The Doctor's Orders — Restaurant in Sheffield

Grim. Popped in for a rest stop on the way home from town. Not a sole in, even though it was a Saturday evening. Very tired and less than zero atmosphere. Not a single ale on tap. Bar guy - who seemed nice enough - said it was his first day, after the last landlord had been booted out. Struggled to find a clean glass, despite the fact no one else was in the place. Had the misfortune of leaving a shopping bag behind when we left - only kids’ pyjamas - but had been mysteriously nicked by the time we went back to check a while later. Just go to the University Arms...

So the pub itself could be wonderful. Beautiful building with a lot of history. Unfortunately the owners seem to be more interested in turning the place into a popular student dive, except the students aren’t interested and neither is anyone else. Impersonating the pied piper they seem to think their empty rooms and extremely loud music will have the punters running in like a hoard of zombies. Sadly it continues to be a noisy nuisance to the local community, even more annoying because no one is enjoying themselves inside or out other than...

Sunday evening, the place was empty. I've had some great nights in this pub but it looks really down at heel now. The carpet is filthy and the walls have gaps where the previous owners have clearly taken down pictures. Furniture is ramshackle, torn seats etc. Channel 4 on TV screen with subtitles. The person behind the bar was watching TV on their laptop. It just felt completely soulless! A great building, full of character, right in the heart of the city....