Why I think Sheffield is the best in the UK when it's summer time - from rooftop bars to music events

By Kirsty Hamilton

Senior Journalist

Published 18th Aug 2024, 07:00 BST

I’ve lived in Sheffield for six years now, and it’s definitely up there with the best cities in the UK to enjoy the summer.

Although the city is undeniably quieter with all the students enjoying a well-earned break, this doesn’t affect the amount of things to do and enjoy in the summer season in our lovely city.

From eating al fresco and soaking up the sun in one of our many green spaces, to seeing the full community come together for both Tramlines and the city-wide fringe event, it’s a city that keeps on giving.

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Here are some of my top reasons why I love Sheffield in the summer. Please note, I love being outside!

It’s blackberry season which means it’s time for fruit crumble! In Sheffield you will find blackberries in many areas, but you can also find lots more fruits throughout the summer season by visiting pick your own farms in and around Sheffield. One of my favourites is A Pearson & Sons, at Birchin Lee Nurseries, in Dronfield. It’s a fun afternoon out with your friends, partner, family, or solo, to reconnect with nature and also to support a local business.

1. Fruit picking

It’s blackberry season which means it’s time for fruit crumble! In Sheffield you will find blackberries in many areas, but you can also find lots more fruits throughout the summer season by visiting pick your own farms in and around Sheffield. One of my favourites is A Pearson & Sons, at Birchin Lee Nurseries, in Dronfield. It’s a fun afternoon out with your friends, partner, family, or solo, to reconnect with nature and also to support a local business. | Submitted

Many of Sheffield’s restaurants pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. As a food and drink ambassador for the city, I could spend hours recommending places, so instead I will use the city’s restaurants that have been mentioned in the Michelin Guide - Joro and Rafters.

2. Eating local produce in restaurants

Many of Sheffield’s restaurants pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. As a food and drink ambassador for the city, I could spend hours recommending places, so instead I will use the city’s restaurants that have been mentioned in the Michelin Guide - Joro and Rafters. | JÖRO Photo: JÖRO

This year has seen TWO rooftop bars open to the public. Sheffield has long awaited a venue with sweeping views of the city to sip on a refreshing beverage, and now we have both Cambridge Street Collective and Radisson Blu to choose from. Whether it’s been a long day at work, or you’re looking to celebrate with friends on a summer evening, these venues are a must for a sunny day.

3. Rooftop bars

This year has seen TWO rooftop bars open to the public. Sheffield has long awaited a venue with sweeping views of the city to sip on a refreshing beverage, and now we have both Cambridge Street Collective and Radisson Blu to choose from. Whether it’s been a long day at work, or you’re looking to celebrate with friends on a summer evening, these venues are a must for a sunny day. | National World

On the topic of Cambridge Street Collective, this is Europe’s largest purpose built food hall, and if you’ve not already visited since it opened in May, you really should. There are 20 food and drink traders here all offering goods at a range of prices. The venue also hosts lots of events, so check out their website and see if anything suits your fancy.

4. Cambridge Street Collective

On the topic of Cambridge Street Collective, this is Europe’s largest purpose built food hall, and if you’ve not already visited since it opened in May, you really should. There are 20 food and drink traders here all offering goods at a range of prices. The venue also hosts lots of events, so check out their website and see if anything suits your fancy. | National World

summer Students Community Sheffield Food and Drink first person

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