Kelham Island Tavern, Kelham Island, Sheffield

Quinno _ left this review about Kelham Island Tavern

Was really looking forward to getting stuck in here but unfortunately it went a bit wrong. To wit; the Blue Bee Where is my Mind was on the turn (NBSS 1.5). I got it replaced (and subsequently it was taken off after another complaint) and the replacement of Kernel was much better (4). A second round gave me a pair of fairly workaday serves in Ideal Day Stout 2.5 (‘aspirator?’ said my notes) and Two by Two (3). Too many on? Felt like it. The place was busy enough so why did only one of the cask ales taste truly fresh? Was I really unlucky? I'll drop it down two points and try again in 2026 now I live somewhat closer.

August 2012
I have managed to sneak in a couple of visits since my first review and must say that KIT never fails to deliver less than a first-class pub experience. Even on my latest trip I thought I’d be smart-arse and give the strongest beer on the bar (Acorn Gorluvka) a pounding and it was on top form. Even my original minor gripe – the lack of decent lighting in bogs – has been sorted. Let’s hope everything stays just as it is for many years to come, especially as the surrounding industrial area is being slowly redeveloped. Best pub in Britain right now, IMHO. Rated 10

August 2009
Now, where do I start?

The beer (11 on the go when I visited, including 3 darks) was wonderfully varied and in all in great form. Also very impressively priced – all beer was between £2-2.40p/p. There was also some impressive keg products, plus a cider and perry available along with a warm, personable welcome was received from the barman. Its other main strength is succeeding in feeling like a traditional pub whilst not feeling old fashioned or grubby as it's often a very fine line. The pub spans two rooms (the front room is more of a public bar) and is clean, tidy and well-decorated. It seemed to be a quiet pub inside, with the atmosphere generated by the punters alone – though no swearing please. Also I must mention the pub garden – which really is quite wonderful with all the flora and fauna, especially so when you remember your location in this former steel industrial area. There's quiet piped music out the back, which is made a lot more palatable by the quality; an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, the Cure and the Smiths. There's also some basic food on offer – cheese or ham filled rolls, good value. There's daily papers too.

Minus points? Almost none – perhaps the toilets could be better lit. And a dartboard would be a nice addition (for me, anyway). But overall, these are very minor quibbles indeed. I intended to stay for a couple of halves but ended up perched in here for considerably more. Whilst it's a big statement on the basis of one (long!) visit to say that this is my favourite of over 1,000+ pubs I've visited, it is certainly in the top 5. A must visit, whoever you are. Rated 10

On 4^th January 2026 - rating: 8
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