Thyme Café, located at 490-492 Glossop Road in Sheffield, has been a staple in the Broomhill area since its opening in 2003. The restaurant is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and dedication to creating unique dishes with bold flavors. Their in-house supply team sources the finest ingredients daily, reflected in a blackboard menu that changes regularly to showcase seasonal produce. The front-of-house team offers professional and charming service, creating a fun and casual dining experience. The café operates on a 'first come, first served' policy, with a waiting list during busy times. In March 2022, the café came under new ownership, maintaining its original character while introducing new concepts like 'Upstairs at Thyme,' a refurbished second floor offering private dining and monthly Supper Clubs featuring a seven-course tasting menu with wine pairings. To celebrate its 20th anniversary in July 2023, Thyme Café offered special discounts and introduced a limited edition gin, 'Thyme XX,' in collaboration with Locksley Distilling Co.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.0 699
- Google 4.5 698
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
- Excellent Food Quality and Taste Many reviewers raved about the quality and taste of the food, with specific mentions of dishes like the Sunday roast, tiger prawn spaghetti, and fish and chips. The dishes are described as well-seasoned, beautifully cooked and presented.
- Friendly and Attentive Service Customers consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff, noting their helpfulness and willingness to accommodate dietary needs or preferences. The attentive manager also stood out.
- Generous Portions and Good Value Reviewers often mention the generous portion sizes, especially for dishes like the Sunday lunch and burgers, with many considering it good value for the money, especially with set menu options or deals.
- Great Atmosphere and Ambiance The restaurant is frequently described as having a lovely, warm, and cozy atmosphere, with a relaxing vibe. Many appreciate the unique décor, including the church pew seating, and the availability of outdoor seating in a secret garden area.
- Varied Menu with Options for All The menu is noted for its variety, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions. Many highlight the regularly updated blackboard with specials, providing a wide range of choices.
Criticised
- Can Be Overpriced A few reviewers feel the restaurant is slightly overpriced for the quality of food received, particularly when ordering from the normal menu rather than the set menu or with a discount.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some reviewers have experienced inconsistent food quality, with dishes described as bland or not as tasty as in the past. There are mentions of specific dishes, like the market fish soup, not meeting expectations.
- Limited Vegan/Vegetarian Options Although some reviewers find the vegetarian options adequate, others feel they are limited and not particularly exciting, often seeming like an afterthought.
- Slow Service at Times Some customers have reported slow service, particularly during busy periods or when the restaurant is understaffed. Even when not busy, some found the service slow.
- Temperature Issues Some customers have mentioned the restaurant being too cold, particularly during colder months, making for an uncomfortable dining experience. One reviewer mentioned people leaving the door open adding to the problem.
The longer read
Thyme Cafe in Sheffield receives consistently high praise for its food quality, friendly service, and pleasant atmosphere, making it a reliable choice for a variety of dining experiences. Many reviewers highlight the freshly cooked meals, with generous portions and a diverse menu that caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options. Sunday lunch is particularly popular, with reviewers frequently mentioning the large portions, well-cooked meats, and tasty vegetables. The sticky toffee pudding is another standout item, often described as one of the best. Several reviewers appreciate the set menu for its excellent value and varied choices. The restaurant's ambiance is frequently described as warm, cozy, and relaxed, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. The decor, including church pews used as seating and a secret garden area, contributes to the unique and inviting atmosphere. Staff are consistently praised for being attentive, friendly, and accommodating, enhancing the overall dining experience. Many reviewers note that the restaurant is well-suited for families, couples, and groups, with ample space and comfortable seating. The restaurant is also commended for its COVID-19 safety measures, providing a safe and comfortable dining environment. Some reviewers mention specific dishes they particularly enjoyed, such as the tiger prawn spaghetti, fish and chips, and various Sunday roast options. A few reviewers noted inconsistencies in food quality and portion sizes, but these instances appear to be infrequent and do not detract from the overall positive sentiment. While some reviewers found the prices slightly on the higher side, most agree that the quality of the food and service justifies the cost. A few reviewers mentioned slow service during busy periods or when the restaurant was understaffed, but this was not a widespread concern. Overall, Thyme Cafe is highly recommended for its consistent quality, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a satisfying dining experience in Sheffield. Some reviewers who had not visited in a while were pleased to see that the quality and atmosphere had remained consistent over the years.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 114 267 0735
- Website
- thymecafe.co.uk
| Mon | 11:30 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:30 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 11:30 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 22:30 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 20:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 against a median of 4.6 across the 17 places to eat we hold for Broomhill, where the most-reviewed is Turtle Bay Sheffield.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular or unique dishes served at Thyme Café in Sheffield?
- Does Thyme Café offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free choices on their menu?
- When is the best time to visit Thyme Café for the best atmosphere and shortest wait times?
- Does Thyme Café use locally sourced ingredients or support nearby producers?
- Is Thyme Café suitable for families with children, and do they offer a kids' menu?
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.