Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.
A Luxury Guide to Sheffield
Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Sheffield.
My name is Laura. I’m originally from New York, but for the last six years I’ve been living in Australia, New Zealand, Korea and now the UK. My boyfriend is British and we’ve been visiting his family in Sheffield on and off for the last seven years. I love coming into the city and exploring a different restaurant, cafe or shopping spot – it’s full of truly unique places.
What makes Sheffield a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?
It’s the sort of place you would never think of when you plan a getaway and that’s what I love about this city. It’s only 2 hours by train from London yet it feels a world away. It’s full of historical boutique hotels and budding new restaurants without the major price tag of the capital.
What 5 star hotel is the best in Sheffield?
Halifax Hall is by far my favorite plush hotel in town. An old steel baron’s estate, the home has been renovated, but maintains the period charm of the late 19th century. It’s full of rich gem tones and plush beds which you’ll need after their decadent Sunday lunch. Click here for rates and availability.
What about boutique hotels in Sheffield, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?
Definitely Brocco in the Park. The rooms are full of luxuries – brass baths, huge luscious beds, views of Endcliffe Park and Nespresso machines for a perfect morning cup. They also do a lavish afternoon tea with cream scones and prosecco. Click here for rates and availability.
Where are the best hang outs during the day in Sheffield
There are so many lovely cafe’s in Sheffield. My favorite has to be Tamper Coffee. Owned and operated by New Zealand expats, they’ve brought the best of kiwi coffee culture to South Yorkshire. They also do a killer brunch. Steam Yard is another great cafe that does coffee right and when the weather’s nice you can sit out in their courtyard.
If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Sheffield and what are their best dishes?
Silversmiths is the best around. One of my favorite things about this restaurant is that everything is as local as possible. Cheeses are from Yorkshire, meats are locally sourced, and there’s an ever changing menu to suit the vegetables of the season. They have a seriously extensive cocktail menu, and a pie and steak night that I thought would be your standard pub grub, but was so, so much more.
Location: 111 Arundel Street, Sheffield, S1 2NT
Let’s talk desserts in Sheffield– what place makes the best?
That’s so tough. It has to be a toss up between Steam Yard’s doughnuts and the cakes at Cat Lane Bakery (they also do some SERIOUSLY good homemade bread).
Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designersin Sheffield?
My favorite shops are down Division Street in the Devonshire Quarter. The Forum has an incredible vintage shop called Vulgar. Then there’s Cow, another vintage shop where I always walk out with something because the selection is simply perfection. Head to Fargate for big brands like H&M and Topshop or walk down to The Moor for the department stores and sheffield’s amazing covered market.
Location: COW Sheffield, 156-160 West Street, S1 4ES
What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Sheffield?
Spa 1877 is the sort of place you accidentally spend the whole day (or week). It’s an authentic Turkish bath, they do massages, waxing, facials, threading and have a huge selection of complete packages which usually include a nice light lunch.
Location: 67 Victoria St, Sheffield S3 7QD
Time for a great sunset view in Sheffield… where would you go?
If you’re looking for a really jaw dropping place to watch the sunset, hop in the car and drive west for a few miles into the Peak District. The sun setting over these craggy, green hills is by far the best place to nature spot in Sheffield.
Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.
Sheffield is certainly not lacking in pubs and bars. I prefer a few craft beers or ales so usually head to Sheffield Tap next to the train station. They have 11 hand pull taps and I always get a new tasty beer when I’m there.
Laura Bronner is a writer originally from New York. After graduating from college she set off on what was meant to be a year of travel. That was over five years ago and she’s still on the move. Since then she’s lived in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and now balances her time between the US and Europe in search of the next place to call home. Catch up with her adventures on her blog Collecting Labels or head over to her social media pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
I live in Yorkshire so will check this out sometime! I’d love to get involved in this feature.x
You can! Shoot me an email about a place you know well ;)
I love Sheffield! I was a resident for four years as a university student. It evolves so quickly too, surprisingly. I was there a couple of months ago and COW was still in its bright yellow glory.