Kelham Island Tavern, located at 62 Russell Street in Sheffield's Kelham Island area, is a renowned public house specializing in real ales. Established in the 1830s as 'The Sawmaker,' it has undergone several name changes, becoming the 'White Hart' and later the 'Kelham Island Tavern' in 1995. After a period of dereliction, the pub was refurbished and reopened in 2002, quickly gaining recognition for its exceptional selection of real ales. It has been awarded the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) National Pub of the Year twice, in 2008 and 2009, and has consistently been named Sheffield's Pub of the Year. The pub features 13 hand-pulled cask ales, including a mild, porter, stout, and a variety of IPAs and bitters. Its beer garden, adorned with palm trees, offers a unique outdoor space for patrons. The Kelham Island Tavern also hosts traditional English folk music sessions, adding to its vibrant community atmosphere.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 1,339
- Tripadvisor 4.5 187
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- CAMRA Award-Winning Pub Recognized multiple times as CAMRA's National Pub of the Year, the Kelham Island Tavern is a destination for real ale enthusiasts. The pub maintains high standards for beer quality and service.
- Excellent Real Ale Selection The Kelham Island Tavern boasts a wide and ever-changing selection of real ales, with a focus on local breweries. Knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations, and sampling is often available.
- Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff Many reviewers praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, and well-informed about the beers on offer. They create a welcoming atmosphere for both regulars and newcomers.
- Good Pub Grub and Snacks While not a restaurant, the tavern offers satisfying pub grub and snacks, including the popular pork pies. These simple but tasty options perfectly complement the beer selection.
- Traditional Pub Atmosphere This tavern offers a cozy, old-fashioned pub experience, free from loud music and gaming machines. It's a place for conversation and enjoying quality beer in a comfortable setting.
Criticised
- Basic Toilet Facilities A few reviewers have noted that the women's toilets could be improved. While clean, they lack some amenities like a toilet seat in one review.
- Can Get Very Busy Due to its popularity, the Kelham Island Tavern can get very crowded, especially on weekends and evenings. This can make it difficult to find a seat or get served quickly.
- Limited Lager Selection While the real ale selection is extensive, lager drinkers might find fewer options. One reviewer, a lager drinker, noted struggling to find something they enjoyed.
- Potentially Unattractive Decor for Some While many appreciate the traditional decor, some might find it a bit outdated or run-down. If you prefer a modern, stylish pub, this might not be the place for you.
- Slightly Out of the Way Location While located in the Kelham Island area, the tavern is a bit outside the city center. This might require a bit of a walk or a tram ride to reach.
The longer read
The Kelham Island Tavern is widely regarded as a top-tier real ale pub in Sheffield, drawing praise for its extensive and well-maintained selection of cask ales, including many local brews. The pub has received multiple CAMRA awards, including National Pub of the Year, a testament to its quality and appeal. Reviewers consistently highlight the impressive variety of beers, ranging from traditional UK styles to modern US-inspired options, with knowledgeable staff readily offering recommendations and samples. The quality of the beer is consistently praised. The pub's atmosphere is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and traditional, fostering conversation and a sense of community. Many reviewers appreciate the absence of loud music, TVs, and gaming machines, allowing for a focus on genuine pub culture. The pub is often busy, especially on weekends and quiz nights, indicating its popularity among locals and visitors alike. Its location in the Kelham Island area, near the Kelham Island Museum, makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the neighborhood. The Tavern offers simple but satisfying pub grub, with the pork pies receiving particularly high marks. While the food menu is not extensive, it provides a solid accompaniment to the impressive beer selection. The staff are consistently described as friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable about the beers they serve. Many reviewers mention positive interactions with the staff, who are willing to offer advice and recommendations. The pub itself is often described as a traditional British pub with a comfortable interior and a pleasant beer garden. While some reviewers note that the decor might be a bit outdated, most appreciate the pub's authentic and unpretentious atmosphere. The outdoor seating area is frequently mentioned as a relaxing space to enjoy a drink, especially in good weather. Some reviewers appreciate the pub's dog-friendly policy and its "no swearing" rule, contributing to a more relaxed atmosphere. While a small number of reviewers expressed concerns about specific aspects, such as the brightness of the lighting or the condition of the restrooms, the overwhelming majority of reviews are positive, emphasizing the pub's excellent beer, friendly atmosphere, and traditional pub experience.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 114 272 2482
- Website
- kelhamtavern.co.uk
| Mon | 12:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 23 places to eat we hold for Pitsmoor, where the most-reviewed is Ego Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar, Sheffield.
Still deciding?
- What types of food and dishes are served at Kelham Island Tavern and are there any specialties?
- How would you describe the atmosphere and vibe at Kelham Island Tavern for different types of visitors?
- What parking options and public transport connections are available for visitors to Kelham Island Tavern?
- Does Kelham Island Tavern have any unique features or interesting history that sets it apart from other restaurants in Sheffield?
- What are the most recommended dishes or drinks to try at Kelham Island Tavern according to locals or regulars?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.