Brunchin' in Sheffield
Tara and Cat visit some outstanding brunch spots in Sheffield!
Brunch is always a good idea
Celebrating a birthday? Hungover? Parents in town? Life falling apart as a result of impending exam doom? Or just a standard Saturday? Brunch is ALWAYS a good idea. If you’re wondering what delights Sheffield’s brunch scene has to offer then look no further. Tried and tested by our very own Catriona Miller and Tara Iyadurai, these guys have written a review of some of our fave cafes in town.
Forge Bakehouse (££)
Looking for Instagram worthy interiors and brunch that has YouTubers fighting over their vlogging cameras to get a with? Look no further than Forge Bakehouse. Situated on Abbeydale Road, this brunch/lunch café serves some of the finest smashed avo north of Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
I visited Forge Bakehouse on a rainy Sheffield Saturday. We booked online in advance, which turned out to be the right decision as every table was full when we arrived.
The menu boasts a full range of brunch options to satisfy any sweet or savoury craving, from a full English breakfast to granola with yoghurt, homemade compote and poached pears (!). And it doesn’t stop at food. Forge Bakehouse has a drinks menu with as much variety as its food. (Vodka is acceptable at breakfast when it comes in the form of a Bloody Mary and there’s a stick of celery thrown in it, right?)
Having the sweet tooth I do, I of course ordered vanilla french toast with raspberries, banana, chocolate and pecan, and it did not disappoint. Fast forward an hour and I’m walking out with a belly full of food and my dreams full of coconut chai lemonade (“as delicious as it sounds” their words but also now mine). Quick stop in the bakery downstairs for a doughnut to take away (who knew lemon flavoured custard would work so well in a doughnut) and I’m rating Forge Bakehouse as one of the tastiest brunch stops in Sheffield.
My recommendation: French Toast with a Dirty Chai Latte
Brocco On The Park (£££)
Feeling boujie? Or are the rents currently visiting during term time?
Look no further, Brocco On The Park offers a fantastic brunch selection that fulfils all your hopes and dreams.
Located off Ecclesall Road, Brocco On The Park may appear a bit of trek to those nestled in the heart of Crookes/Broomhill/Broomhall. But don’t let that deter you from making the trip down – it’s 100% worth it. The interiors boast of a country chic, Nordic influence which makes the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. For those yearning for a treat, Brocco also operates as a boutique hotel and offers some great lunch and dinner options, but trust me, let your parents pay for those. Your wallets will thank me later.
A typical brunch menu at Brocco consists of all the classics. Eggs Benedict, Royale and Florentine to bigger breakfast options such as a full English. For those with a sweet tooth, you can opt for their waffles which come with raspberry compote and wildflower honey. There are also multiple vegan, dairy free and wheat free options available for you to sink your teeth into.
If you’re hoping to consolidate your Tinder relationship over some drinks, Brocco offers a plethora of beverages such as an ‘Avo Go Go’ smoothie made with the likes of avocado, broccoli and spinach (yes mum, I’m getting my greens in now BOG OFF!). Or if you’re celebrating, you can toast with a glass of Hemerence Brut champagne or some Moroccan mint tea.
My recommendation: Eggs Royale and a Flat White
Lucky Fox (££)
Who said you couldn’t have fried chicken for breakfast? Answer: No one.
A popular spot amongst the students of Sheffield, Lucky Fox is a must before you graduate! You can find them on Division Street but beware of the lengthy waits to get seated due to its immense popularity. Be sure to book a reservation if you can! The quirky interior is a feast for eyes and oozes with an edgy, rustic vibe.
The establishment specialises in waffles and fried chicken which is served with cinnamon butter, maple syrup and spring onions. The dish, coined ‘Chick N’ Waffles’ may appear absurd but trust me, it works. If you’re not feeling brave enough, there are other options to chomp down on like the classic Mac n’ Cheese or a halloumi sandwich for our vegetarian friends.
If you’re too busy nursing a Poptarts hangover in bed, why not order a Lucky Fox via Deliveroo to enjoy in the comfort of your own home? Whilst your friends are tucking into their mediocre (but much-loved) Dominos, you’ll be enjoying the exquisite delicacy that is Lucky Fox whilst batting off your housemates who will be itching for a bite.
My recommendation: Chick N’ Waffles
Depot Bakery (££)
Now let’s talk veganism.
Whether you’re vegan/vegetarian/flexitarian/just-eat-meat-on-weekdays-itarian, this café has something for you. Part of Sheffield’s ever growing options for tasty free-from food, Depot Bakery boasts more dairy alternatives for your flat white than you can shake a soya bean at. Although fear not meat eaters, for this café also caters for the bacon lovers among us, with meatier options for many meals.
The journey to Kelham Island (surely as medics we’re well accustomed to squeezing as many people as possible in a car and trekking across South Yorkshire), is definitely worth it for this place. On entering, Depot Bakery is a spacious venue with a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re passing through, you can buy something from their bakery. Get there earlier in the day and you can grab one of their famous flat breads. If you haven’t been able to shake the Roar hangover and arrive a little late, fear not for the counter is always laden with cakes and pastries, vegan and veggie options alike.
Alternatively, dine in and enjoy something from their all day brunch menu. Eggs florentine, eggs benedict, eggs royale, eggs montreal… just about the only type of eggs they don’t do is a cream egg. Sweet treats include a french toast daily special and pastries.
My recommendation: Mushrooms on Toast and a Mocha
Happy brunching!
by Tara Iyadurai & Catriona Miller
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