Once the beating heart of industry, Kelham Island is one of Sheffield’s oldest manufacturing sites. The manmade island was formed in the 1100s, when a stream was diverted to power a nearby mill. However, as industrial activity has moved on, the area has undergone a significant transformation in recent years and quietly become one of the most exciting parts of the city.
The remains of the numerous cutlery and steel works, factories and workshops is part of what gives the area its distinct charm, except nowadays these buildings house everything from indie shopping arcades to microbreweries and galleries.
With its iconic Bessemer Converter and Europe’s largest working steam engine on display, Kelham Island Museum stands a proud reminder of the Sheffield’s industrial history and is great place to learn more about this significant heritage.
Sheffield’s proud history of beer goes almost hand in hand with its industry, as small but numerous breweries formed during the industrial revolution, providing refreshment to men in factories. So it’s not surprising that Kelham Island has long been at the forefront of Sheffield's brewing reputation and has become a mecca for renowned real ale pubs such as the Kelham Island Tavern, The Fat Cat, The Riverside and Gardener’s Rest.
And alongside great beer, great food has also become a staple of the area. Peddler, a monthly street food night market held in a warehouse, is so popular, you’ll often find people queuing round the block to get in, while restaurants such as Jöro (housed in a shipping container) and The Milestone, offer some of the most innovative menus in the city.