Chris Hanson likes to do things a little differently. The chef was brought up with community very much in mind and his latest venture – Merchants House in Kelham Island – is the perfect example of that. As well as a café, bar, restaurant and events space, it’s also a platform for training and opportunity.

“My mum used to run an old people’s lunch club and she instilled in us the importance of giving back to your community,” explains Chris. “That’s something that stuck with me and what I’ve brought into what I do now.”

Chris actually took the keys to a small unit in Merchants Court at the start of the year with the intention of operating a ‘Dinner Club’ with a focus on redefining luxury dining. But before he really found his feet he was offered the chance to take over the much larger Merchants House, something that proved too good to turn down. 

Merchants Court, on Mowbray Street just down from the Climbing Works, is a 19th century industrial building that was once the William Turners & Sons of Caledonia Steel and File Works. That industrial past is evident in the style of the buildings with lots of bare brick and exposed roof beams to give it that cool kind of vibe that is so evident throughout the area.

Merchants House has been complemented with a green tiled bar area and comfortable seating and large windows flood it with natural light. There’s also a separate events space – The Cove – which is attached. 

By day it’s a café-bar with hot and cold drinks, pastries, cakes and light bites and on weekend evenings you’ll find more substantial dishes, from steaks and burgers to fish and salads. 

At present Chris is taking advantage of the prolonged good weather and is cooking everything on coals outside and there are plans to build a permanent outdoor kitchen. 

“Mediterranean-style food is right for this venue, it’s quite eclectic and I quite like the fact that it can be very healthy,” explains Chris. 

Alongside the current offering, Chris will be hosting monthly fine dining nights as well as guest chef events. A comedy club is launching soon and there’ll be live music, bingo and more announced in the coming months. 

Chris recently changed the ownership of the business to a charity – currently called the Kelham Island Community Hub – and he’s partnered with Sheffield City Council to offer training for those who struggle in mainstream education. These will start in September and the three days-a-week, four-week courses cover everything from food hygiene and practical cookery to barista skills and customer service. 

All profits are invested into the charity.

“It’s a massive opportunity to do something really sustainable and create a great venue,” concludes Chris. “That’s what we’re working towards. 

Merchants House is currently open six days a week (closed Monday) and is open for food, drinks and a lot more. Click here to find out more.