Sheffield – Page 2 – Sheffield University Management School Postgraduate Blog

My favourite restaurants in Sheffield

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

If you’re a food-lover like me, Sheffield has so much to offer you. As well as all of the chain restaurants that you can get in many cities in the UK, you can also try out delicious authentic food from around the world.

Mowgli

If you’re looking for an atmospheric and exotic meal, you need look no further! Mowgli is an Indian street food restaurant that opened very recently on Ecclesall Road. The extensive menu offers a range of delicious, authentic Indian dishes, so whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The whole restaurant has a unique atmosphere, with aesthetic decorations and sparkling lights everywhere you look. Welcoming, friendly and helpful service is another aspect which makes this restaurant so enjoyable; the staff are happy to explain the more intriguing options on the menu and to make recommendations if you’re struggling to choose. One of my personal favourite things about Mowgli are its swinging chairs; in addition to the more traditional dining table and chairs, several of the tables feature unique swinging benches which are a great experience!

Proove

Proove is a less expensive but equally enjoyable option, offering the best pizza in Sheffield (in my opinion)! Although the menu does not offer a huge choice, the pizzas are delicious and freshly cooked in an open kitchen and traditional pizza oven. The food is good quality for a reasonable price, and the service is quick and friendly. This makes Proove one of my favourite places in Sheffield to go for a more casual dining experience or mid-week treat. It makes a nice change from some of the larger, pizza restaurant chains, and as a bonus, is only around a 5 minute walk from the Management School.

The Botanist

Last but not least is the Botanist. The Botanist is conveniently located in the centre of Sheffield, in a stunning, rustic building in Leopold Square. This menu has something for everyone, with a range of delicious options from burgers to salads to steaks, and not forgetting their impressive hanging kebabs! The Botanist is particularly well-known for its unusual, extraordinary cocktails, making the drinks menu well worth exploring. An added bonus is that there is often live music in the evenings. The combination of beautiful interior décor and delicious food makes this my favourite place to take visiting friends or family, or for going out for a celebratory meal.

A guide to Sheffield’s vintage shops

By Heidi Lee, MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management

After several months of living in Sheffield, I found there are plenty of cute and exciting vintage shops that I’ve become obsessed with. Those shops sell clothes, vinyl records that play classical music, ceramics with old designs, books and many more! In Sheffield city centre, you can find those vintages shops almost everywhere from West street and Division street, to Kelham Island. My favourite one that I’ve found so far is the shop in Kelham Island called The Indie Arcade.

The shop has a mannequin sitting just right in the front door that it is kind of hard to ignore. The first time I took a look at the shop was only because the mannequin was so bizarre and it instantly drew my attention to the shop! Out of curiosity, I had to have a look inside and see what other strange things I could find!

In the shop, I feel like I’ve stepped into a crazy jumble sale. There are so many old dresses from wide ranges of brands such as Roxy, H&M to some unknown brands, and the condition of the clothes are surprisingly good! Elsewhere in the shop is a coffee machine, where you can make yourself a cup of coffee, grab an old book and read on the comfy couch, or just hang with friends and enjoy a vintage coffee afternoon. The best thing about vintage stores are definitely the price of the items, which are much cheaper than what you can find on the high street; for example, you can get a lovely leather cross-body bag for around £3, or a cute flower skirt under £10.

In the city centre, Thrifty Store is another vintage shop that I would recommend. Calling themselves Sheffield’s most prominent and cheapest vintage store, Thrifty is a really welcoming and friendly place where I could spend ages searching through their clothes. I do personally like this shop a lot as the price is affordable and the clothes they have are really cool!

I hope that this has inspired you to get out there and see what you can find in the many vintage stores Sheffield has to offer – you might find a real gem!

Fun activities in and around Sheffield

By Anais Cherian, MSc Marketing Management Practice

In the mood for something challenging and fun? Then you’ve come to the right blog post! Here is a list of fun activities in Sheffield that you may not have heard of.

