Kelham Island Tavern, Kelham Island, Sheffield

Official site of Kelham Island Tavern - www.kelhamtavern.co.uk

Just round the corner from The Fat Cat is another well known real ale pub, The Kelham Island Tavern, which became the first pub to win CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year award in two consecutive years. It’s situated on the edge of the Kelham Island Conservation Area, an area dominated by steel and metal industries in the 1800’s. Many of these buildings are now being converted to either blocks of flats or offices, but, despite this, there’s still a certain bleakness and slight sense of isolation to the area, which, being slightly out of the City Centre, does mean that the less discerning drinkers or the circuit crowd are always notable by their absence. Externally somewhat unremarkable, it’s a smallish traditional, comfortable single bar pub with padded seating, circular bar stools and walls and shelves decorated with various plates, jugs and vases that, particularly in the area on the left as you come in, evoke something of the feel of an elderly relative’s sitting room. At the back of the pub is a pleasant conservatory with yellow painted walls and old drinks posters. A fine collection of CAMRA award certificates is proudly displayed in the corridor here. Round the outside of this conservatory is a small outside seating area The pub is a keen supporter of local micros with 12 real ales always available, which will invariably include a mild, stout and a porter. On my recent visit, beers on included brews from Abbeydale, Bradfield, Wellington Inn – Hull, Dove Street – Ipswich and Chantry New York Pale from nearby Rotherham. Staff here are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and beer condition is always top rate. The pub is a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular. Rather like The Fat Cat, despite the beer emphasis, there’s still a real feeling that this has remained a proper pub, as opposed to one of these atmosphereless “beer exhibition” type places that seem to be cropping up more frequently, particularly in London. An excellent double header when combined with The Fat Cat, you should make the point of calling in when you get the opportunity.

Remarkable very traditional, local pub in industrial Sheffield, an L-shaped room beautifully preserved and cared for. Hard not to pre-judge due to its immense reputation it is worth every accolade and what you would want as your perfect local. Beer choice is fine and the quality exceptional.