Excitement builds over relaunch of landmark Sheffield pub

The Punch Bowl has been a fixture on Crookes High Street since 1928 but has been closed for five months over the summer while new owners True North Brew Co. completed a revamp of the interior and exterior.

A number of residents have now taken to Facebook to welcome the boozer’s reopening – and to reminisce about days gone by.

Simon Barnes said: “Let’s hope it can become a helpful and valued part of the local community.”

Andrew Sansom believes True North has “done a good job” and added that it “looks spot on.”

Betty Winkley posted: “My grandparents lived in Crookes and I remember my mum talking about this pub being one of (their) locals.”

Sheffield-based True North acquired The Punch Bowl and the nearby Old Grindstone from pub chain Greene King earlier this year.

The company has developed a reputation for making a success of other high-profile bars - including The Forum in the city centre, The Broadfield in Abbeydale Road and The Riverside at Kelham Island – and they have big plans to turn Crookes into the place to be for a top night out.

Kane Yeardley, managing director of True North Brew Co, said: “We hope to enrich the quality of life in the suburbs with our concept of the cosy contemporary local which we believe delivers on what people now want out of a local pub.“From our thirty years of experience in the industry, we’ve got a pretty good idea of what people would like from their local pub and aim to achieve this from every one of our venues.

“We offer a cosy environment where you can relax, listen to good music, drink good drinks and eat good food, and lastly where you can walk home at the end of the night without the hassle of going into town.”

The Punch Bowl will be hosting an opening party on Friday, September 27, from 7pm. The first 50 people through the doors will be offered a Sheffield Dry Gin and tonic on the house.