#1 – Jump Inc. Sheffield

Location: 1-2 Meadowhall, Vulcan Road, Sheffield S9 1EW

Is trampolining your forte? Then Jump Inc. is the place for you! And don’t worry if you’re just a beginner, Jump Inc. will brief you on trampoline safety before you start your session so that you can jump around stress free. They also offer student and group discounts, making it the perfect place for you and your friends to jump around. You even get to keep a little souvenir after you’re done jumping! The grip socks are yours to keep forever, you could even reuse them if you plan on visiting Jump Inc. again.

Travel Info: Taking the tram would be the cheapest option. You just need to get off at Meadowhall South – Tinsley and Jump Inc. is a 5-minute walk from that stop.

#2 – Crack the Code Sheffield

Location: Carver Street, Sheffield S1 4FS

If you want to find your inner Sherlock Holmes, then this is the place for you. Show off your problem solving skills to your friends and impress them with your ability to ‘crack the code’. This escape room has a variety of challenges from easy to difficult, allowing you to pick the intensity of your challenges. You and your friends could even compete to break records set by other people who have visited the place before. Their prices are reasonable if you go in bigger groups. You could go in a group of 7 for as little at £12 per person.

Travel Info: Located close to city centre, it is easy to get to by walking. If not, taking the tram or a taxi would be the best bet. If you were to take the tram, you’d have to get off at Rockingham Street. However, taking a taxi would be cheaper since you would probably go with a group of friends and splitting the taxi fair would be easier.

#3 – Laser Quest Sheffield

Location: Unit 3-7, Valley Centertainment, Broughton Lane, Sheffield S9 2EP

Laser quest is one of the best things to do with a competitive group of friends. The adrenaline rush you get while hiding away from laser tags is perfect for the adrenaline junkie within you. The venue provides you with all the equipment you need and automatically counts your team’s score. You could even host a birthday party there! They have great offers for that too. If not you could plan a visit and book your tickets for a price as low as £9 per person. Go on a Saturday or Sunday and you could even play 2 games for £5.95 per person!

Travel Info: Taking the tram here would be the quickest and easiest way here. You would just have to get off at the Valley Centertainment tram stop and you would be at your destination.

#4 – Delta Force Paintball Sheffield

Location: Mortimer Road, Sheffield S6 6JE

Paintballing is not for the faint hearted, and if you are up for the challenge, this could be a life-changing hobby. Delta force is the place to be if you love the wilderness and a competition. This paintball park is located deep within the woods, making you feel like you’re in combat. From body suits to gloves and helmets, the required equipment is provided by the venue so you don’t have to worry about your safety. The training they provide at the start of your combat will make you familiar with the equipment, which is much needed if you’re a beginner. If you seek adventure, this would truly live up to your expectations.

Travel Info: The scenic route to Delta Force can only be appreciated if you take a taxi there. The approximate cost to get there by Uber would be £15- £20, if you travel from the city centre. You could also keep an eye out at society events through the SU website since many societies plan trips to Delta Force and have transportation organized. This could be a great opportunity for you to make friends!

#5- TeamSport Go Karting Sheffield

Location: Tinsley industrial estate, Unit 7-8, Shepcote Way, Sheffield S9 1TH

Ever wondered how you could feel like you’re in a video game? Look no further because all your racing dreams are going to come true. Prices start at £15 per person, perfect for our student pockets. You could either work on beating your own personal score or battle it out with a group of friends, the choice is yours! TeamSport has offers for every type of challenge you’re looking for. You should also keep an eye out on their official website since they update their offers weekly.

Travel Info: To get to this destination you could either take a bus to Europa Way or the tram to FlyDSA arena. Bus 72 from Sheffield Interchange and Meadowhall would take you to Europa Way. The stop is a 5-minute walking distance away from TeamSport Go Karting. If you choose to take the tram, then you would have to get off at FlyDSA arena and walk for about 15-20 minutes to reach your destination.

