Why Sharrow Vale is being considered as the Notting Hill of Sheffield
Is Sharrow Vale Sheffield’s answer to Notting Hill?
Just behind the bustle of Ecclesall Road, Sharrow Vale has carved out a character of its own.
Students mingle with families doing the school run, creatives and remote workers settle into coffee shops, and people wander between the colourful shopfronts that make the area so distinctive.
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So, could Sharrow Vale be Sheffield’s answer to Notting Hill? One Sheffield Star letter writer contacted us offering their opinion this week, so we thought we’d pay the trendy suburb a visit and speak to those enjoying the area.
The London neighbourhood is famed for its independent businesses, colourful market culture and eclectic mix of food, drink and shopping.
Sharrow Vale has plenty of the same ingredients.
Though Sharrow Vale market only takes place three times a year, the area maintains a market-like feel even when there isn't one on. There are independent boutiques, gift shops, antique stores and places selling everything from jewellery to homeware – alongside the likes of Porter Book Shop, which perhaps has a slightly quieter atmosphere than its famous Notting Hill counterpart.
Tyler, from Refill Tree, said the variety was one of the things that made Sharrow Vale special.
“It is a lovely area and there is a great variety of shops, loads of different kinds of people,” he said.
“Lots of people walk down here to get to the park and obviously Ecclesall Road is on the opposite side, and I think it is just very accessible.
“You've got your bars, cafes, refills and eco-friendly shops, hardware shops – it’s a place for everybody - I can definitely see the comparisons to Notting Hill in some ways.”
Just like Notting Hill, food and drink is a big part of the area's appeal - a melting pot of different cuisines and cultures, from Italian, Mexican, Indian, Greek, Spanish and American-inspired food, alongside bakeries, coffee shops, delis and independent restaurants.
Tonco Bakery can be packed even on a weekday morning, while Eves has become known for its oozing doughnuts and sweet treat selection. Porter Pizza has built up a reputation as one of Sheffield's favourite pizza spots, while Bagels Inc brings New York-style bagels and trendy matcha combinations to the street.
And just off the main road is Dyson Place, a hidden courtyard with independent businesses, restaurants, bars and lifestyle spots.
One staff member at coffee shop and bar Cornerstone said the community is a major part of the charm: “The community aspect of the street is great, we have a WhatsApp group with all of the businesses.
“It's a good community, and it's a nice hub for everyone. People and dogs are all welcome – it’s just very friendly.”
He added: “There are plenty of restaurants, plenty of coffee shops, artisan shops - it’s a nice little hub, so I suppose it is like Notting Hill.”
Annabel Davies, owner of Bagels Inc, said the independent businesses meant there was something for almost everyone.
“There’s a community here of independent shops, there’s something here for everyone,” she said.
“I think people naturally gravitate toward Sharrow Vale on weekends in particular, with families, because there’s a day out for everyone walking around.
“There are niche spots, whether it’s matcha, bagels, hairdressing, shoe shops or clothing. You don’t have to go far from the doorstep to do everything and anything.”
Like Cornerstone, she also pointed to the people who help bring the community together, including Abdul at the post office, who she said regularly organises training sessions.
“Abdul is amazing, he’s always bringing people together for training, or first aid, or events,” she said.
“We’ve got a great mural on the wall that was commissioned recently – a nice piece of art there. It’s all really positive.”
And just as Tyler pointed out, Sharrow Vale even has its own answer to Holland Park. Like the upscale gardens sit close to Notting Hill, Endcliffe Park offers Sharrow Vale its own green escape.
It means a visit can easily become a whole afternoon – coffee, a wander around the shops and then a walk through the park. Perhaps that is what makes Sharrow Vale feel different from a simple shopping street. It is somewhere to browse rather than rush, and discover rather than plan.
So while it might be less famous than its London counterpart, there is a strong argument that Sharrow Vale has developed its own version of that same eclectic style.