Sheffield's Five Best Cafés

Do you ever find yourself mid lecture, daydreaming away about that caramel flavoured cruffin that was ‘absolutely without a doubt the best you’ve ever tasted’, or last week’s creamy oat milk flat white paired with the fudgiest chocolate brownie? If you’re anything like me then the answer is yes – and frequently too. It’s fair to say that coffee shops are in no short supply here in Sheffield, that being said they might be one of the city’s greatest virtues. In my opinion there’s nothing better than finding yourself a seat tucked away from the relentless Sheffield wind and rain in one of these not so hidden gems. The places on this list are well loved by students and locals alike and for good reason, you won’t find more delicious treats elsewhere, well…maybe in the Bake Soc kitchen!

Alyssum/ Aesthete

This place is truly beloved by far more than just crookesmoor locals. The original offering – Alyssum, is quite possibly the cutest yet most characterful café on the list. Up in the prime student area of Crookesmoor this place is often packed out by mid-morning, with its cosy furnishings and adorably mismatched vintage crockery it’s not hard to see why. Brunch at Alyssum is undoubtedly a must, however personally I think where they really shine is there amazing counter of cakes. You’ll find everything from Nutella gateau to Sticky Toffee and Biscoff cake. These cakes really are stunning, almost too stunning to eat - almost!

Aesthete is Alyssum’s newer sister café and it doesn’t disappoint. A little bit further out in Walkley and about twice the size of the Crookesmoor’s café , if you prefer a bit more of a walk to earn your cake and a more spacious lay out then head to Aesthete with all the same lovely menu offerings as the much loved original.

Cawa

Cawa in Broomhill has transformed from a tiny coffee shop at the bottom of Crookes road to its current home across the traffic lights on Fulwood road. Every time I go inside it’s bustling full of people with a lovely atmosphere, plus with its close proximity to Endcliffe/Ranmoor accommodation this place is great for picking up your morning cappuccino and almond croissant (my favourite) before heading into uni. It’s also a great spot for lunch, I can thoroughly recommend the mozzarella and tomato sandwich on their fresh homemade bread as simply delicious. This place is a triple threat, great cake, superb coffee and tasty food. Word on the street is that they give out their left-over bread to students for free if you manage to get there at the right time.

Steam Yard Coffee Co.

This is the perfect spot for all you coffee junkies out there, as Steam Yard really do have one of the best cups in Sheffield. It’s located among the fashionable shops of division street the perfect distance away from campus to squeeze in a mid-day caffeine break. The aesthetic in this place is beautifully minimalist with a rough retro edge, the perfect setting for an Instagram post. The baked goods are just as good as the coffee, with plenty of choice for vegans including delicious donuts and brownies. I couldn’t write about Steam Yard without mentioning their grilled cheese, you need to try it…trust me on this.

Birdhouse

If you’re more of a tea drinker, then don’t worry Birdhouse have got your back! Boasting an impressive selection of single origin and blend tea leaves to choose from, this place feels like a calming paradise as soon as you step foot inside. This gorgeous restaurant and shop has probably the most varied food offerings on this list from delightful brunches to a new evening menu - plus it’s a great spot to get your cake and tea fix any time of day. However, what makes Birdhouse really special are their various themed dinning nights, ranging from a Harry Potter Pudding club to a Beauty and the Beast afternoon tea. These specially events book up very quickly but if you can its worth reserving a place to experience the magical food and décor that the staff create. Birdhouse is located on Sidney Street in the city centre about a twenty-minute walk from university.

Marmadukes

Marmaduke’s two sites offer two very different but equally cool vibes. The original Norfolk Row café is a cosy rustic townhouse complete with wooden benches and lush floral décor; the newer location at Cambridge Street has a much more spacious modern layout perfect for a working lunch. At both locations you’ll find deliciously unique food offerings and top quality coffee, with more choice of sweet treats than you could wish for! Get yourself a slice of banana bread (it’s seriously the best), take a seat by the window looking out at the cathedral and watch the world go by – bonus points if you bring a book!

Katie.