My favourite cafes in Sheffield

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

Since moving to Sheffield last September, I have spent a lot of time following my passion for food (and particularly cakes) by visiting countless cafes. Each café has its own unique atmosphere, but they all share the appeal of delicious cakes and aesthetic charm. If you’re looking for somewhere special but reasonably priced to try new foods, catch up with friends or read a book for a few hours, these cafes are the perfect place for you.

Birdhouse Tea Bar and Kitchen

Birdhouse is another wonderful café that is definitely worth a visit, especially for fans of tea and coffee. Located in a beautiful renovated building that used to be a cutlery-machine factory and secluded in a courtyard away from the road, this café has a great and friendly atmosphere. In addition to a delicious and healthy menu (with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options), Birdhouse offers a vast selection of unique drinks. Tea is at the heart of Birdhouse, and you can try their exciting new tea trends such as tea infused culinary dishes, Matcha Lattes and tea cocktails.

Steam Yard

This is a place where I have spent a lot of time and money over the last few months! Steam Yard is an independent café on Division Street with a very tempting, mouth-watering menu and a great atmosphere. The cakes, doughnuts, croissants and cronuts look incredible and taste even better – I have yet to go to Steam Yard and resist their chocolate brownie! There are also vegetarian and vegan options, so there is something for everyone. As a result of its fantastic food and reputation, Steam Yard is very popular and often busy, so if you want to get a seat you might need to head there early!

Alyssum Café Bistro

Alyssum is an independent coffee shop in Crookesmoor – conveniently only a 5-10 minute walk from the Management School! This is one of my favourite places for brunch as it has a vast and delicious breakfast menu and an incredible selection of cakes. Alyssum will also make commission cakes to order for special occasions and events. Alyssum is very popular, so if you want to get a table, you’ll need to get there early or be prepared to wait. However, the delicious food and friendly atmosphere will definitely be worth the wait. If you need any more persuading, take a look at their irresistable, mouth-watering cakes on Instagram!

Getting in touch with nature in Sheffield

By Abigail Cook, MSc Management

Sometimes when you are studying at university (especially in a big, busy city like Sheffield), it can be difficult to get away from staring at textbooks and laptops and get some fresh air, exercise outdoors and reconnect with nature. These are a few of my recommendations and ideas to help get you outside and exploring the wonderful city of Sheffield and the beautiful landscapes surrounding it!

Rivelin Valley walk

This is a walk that I discovered entirely by accident one day, and which I have returned to countless times since. It is one of my favourite places to take family and friends when they come to visit, and never fails to disappoint! This trail takes you through the lovely Rivelin River valley in Sheffield, running alongside the river through beautiful woodland for about 2.5 miles. Along the way you’ll pass weirs, ponds, stepping stones and little waterfalls. Look out for the resident heron who always visits the riverbanks! The walk starts at the car park off the Rivelin Valley Road and follows the waterside trail to Rivelin Park, which has a cafe, toilets and play area. Advantages to this walk include the fact that it is entirely free and is enjoyable in any season of the year.

Mayfield Alpaca Farm

Situated on the outskirts of Sheffield, Mayfield Alpaca Farm is one of my favourite days out! If you are craving some animal contact, or seeking an outdoor activity, Mayfield Alpacas ticks all the boxes. For just a few pounds, you can walk around the farm and meet the alpacas, llamas, goats, pigs, horses, meerkats and other animals for as long as you like. You can also buy food for the alpacas and feed them. The alpacas are very friendly, entertaining and always ready for a photo!

Walks in the Peak District

My final recommendation for getting outdoors is the Peak District. The National Park is right on Sheffield’s doorstep, and has endless opportunities for exploring, cycling, walking and more. A personal favourite of mine is the walk to Stanage Edge from Hathersage, a small, picturesque village in the Hope Valley. Stanage Edge is a popular location, with its striking rock formations and spectacular views. It particularly attracts rock climbers, who can usually be seen scaling the dramatic rock face. The walk is approximately 10km/6.5 miles (3-4 hours), following country lanes and tracks across beautiful landscapes to Stanage Edge.

