Georgian building brought back to life as pub and little mester workshops in Sheffield

The Farfield Inn at Neepsend dates back to 1753 and was originally built as a gentleman’s residence for an officer of the nearby Hillsborough barracks and named Farfield House.

The building was converted to a pub in the late 19th Century and there were significant alterations, but there are now plans to refurbish the ground floor as a pub, reinstate six flats on the first and second floors and create a two-storey building with workshops.

ABA Architecture and Interiors says the building still has some original features, including chimney breasts, timber beams, cornice detailing, decorative door and window mouldings, timber skirting, decorative handrail and timber spindles, but some have been covered with modern plastering.

Repairs include a new or reclaimed Georgian panelled timber entrance door, sash windows and several reclaimed terracotta chimney pots.

Two workshops for ‘artisan craftsmen’ will replicate a traditional workshop from photos of the original site

The planning application says the work would bring back to life a traditional pub and the architects have taken reference from the Campaign for Real Ale’s national inventory of historic pub interiors.

It says: “The building is well recorded within Sheffield’s history and was significantly affected by the two great floods.

“The pub has been very prominent since its construction in 1753. However, in more recent years it has been left to deteriorate and has fallen into a state of disrepair.

“The proposals aim to retain all period features and refresh only, with repairs that are similar for like with the same material and finish to ensure the detailing is left unchanged.

“The little mesters buildings are to be traditionally constructed to closely match that of workshops previously sited.

“The overall design is to be influenced by existing heritage workshops within South Yorkshire and will provide a space for artisan craftsmen for the burgeoning Kelham Island expansion. The works will ensure the longevity and upkeep of this historical building.”

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