The Great British pub, once the cornerstone of society, has undergone a tough time over the last decade or so with many disappearing from our towns and cities. In fact, it has been recently reported that in 2025 an estimated one pub is closing every day, which equates to approximately eight pubs per week being permanently demolished or converted for other uses.

Sheffield is no exception to this trend and the area of Gleadless Townend has seen the likes of the Heeley & Sheffield and the Cutler’s Arms close. While the former was converted into apartments, the Cutler’s became an Indian restaurant at the start of the 2010s and was hugely popular, winning a host of awards. 

Now there’s been a change with the previous owners, the Ullah family, retiring and Kazi Alam and Habib Rahman stepping in to give the former pub a new lease of life. Both have previous experience working within restaurants in Sheffield and many will recognise them from the likes of Prithi Raj and The Mogul Room.

An extensive refurbishment has given the Cutler’s a fresh look, with cream walls and seating bringing energy to a previously dark space. As a former pub, the restaurant is of a decent size with a spacious bar/waiting area, two dining spaces and a private dining area for larger parties. 

While Alam’s expertise lies in the kitchen, Habib is front of house running a well-drilled and attentive team who were happy to dispense recommendations. 

After ordering drinks – a Cobra (£5.95 pint) for me and a Coca-Cola (£2.95) for my wife – we tucked into crips poppadoms (90p each) and an excellent pickle tray with seven choices. Fresh onion, raita, lime pickle and mango chutney were also complemented by tomato and chill, coriander and tamarind relishes. It made for a great start. 

We followed these appetisers with three spicy Tandoori lamb chops (£7.50) and a King prawn chatt (£6.50).

For main course my wife couldn’t resist her go-to dish – a lamb karai (£11.90) – which had the rich, deep flavour you expect with ever-so-tender lamb pieces. 

I took recommendation from our waitress and opted for one of Cutler’s Spice’s speciality dishes, Bengal Tiger (£14.50). As the name suggests, there was a fierceness to this dish which consisted of chicken and lamb tikka pieces cooked in a thick, spicy tomato-based sauce, layered with lightly spiced fried onions, peppers and jalapenos. The meat was cooked beautifully with a hint of smokiness while the sauce had plenty of kick, but not too much so.

We shared sides of pilau rice (£4.50) and a garlic and coriander naan (£5.20), the latter of which was perfect for mopping up that spicy Bengal sauce. 

There may be a new team behind the restaurant but Cutler’s Spice remains very much family-oriented which translates into the warm service and wonderful food. 

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