The more I get to know Sheffield and its people, the more I love it and the more I’m grateful for the way it’s embraced me as an outsider and made me feel welcome.
These are just some of the things I’ve come to love about living in Sheffield since making the move up from London in 2016, when my knowledge about the city was derived largely from The Full Monty, snooker and Pulp.
I was drawn to Sheffield by its proximity to the Peak District, but I didn’t realise at the time how much of the city falls within the national park and how many fantastic green spaces of its own Sheffield has.
You’re rarely more than a short walk from a spectacular nature haven, be it woodlands teeming with nature, a pretty waterfall tumbling between mossy boulders or a shimmering reservoir nestled in a picturesque valley.
I knew about Pulp and the Arctic Monkeys, but I didn’t realise what a thriving music scene Sheffield has today, showcased each summer at the brilliant Tramlines festival.
Nor did I know how much else is happening in the city, from film festivals to climbing competitions, or how many excellent restaurants and takeaways it boasts, making it a foodie haven.
These are some of the best things about living in Sheffield, based on my experiences so far, but I’m always grateful to hear about new places to visit.
9. Great food
Sheffield is a foodies' paradise, with so many great restaurants, cafes and takeaways around the city. The city may not boast a Michelin star just yet but fine dining stalwarts JÖRO and Rafters are knocking at the door and there are several other top restaurants combining fine dining with affordable prices. The city's also home to a handful of excellent food halls, including Cutlery Works, pictured, serving up dishes from around the world, while there's no shortage of pubs serving up top-quality pies, roasts and other hearty fare. Perhaps Sheffield's biggest gift to the culinary world, however, is Henderson's Relish, the black gold which improves almost any meal. | National World Photo: Simon Hulme
10. The Peak District
Sheffield is the perfect gateway to the wild beauty of the Peak District, with its windswept, heather emblazoned hills and spectacular rock formations, along with some charming villages. Our favourite places to visit in the Peak District include Hathersage, with its stunning lido; picturesque Castleton, with its caves, cafes and hill-top castle ruins; and Edale, pictured. | National World Photo: Jason Chadwick
11. Pubs
Sheffield is a beer-lover's paradise, which is home to some of the world's finest small, independent breweries. It's also blessed with some fantastic pubs and bars, serving up the perfect pint, glass of wine or cocktail, depending upon your tipple of choice. There's something for everyone, from the iconic Fagan's on the edge of the city centre, beloved by musicians including Richard Hawley and the Arctic Monkeys' Matt Helders, to the Old Horns Inn, in High Bradfield, with its sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. The community-owned Gardeners Rest, beside the river in Neepsend, pictured, is another fine example. | National World Photo: Chris Etchells
12. Sporting prowess
Sheffield has contributed more than most places to the UK's sporting success over the years, with the stars it has produced ranging from England footballers Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Gordon Banks to cricket captain Michael Vaughan and double Olympic medal-winner Sebastian Coe. This photo perhaps best sums up the city's sporting prowess better than any other, showing a young Jessica Ennis and Joe Root among the hopefuls at the King Ecgbert School sports awards back in 2003, before they went on to become Olympic heptathlon champion and one of the top Test Match run-scorers ever, respectively. It's not just the stars who make Sheffield such a great sporting city, it's the opportunities out there for everyone, from the thriving grass roots football community to the excellent climbing scene. | Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Sheffield Newspapers