Rutland Arms — Restaurant in Sheffield

I'm probably biased because this place is my local, but if it wasn't so great then I wouldn't keep coming back!! The choice of drinks is excellent. 8 hand pulls with an ever changing selection of local ales, stouts and ciders, several continental lagers of varying strengths, plus the usual bottles and spirits. The interior is just as varied. A quirky muddle of tables and on the walls a rotation of artwork from local photographers, cartoonists and artists. The team behind the bar have perfected their 'craic' and it's some of the best in the business. (As long as you don't put Meat Loaf on the jukebox!!). And a little sun-trap of a beer garden with room for over 9000 people on a sunny Friday evening. But it's the boys in the kitchen that make this place so special. If you have a fondness for meat, cheese, or meat with cheese then you need to see this menu. Their very own Rutland Burger is head and shoulders above anywhere else that serves burgers. The deep fried battered Halloumi burger is enough to turn me veggie, so I usually add bacon just in case. The 'cheese' burger is a molten three-cheese flavour sensation and I'm not sure if the runny scotch egg (yes, I did just say runny scotch egg!) is the work of science or witchcraft. Either way it's mighty tasty. And I haven't even mentioned the specials board yet... Which is always special, to say the least. Then there are the experimental combos that have become regular favourites at The Rutland. The bhaji chip butty, served with spicy curry sauce and onion bhajis in a chapati and the jerk chicken risotto to name but two. Befriend them on Faceybook or experience the banter now @RutlandArms on that there Twitter. Go there!...

This pub is totally out of control. It might have a selection of real ales the length of your arm, but the 'music that will be turned off at the jukebox' playlist has grown from Arctic Monkeys to about a dozen bands too, which is funny because they were playing Dire Straits (lol!). The bar staff laughed at my mate when he wanted an Aperol Spritz and scoffed when I ordered bar snacks (that they sell!).

It's a pub with that known identity of being "Left" and is a safe space for Trans people etc., which is the reason why I've gone there in the past (so my good friend can relax and enjoy herself without being on edge), but it's absolutely jam packed to the rafters with real ale drinkers, posery hipsters and after work professionals.

When so many locals are on their backside and struggling - desperate to keep the doors open (or shutting up shop for good!) - taking such openly sneery, moral positions over drinks, music and food...taste...is not a good look at all (and probably sums up the state of the Left). It might have an "aesthetic" but its really lost it's way since the pandemic.

Won't be going back for a while and not...

Went to visit my son in Sheffield. He is a student. Ended up here because it is dog friendly. Smashing old pub with loads of character. Good mix of customers from students to locals of all ages. Relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Friendly, helpful staff and a superb range of real ales and ciders. There is very good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. (Not your run of the mill stuffed peppers and broccoli quiche type of fayre) However, my wife and son chose the Iberian style slow cooked pork cheek which was delicious ( i had to taste it) And i went for the steak and Wensleydale cheese sandwich which was complemented superbly with sauerkraut and pickles and a side order of home made chips, very crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside. Spot on. Food slightly more expensive than your average pub but well worth it for the quality and great enjoyment of it. If you fancy a refreshing change from your big name chain pubs with excellent tasty food, i can heartily recommend this cosy little gem. Looking forward to visiting again next time I'm in...