New Sheffield restaurant Orange Bird serving up South African food opens its doors

A restaurant on a major Sheffield road which opened over six months ago is preparing to welcome customers to dine in for the first time, when more Covid-19 restrictions are lifted next week.
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When Orange Bird opened on Middlewood Road last November, Sheffield was in the middle of the second national lockdown and eating out with friends and family seemed a far off prospect.

Owners Anne Horner and Matt Duggan-Jones were forced to adapt quickly, and have been providing a takeaway service ever since.

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Indoor hospitality will resume in a matter of days – from May 17 – and Anna and Matt are looking forward to finally inviting customers to dine in after months of restrictions.

Pictured are Anne Horner amd Matthew Duggan-Jones from The Orange Bird on Middlewood Road. Picture: Chris EtchellsPictured are Anne Horner amd Matthew Duggan-Jones from The Orange Bird on Middlewood Road. Picture: Chris Etchells
Pictured are Anne Horner amd Matthew Duggan-Jones from The Orange Bird on Middlewood Road. Picture: Chris Etchells

Co-owner and manager, Anne, explained: “The restaurant that we started planning nearly three years ago is almost a reality.”

“Opening our restaurant in Hillsborough where we both live, was always the dream. And the feedback we’ve had from the customers who’ve used our lockdown take out service, is that having great restaurants and cafes in the area, is their dream too. Six months after we opened - we’re finally about to open,” added Anne.

Anne and Matt started the Orange Bird journey by finding a “suitable property amongst the many empty buildings” on Middlewood Road.

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"Finding the old electrical shop had been split into two units was perfect. Especially as the other half has become home to our lovely neighbours, The Pangolin craft ale bar. The properties are owned by Kell Brook, the boxer, who has been an extremely supportive landlord during the unexpectedly long lockdown,” she said.

Anne described how Head Chef Matt grew up in South Africa, and said he “can’t wait to get started cooking over wood on our BBQ,” which was built for them by Great British Menu chef, Nathan Davies.

She added: “Restaurants are about people. If the last year has taught us anything it’s that whatever experiences we have, they are vastly improved by being able to share them - with family, friends and strangers! So with that in mind, we can’t wait to share our modern South African menu with the people of Sheffield.”

Orange Bird will offer a dinner service only from Thursday, May 20 until Saturday, May 29 when they will provide both lunch and dinner services.

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