Revealed - this is the best cafe in Sheffield

“We’re absolutely delighted,” squeals Jenny Chadburn, upon being told that the Old Pin Diner has been named Star Cafe of the Year.
Tracey Baines and Jennifer Chadburn owners of Old Pin Diner in Stocksbridge which has won Cafe of the Year 2019. Picture Scott MerryleesTracey Baines and Jennifer Chadburn owners of Old Pin Diner in Stocksbridge which has won Cafe of the Year 2019. Picture Scott Merrylees
Tracey Baines and Jennifer Chadburn owners of Old Pin Diner in Stocksbridge which has won Cafe of the Year 2019. Picture Scott Merrylees

The result follows a massive ten-week Star campaign, and more than 2,500 votes, which saw 88 entries whittled down to a top three this week. Incredibly the Old Pin Diner won by a landslide, with nearly 600 people casting their vote for the Stocksbridge cafe – a quarter of the competition’s total votes.

“We’re just so honoured and grateful to our loyal customers – past, present, and new – for taking the time to vote for us,” Jenny says.

Owners Sam Oakes and Lisa Hitchen celebrate as their cafe Big Baps Lane Top is runner up in Cafe of the Year 2019. Picture Scott MerryleesOwners Sam Oakes and Lisa Hitchen celebrate as their cafe Big Baps Lane Top is runner up in Cafe of the Year 2019. Picture Scott Merrylees
Owners Sam Oakes and Lisa Hitchen celebrate as their cafe Big Baps Lane Top is runner up in Cafe of the Year 2019. Picture Scott Merrylees
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“It’s very rewarding to know that people think we’re doing a good job.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do. We’re based in an old 1920’s picture palace and the whole area has a terrific quaint feel. We’re a good old fashioned diner – good food and good portions is what we're all about.”

The cafe has been based in Stocksbridge for the past year, in a former 1920’s picture palace, serving up traditional British food.

“Our all-day-breakfast is the most popular thing on our menu,” says Jenny.

Base Camp at Towsure wins third place in our Cafe of the Year competition - Jess Vasquez,  Aye Mon Htwe, Tracy Morris,  and Natalie CartwrightBase Camp at Towsure wins third place in our Cafe of the Year competition - Jess Vasquez,  Aye Mon Htwe, Tracy Morris,  and Natalie Cartwright
Base Camp at Towsure wins third place in our Cafe of the Year competition - Jess Vasquez, Aye Mon Htwe, Tracy Morris, and Natalie Cartwright
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“And we're not just a cafe, we do outside catering, and even ‘meals on wheels’ deliveries for our older customers.

“Everything is sourced locally – our meat, eggs, potatoes, breadcakes – and cooked fresh. People love the food, and we love our customers.”

And for Jenny and her co-owner Tracey Baines, The Old Pin Diner is a home away from home.

“We’ve been best friends for 20 years, and they say you shouldn't work with family or friends, but we’re the proof that it can work - and work very well,” Jenny laughs.

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“We have different temperaments and skills that complement one another, and we never argue. It's a great way to work. We’re big on family, and always wanted a cafewhere people would feel they could bring their children along and enjoy some time together; we even have a family room where the kids go play and dress-up and the grown-ups can sit and relax.

“We absolutely love what we do, and the community we serve.”

Over in Longley, Lisa Hitchen and Sam Oakes, of Big Baps Lane Top, announce they were ‘made up’ to come second in the Cafe of the Year competition.

“We’ve had lots of people telling us they’ve been voting for us, which has been lovely to hear," says Lisa.

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“We’ve only been open since last October, so we think this is a massive achievement in just a few months, to be chosen as second in the city.

“We’re a typical old English cafe, with lots of home-cooked food and local suppliers. It’s great to hear that people think we’re doing well.”

And Tracey Morris, of Base Camp Cafe, in Hillsborough, was equally pleased to be voted third in the city, and thanked her customers for their support.

“We’ve been in Sheffield for seven years, and we have a lot of loyal customers – old and new – who’ve all been telling me they’ve been voting for us, which has been great to hear,” says Tracey.

“This is such good news, absolutely brilliant. I'm so pleased.”