The Howard, Sheffield

My first visit here for a long time. This used to be a Mansfield Brewery pub, now Marstons have it and are pushing the real ales a bit more, perhaps in reaction to the Sheffield tap just across the road. A banner on the wall outside proclaims Real Ales On Sale, and there are now four hand pumps, which on my visit had Banks's Mild, Wychwood Hobgoblin and a couple of guests from the Marstons stable. The beers were well served by the friendly bar staff, but were just that little bit too cold, which made any flavour hard to detect. Prices were reasonable for the city centre, and about 50-60p per pint cheaper than the Tap. Some Indie-type music that I couldn't identify was playing at a volume that allowed conversation without having to shout. Definitely one to include, if doing a crawl of the area.

No doubt like hundreds of others before me, I visited The Howard purely because of its physical closeness to the station. (I’d already earmarked a visit to the Sheffield Tap, but was determined to try at least one other pub.) On balance, I’d have probably been better heading straight to Platform 1. Nestling in the shadows of nearby Hallam University, it’s mock-Tudor exterior looks vaguely promising, but the split-level, open plan interior is bland and rather soulless. Décor is based on a toffee, cream and purple colour scheme. Seating includes several extended booth type areas, traditional tables and chairs and a handful of leather sofas. A sizeable chunk of the lower floor space houses a pool table, with three or four games machines and large screen TVs close by. Not surprisingly, it does have the whiff of a student’s bar about it. Just two real ales at the bar, Marston’s EPA and Banks’ Original. Unfortunately, I found the EPA rather under whelming - the usual Marston’s hint of sulphur, but rather tired tasting with it. However, the barman that served me was pleasant enough. It’s not an out and out bad place, just very average. With a clientele that almost certainly includes a lot of passing trade and (largely) indiscriminate students, you come away thinking it probably doesn’t have to try too hard. For me, a one-time and/or one-pint stop.

Official site of the Howard, contains menu and wine list - www.howardpub.co.uk

Large pub opposite Sheffield train station. Usual draught selection & the pub has a pool table.

Official site of the Howard, contains menu and wine list - www.howardpub.co.uk