Much-loved events venue ‘The Victoria’ opened its cafe ‘Victoria’s Clubhouse Social’ on 13 July. We asked if we could pop down, to which they responded quickly and invited us to join their networking event, involving three speakers, which I attended on Thursday 17 July. 

Located in Neepsend, Kelham Island on Rowland Street, it was a quick and easy bus ride from the city centre. As I crossed the road towards the cafe, I was in awe: the red-bricked building with lights hanging down was the first impression I got of the venue, and it was mesmerising. 

Eager to explore further, I went inside and was instantly hit with a busy, bustling, chatty room full of people. As I spoke to the person at the door, the vibes were nothing but bubbly and positive. Feeling instantly at home, I ventured further inside, taking in the decor and infrastructure. Sitting down at a table near the wall, I took in everything, and literally fell off my seat…perhaps just clumsiness, but still a suitable reaction to the new cafe. 

‘Clubhouse Social’ has a rustic feel to it, an old fashioned and vintage kind of charm. With frames on the walls, cool decor and lots of plants dotted about, The Victoria have been creative with the space. 

I noticed there were a good number of tables: not too many leaving plenty of room to move, especially near the bar area, but enough for you to find a seat fairly easily. 

The walls consisted of exposed brick, with some white paint over them, as well as some lovely earthy tones. 

Throughout the morning, I got to talk to some inspiring and uplifting people. I first spoke to Dr Maisha Wester, British Academy Global Professor, and Jennifer Coates, Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Sheffield. They were both enjoying soaking in the atmosphere of the cafe. 

Both Dr Maisha Wester and Professor Jennifer Coates mentioned the food, which I could see by the near empty plates, that it was being enjoyed. They said: “The food was super fresh, especially the pastries, which were still warm.”

Dr Maisha Wester liked the way the event was broken up and separated by location, saying that the intro gathering was taking place downstairs, in a nice open space, where you could easily grab coffee and cake while meeting everyone. Then, the later part of the event would move upstairs for the three speakers. 

Professor Jennifer Coates spoke about how The Mowbray staff had been saying it was either really cold in the winter or really hot in the summer, but the space of the Clubhouse Social cafe is roomy. She said: “They seem to have gotten things just right with that; it’s a flexible space.” 

Sure enough, everyone attending the event was called to go upstairs; it was time to hear from the speakers. Sally Hubbard, co-owner of The Mowbray, Victoria and Chimney House spoke first, welcoming us to the space and sharing her excitement of what’s in store. 

The venue has come from four years of hard work, and been verified by Prince William himself, and rightly so. 

Sally had said that they’re still figuring out how to balance having two venues so close together. She explained: “The Victoria and Clubhouse Social have been generating more people from all over the country, including lots of high-profile people and events. 

“We’re trying lots of different things, like tastings and other events, so we aren’t just taking from The Mowbray.” 

They’re not open every day currently, but the response they have had so far has been really overwhelming; with their launch on Sunday being completely sold out. 

The upstairs space was beautiful too, with two hanging balls of flowers and five chandelier-like lights hanging from the ceiling. There was a light and airy feel due to the multitude of windows and tall ceilings. The earthy tones continued, with the same deep red-coloured paint that was used downstairs. 

The speakers there were Vicky and Megan from Greystone Flowers, Rosie, co-founder of Juno Books, and Max Scotford, founder of Bullion Chocolate. 

Greystone Flowers have supplied flowers to The Mowbray, Victoria and Chimney House. Their vision of sustainability matches The Victoria’s, both focusing on sustainability and hospitality in everything they do. 

Juno Books is an intersectional feminist and queer bookshop, which also organises social activities and charity events. The focus was on making the space one for the community. They’ve worked within DocFest, Philosophy of Debate and attended the National Humanist Convention. 

Bullion Chocolate is one of the few companies in the UK who produce bean-to-bar craft Chocolate; the process of importing cocoa beans and making chocolate from scratch. Just like craft coffee and beer, bean-to-bar craft chocolate carries values of small batch, transparency and superior quality. 

It was a lovely social event, which displayed a tight-nit community who unequivocally supported each other. Everyone in Victoria’s Clubhouse Social meshed together nicely, met with pleasant music playing in the background and the gorgeous smell of candles. 

If you ever needed a breather, there is a nice open courtyard space where you can sit and soak in the sun on a warm summer’s day. 

As if the event couldn’t get any better, I had some great conversations with the staff at the bar, as well as co-owner Sally Hubbard. I spoke about recently getting into matcha, to which they responded happily, eager to help find a drink I’d like. 

We settled with one of their iced specials ‘Coconut Matcha Cloud’, which did not disappoint. A nice change from your typical matcha, with a unique taste and the matcha having been frothed up. They made sure I felt welcome to come back at any time. 

The morning was a very pleasant experience, with nothing but cosy vibes, and a cafe which welcomes you in as if it’s your own cafe. Make sure to give them a visit over the next few weeks!