Well-known pub in Sheffield city centre announces its reopening date

A Sheffield pub renowned for its musician clientele and giant mural painted by a popular artist has announced its reopening date.
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Fagan’s, on Broad Lane in the city centre, did not return immediately when lockdown restrictions were eased on July 4 as the couple who run the venue, Tom and Barbara Boulding, explained with ‘a heavy heart’ that new social distancing measures would be tricky to implement in the ‘small traditional pub'.

However, the Bouldings have now confirmed that Fagan’s will reopen on Friday, August 21.

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"We are looking forward to welcoming you all back but obviously some things will be quite different," they said.

Fagan's on Broad Lane in Sheffield. Picture: Dean Atkins.Fagan's on Broad Lane in Sheffield. Picture: Dean Atkins.
Fagan's on Broad Lane in Sheffield. Picture: Dean Atkins.

"There will no longer be any bar stools and no standing anywhere, everyone must be seated at tables.

"This is going to seriously reduce our capacity which will be on a first come, first served basis. Please be patient with us while we get used to this new set-up.”

They added: “Not having learned any new skills during lockdown we will still be cash only.”

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Landlord Tom Boulding at Fagan's pub, Broad Lane.Landlord Tom Boulding at Fagan's pub, Broad Lane.
Landlord Tom Boulding at Fagan's pub, Broad Lane.
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Fagan’s – referred to as ‘the office’ by Sheffield-born guitarist and singer-songwriter Richard Hawley – was previously called The Barrel but was renamed in honour of Joe Fagan, who ran the pub from 1947 to 1985 and became Tetley's longest-serving landlord.

Fagan served with the RAF Bomber Command, hence the pub's sign which features a photo of him in front of a wartime plane.

The side of the building facing the junction with Rockingham Street is covered with a 30ft painting by Sheffield artist Pete McKee. Titled ‘The Snog’, it depicts an elderly couple embracing and has become a local landmark since it appeared in 2013.

"I think it’s the essence of Sheffield,” Tom Boulding told The Star when the artwork was completed. “Pete asked me if he could paint it and I said yes straight away.”

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McKee also found inspiration in the pub with his painting ‘Sheffield Music Legends in Fagan’s’, which shows Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis Cocker, Tony Christie, Phil Oakey and Hawley sitting in the snug with drinks.

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