The Riverside, Kelham Island, Sheffield

This pub was the only one I visited on my day in Sheffield that could remotely be described as trendy. I would imagine it is a favourite with the residents of the modern blocks of flats that are replacing some of the old industrial wastelands in the area. It had some sort of a stage area that was being set up for music later that evening. Having said all that it is a nice enough place and there were some interesting beers on the seven handpumps including a cider, Great Newsome Corn Dolly, Liverpool Organic Honey Blond and three Sky's Edge beers. I went for the Riverside Pale which was in excellent nick. It was probably my least favourite of the pubs in this area but the standard is set so high that it doesn't mean it should be overlooked.

An unassuming Victorian building which plays host to a modern café bar interior. This was once owned by Wards' as the colourful leaded window motifs testify. One large room inside with a couple of semi-partitions and a mish-mash of modern/retro décor touches. Located by the river Don though not necessarily the prettiest of river-side views from the terrace. Seemingly aimed at the burgeoning student market nearby and the vibe is much younger here which acts as an counterpoint to the regular Valley of Beer ‘names’. At the bar there were a number of local ales plus some interesting premium keg. My White Rose Best Bitter was in fair condition. As a pub experience it didn’t do a huge amount for me but it’s worth popping in as part of an extended crawl or for something different; at least they’re trying to do something with the beer so fair play.