COLUMN: A night out, seeing friends and playing football - Sheffield Star reporter Kian Rains on his ideal weekend

It was around three years ago that I first began studying for a career in the media industry, and it all started with a media production course; I later stumbled upon journalism and decided it was what I wanted to pursue.

After a year and a half learning the basics and skills of a journalist, I was presented with the opportunity to work as an apprentice with JPI Media, which own the Sheffield Star.

I completed my apprenticeship last year in December and have continued working under JPI Media as a reporter focusing on visual content and feature writing for The Sheffield Star.

Playing sport and sticking to a healthy lifestyle is a hobby of mine; we are lucky in Sheffield to have lots of facilities available to us that encourage more people to engage in sport and live a healthier life.

We also have plenty of beautiful green space around us, which is perfect if, like me, you need somewhere to go on a weekend.

The Ladybower reservoir in the Peak District is a place I like to visit and is a great location for photos if you are enthusiastic about photography.

On a typical weekend before Covid-19, I’d usually have a quick kick about in the local park with some friends and maybe enjoy a game of basketball from time to time before heading back home to watch the weekend football. As a Sheffield United fan, I’d be down at Bramall Lane on match days soaking up the atmosphere and watching the blades play which I have undoubtedly missed this year; it’s not the same watching your sports team on the TV. I’m yearning for the day when we can return to beautiful downtown Bramall Lane, whether we are in the championship or not; I’m sure all blades fans can agree on that one. I also follow combat sports and usually stay up until the early hours of the morning to watch mixed martial art events.

Nowadays, most of my weekend plans are on hold, so it’s a struggle to keep myself occupied, but, hopefully, we can start to return to some form of normality soon, and I’m eagerly awaiting the reopening of pubs across the city.

When it comes to eating out, I’m not fussy, and in Sheffield, we have a fantastic range of different cuisines and many great independent restaurants and pubs.

I quite enjoy trying new eateries, and I’m always open to recommendations from other people.

I must give an honourable mention to Kommune in Sheffield, based at the site of the former CO-OP store at Castle House.

On the first visit, I was impressed by the fact that you’re not limited to just one cuisine, and there is something for everyone, with a choice of burgers and pizzas to Indian street food and Middle Eastern delicacies.

A favourite pub of mine is The Yorkshire Bridge Inn at Ladybower.

It’s a country pub that uses locally sourced products in its food and has a range of pub classics on the menu.

After a long day out in the Peak District, it’s nice to drop in and relax while eating some delicious well-cooked food.

Before the pandemic, nightlife was also something I’d revel in; Sheffield has an array of bars, some independent and some chain managed, but there is a wonderful selection.

Molly Malone’s Tavern on West street is where I often frequent, it’s got the feel of an authentic Irish tavern, and at the weekend, the place is rocking.

Tiger Works bar and cocktail lounge is another favourite, the atmosphere is very laid back, and the music and drinks never disappoint.

I’ve been to the Leadmill a few times, and I can understand why it’s such a popular venue amongst others in the city.

The words that would probably sum up my weekend in Sheffield are lively, sociable, and fun-filled.