FOOD: Seven places to dine al fresco in Sheffield

But when the sun shines eating al fresco is on everybody’s minds.

Here are seven places where you can eat in the fresh air.

1) Pointing Dog, Ecclesall Road

There can’t be many better spots for people watching - and being seen - than the Pointing Dog on Ecclesall Road.

When the sun comes out, the elevated and turfed terrace is often buzzing with people dressed in their best.

As well as being a bar with a wide variety of cocktails, the former Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Club serves food throughout the week, ranging from Sunday roasts with a starter and main for a set price to salads.

Steaks and the variety of fish dishes are a good shout.

There’s also a sister restaurant in Bakewell for Peak District daytrippers.

2) Marmaduke’s, Norfolk Row

A pretty place to spend a lunch break or call in for breakfast.

This gorgeous little cafe takes coffee seriously, and serves up carefully thought out, locally sourced, British orientated meals.

Artisan bread is made by the Welbeck Bakehouse and milk comes from city favourite Our Cow Molly.

There isn’t much room for swinging cats inside, so the outside tables are welcome. Deli sandwiches and salads mix with quiche, pie, soup or burgers on the small-but-perfectly formed menu.

3) Three Merry Lads, Lodge Moor

The view from the Lads’ beer garden is simply stunning, with green, green countryside and steep hills laid out before you.

There are classic pub grub favourites on offer, with walkers often finishing off a long slog with fish and chips or a hearty home-made pie.

4) Curzon cinema, city centre

Few people know about the hidden rooftop bar at the top of Curzon cinema in the city centre.

There isn’t much of a view, with it surrounding by grey buildings, but it’s a great after work spot for a wine and whine.

Food served is focused around sandwiches and snacks.

And if it starts to rain you can always take your shiraz into the cinema screen.

5) Brocco on the Park, Hunters Bar

The stylish restaurant in this former Edwardian villa turned hotel is a haven of calm - and you can sit outside, just metres from Endcliffe Park. Food is modern British and fresh.

Brunch with Finnish touches, afternoon tea and picnic platters come recommended.

6) The Forum, Division Street

Good food at reasonable prices, and the large outside area, makes this a popular lunch spot for eating with friends. Bulging burgers, delicate fishcakes and moreish nachos are on offer plus a regularly changing menu. Scoring a deckchair during Tramlines is a true victory.

7) Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow

Brides and grooms to be often choose this as their wedding reception spot.

With staggering view that stretches over fields on the outskirts of Sheffield to the distant tower blocks of town it is easy to see why.

There’s nothing finer than sitting outsideand watching the sun go down.

Food is very much of the classic pub grub kind, and traditional English breakfasts are on offer for those who stay over in the rooms.

In a city where parking is hard to come by, there’s also plenty here.