Top 3 Indian restaurants in Sheffield

By Anais Cherian, MSc Marketing Management Practice

Living in Sheffield for the past three years has allowed me to explore the city and its variety of restaurants. From Italian to Chinese, Lebanese to American, the options here are endless. However, being an Indian myself, I was on the hunt for authentic Indian food, something that would remind me of home. If you want the same, this guide is here to make your hunt easier! Here are my top three Indian restaurants in Sheffield.

#1 The Cats Pyjamas

Location: 631 Ecclesall Road, S11 8PT

In search of authentic Indian food? Look no further! Cats Pyjamas is the place to go. Their wide variety of curries and street food options will take you through a journey from the Punjabi tandoors to the Kerelan fish curries. Their food is reasonably priced for students, and the restaurant itself is very cool looking, making it a great place for gatherings.

#2 Maveli’s

Location: 223 Glossop Road, S10 2GW

This Indian restaurant is one of the very few restaurants in Sheffield that serve South Indian food, the comfort food for Indians worldwide. Maveli’s offer a wide range of south Indian curries and dishes that remind you of home. However, the one thing that gave Maveli its spot on the top 3 list is….. DOSAS! Yes, they do serve dosas, something we all dearly miss when we live abroad. So go check this place out if your tummy craves some amazing south Indian food.

#3 Urban Choola

Location: 842 Ecclesall Road, S11 8TD

If you’re craving some delicious kebabs and chaat’s, this is the place for you. Their incredible dishes transport you straight to the north India, the place of spice, rice and everything nice! The restaurant is very Instagram-friendly and their food is reasonably priced. This should definitely be on your bucket list if you’re a big foodie in Sheffield.

I hope that this has inspired you to explore the Indian restaurants of Sheffield, and if you have any other favourites let us know!

My tips for taking an epic photograph in Sheffield

By Henan Zhang, MSc Creative and Cultural Industries Management

If you love Instagram like I do, you’ll know that it’s important to get unique and interesting photos. Luckily, Sheffield is great for this! For those that need some extra help, I’ve put together some tips on how to get that perfect shot.

Tip 1. Use the unique views from libraries

A library’s main function is obviously studying, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring! Information Commons is my favourite library in Sheffield University. I like it not only because of its quiet vibe, but also due to the great views. The higher you go, the broader sky you can catch. If you stay (and study!) long enough, you might be lucky enough to see the colour change in the sky. The most amazing time is the moment just before sunset. The blue and pink merges together, creating a romantic picture.

If you’re in the library until late, this can be one of the best times for getting a photo. As it’s more empty than in the day, it gives you the chance to play around and get a unique picture.

Tip 2. Always look at the sky!

If you rush around and don’t take the time to look upwards, you’ll miss so many great photo opportunities! I find the clouds particularly beautiful, especially at dusk and dawn when they can change from white to multi-coloured!

You can also get creative and use reflective spaces to capture the sky. Windows are perfect for this!

The windows of the Alfred Denny building

Parks are another perfect location for a great shot!

Tip 3. Don’t rush

It can be easy to rush from one lecture to the next and not take in anything that’s going on around you. Taking a few extra minutes to look around, you can get inspiration for some great shots.

Tip 4. The Arts Tower!

As well as being the University’s landscape and architecture hub, the Arts Tower is a famous landmark of Sheffield. No matter whether it’s against a blue or pink sky, it always looks amazing.

If you are lucky to have a friend who is majoring in architecture, you can get access to the studio and enjoy a unique view of Sheffield.

The view of Sheffield from the Arts Tower

The architecture studio in the Arts Tower

Tip 5. Explore the independent shops

I love vintage shops, and Sheffield has loads of them! You never know what you’ll find in these quirky shops, and they make a great backdrop for a photo.

Sheffield is full of amazing and unique places, and my best advice is to get out and explore! If you love Sheffield as much as me, follow me on Instagram (@daaaaanan) – I can’t wait to see all of your pictures!

