiful views.

Portland House MicroPub

Portland House micropub launched towards the end of last year and is managed by my son’s friend. I know micropubs like this are the latest trend but this one really seems like it’s here to stay. The staff are on hand to offer advice on what to try, depending on your tastes. The pub sells high quality and ethically-sourced food and drink. I thought gin and tonic was gin and tonic but they introduced me to 309 dry gin with 1724 tonic and pink grapefruit. It was delicious!

Baldwin’s Omega

Although I don’t go that regularly any more, Baldwin’s never disappoints. The fact that year in, year out you see mostly the same staff working there is testament to David Baldwin and the place as a whole. The food and service for the banquet catering is always spot on. And of course, you always get to have a good dance!

Sharrowvale Road

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I don’t very often go shopping but a real indulgence for me would be meeting my sister and just wandering in and out of all the little shops on Sharrowvale Road. I seem to discover something new every time I go and it makes me feel like I’m on holiday. I normally finish off a trip with a light lunch in Café Ceres at Hunters Bar, which serves beautiful French-inspired food.

Related topics:Sheffield