Rated by Timeout as one of the 51 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2022, and one of the best places to live in the UK the following year by The Times, Kelham Island is one of Sheffield’s true gems.

The manmade island has undergone much transformation over the years, now an incredibly unique part of a bustling city, with a beautiful waterway running through it. The neighbourhood is home to incredible food markets, bars, flea markets and much more, whilst still managing to maintain a sense of Sheffield’s rich industrial history. With so much to do in Kelham, the options can feel overwhelming, so welcome to VIBE’s quick and easy guide to one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. 

Food & Drink 

Piña

This Mexican-inspired bar and restaurant has all the liveliness and good vibes of a perfect night out. Housed in a former warehouse in the district, Piña’s exposed brickwork, colourful street art, and bright interior combined inspirations of Mexico City and our native Sheffield, for a fusion like no other. Delicious cocktails, including the Pina con Chilito, as well as mouthwatering tacos, of course, are all available at this vibrant bar and restaurant. 

Saw Grinders Union 

This independent venue combines Kelham’s incredible history, with beautiful architecture and an equal passion for coffee, beer, cocktails and burgers. With consistently delicious smash burgers made from 40-day, dry-aged Swaledale beef; a comprehensive vegan and veggie menu; and (probably) the best fries you’ve ever encountered, Saw Grinders Union are super-serious about quality. Thursday to Sunday, you can also find a bottomless brunch service, with unlimited drinks and a dish from their delicious food menu for £45pp until 8pm. 

SALT Sheffield 

Specialising in bao buns and craft beers, SALT Sheffield is the perfect place to stop for an amazing culinary experience. SALT Sheffield’s partner, Bao Mesters serve up a range of Asian-inspired delights, seven days a week with the menu featuring a tasty selection of bao buns, loaded fries, gyozas and chicken wings.  You can also expect the complete range of SALT craft beers, Ossett Brewery cask ales and rotating guest beers as well as 4 different cocktails ‘on tap’, speciality wines, artisan gin and premium coffee.

Church- Temple of Fun 

Welcome to your new place of worship! This 100% vegan bar and restaurant has an incredible menu, packed with gourmet vegan burgers that taste just like the real thing, as well as hot dogs, loaded fries, chicken tenders, delicious salads and much more. The completely vegan venue also has an amazing range of dairy-free desserts, including seasonal cheesecake, brownie sundaes, crème brulee, ice cream and milkshakes. Elaborate cocktails are also available, including seasonal drinks like the Autumn Blaze, inspired by the golden orange maple tree. Whimsical twists on classic cocktails are also seen on the menu, like the Guiness Espresso Martini and Frozen Slush cocktails. The bar and restaurant also hosts a variety of interesting events to keep you entertained whilst sinking your teeth into their delicious vegan treats. Some previous events include dog life drawing classes, DJ sets, craft workshops, comedy nights, sip & paint evenings and much more. Visit Church- Temple of Fun to see if it lives up to the hype!

To do: 

#LookUpSheff

Explore the free, augmented reality art trail occupying rooftops of buildings in Little Kelham. Brilliant artist Corbin Shaw created the artwork for Get Together Festival, which took over the whole of Kelham Island in May 2023. This trail captures the spirit of Shaw’s home town of Sheffield in an extremely unique and creative way. Created for everyone to enjoy, by Sheffield companies, artists, studios and producers, truly showcasing what Sheffield makes. All you need to do, if you haven’t done already, is download the app to get exploring, and then share on social channels for the world to see.

Kelham Island Museum 

Celebrating 300 years of Sheffield making history, you can explore the rich industrial history of the city at Kelham Island Museum. A day out that’s fun for the whole family, this interactive museum allows you to step back in time, hear the roar and feel the rumble of the mighty River Don Engine, and find out more about the industry that saw Sheffield become world-renowned for making and innovation.

Shopping: 

The WareHouse

Set in a 19th Century Victorian Factory in the heart of Kelham Island, this Decorative Salvage & Antiques Warehouse is the passion project of Yellow Arch’s founder, Andy Cook. Adjoining Yellow Arch Studios, The WareHouse is home to a wonderful variety of vintage clothing, furniture and original art. The store fully embraces Sheffield’s eclectic mix of creatives & makers, with an entire antique & salvage community of restorers, artisans, makers, photographers, artists, clothes makers, salvage hunters, local dealers and historians  – all under one roof! Stocking a range of antiques from all over Europe; from the 17th century right up to the 1970’s including original art & prints, decorative salvage, an eclectic mix of the weird and wonderful, classic furniture, antique home decor, vintage clothing and haberdashery – all complimented with a range of products from some of Yorkshire’s finest makers.

Kelham Books & Music 

Sheffield’s largest second-hand bookshop, located on Shalesmoor close to Kelham Island since June 2018. Kelham Books & Music   has an incredibly wide selection of literature, records, games and more, for an absolute bargain. 

The Kelham Flea

The Kelham Flea offers an eclectic mix  of pre-loved treasures, antiques and bespoke goods. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10:30am-5pm, the market has a massive variety of vintage clothing, antiques, art, toys, plants for you to browse through. 

Reyt Good Illustration 

Located in Kelham Arcade, this studio/shop provides all the love and pride Sheffield as a city has to offer. Browse their unique selection of prints and merchandise capturing music, life, love and home. Reyt Good Illustration has a spectacular array of t-shirts, mugs, tea towels, stickers, tote bags and much more to add to your collection.