My experience of living in Sheffield

By Suning Zhou, MSc Management (International Business)

Coming from China, I had never visited Sheffield before I chose to do my Master’s study here. Now, I have lived here for around five months, so I would like to share my feelings about living in Sheffield to give an idea for those who have not visited before.

As an international student, my first impression of Sheffield was that it was cold! Arriving into Manchester airport, I wondered how I was going to get used to it (I have found that layers and a warm coat are key)! However, after a few days of exploring the city, I found there are so many unique parts of this city, and there is a lot to love.

Sheffield is not a big city, but everything that you need is nearby. There are many supermarkets, as well as independent and well known clothing shops in the city centre. If you want some serious shopping, Meadowhall is a huge indoor shopping mall situated near Sheffield and can be visited using the tram or train. You will not be disappointed when you leave there!

If you want to enjoy some hustle and bustle, West Street (close to the city centre) is a good place for you to try different food and drinks with friends in different kinds of pubs and restaurants. For somewhere a bit more peaceful, Crooksmoor is a good choice – it is near to the Management School, and has lots of small independent eateries and shops. I am living in a house close to the Management School and there are many houses perfect for students around this area.

If you’re a person that loves to be around nature, you will definitely like Sheffield – it has more trees per person than any other city in Europe! There are loads of parks around the Management School, and I’ve really enjoyed walking in Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park on the days when it’s been sunny. My favourite thing to do is to lie on the lawn, enjoy the sunshine and have a nap. There is a beautiful lake in the park, and it’s lovely to sit on the bench by the lake and see people rowing.

Although Sheffield is so different from China, I’ve grown to love it and it is now a second home to me. I hope that if you choose to study here, you will find the same!

Christmas in Sheffield

By Emily Addison, MSc Occupational Psychology

If you’re like me and love the festive season, being away from home and your family around Christmas can be daunting… but Sheffield has got your back!

Every year the Christmas markets come to town, where Fargate, The Peace Gardens and Town Hall Square are filled with over 50 ‘Christmas Cabins’ selling gifts and seasonal food and drink. There is the famous Santa’s Grotto, while The Sleigh Bar and Thor’s Tipi are always a hit with the students! There are also various rides to get the adrenalin pumping and allowing you to see Sheffield from the sky. The markets are usually in town from the middle of November, so there is plenty of time to drag your friends down there and feel the magic of Christmas!

The Christmas Light Switch On sees the residents of Sheffield gather together to watch the town fill with light and Christmas décor. The big reveal of the Christmas tree outside the Town Hall is also one not to miss! This event is hosted by Heart Radio and usually starts early afternoon. A special guest is invited to turn the lights on, as well as live music from local talent throughout the afternoon/evening.

The local theatres also help to get you in the festive spirit, with their seasonal shows and performances. This year the Lyceum Theatre presents one of the best pantomimes in the country, Peter Pan! Not to mention the carol concerts in Sheffield Cathedral, where there is mulled wine and mince pies for everyone!

But most importantly, Christmas in Sheffield means you get to make new traditions; decorate your house with your friends, attend a ridiculous amount of society and group Christmas meals, dress up as an elf (or whatever awful Christmas themed costume you are given!) for Uni Christmas Day, and celebrate Christmas before it has even started!

Christmas in Sheffield may not be what you’re used to, but it is definitely something special.

Why Sheffield is perfect for me

Hi everyone! My name is Mulchi, and I am a postgraduate student from Thailand, currently studying MSc International Management and Marketing. This is my first time living in the UK, and I was really excited to move to Sheffield. Now, I have lived here for around three months, and I am really enjoying my time here. So, my blog today is going to be on why Sheffield is a perfect city for me, and why it might be for you too.

The Management School

Studying at Sheffield University Management School is great, and I feel lucky that I had the opportunity to do so. I have met a lot of friends in my time here, and have met people from all over the world. Sheffield people are known for being welcoming and friendly, and it’s definitely true! At the Management School your classes are taught by lecturers who are experts in their field. Not only that, but if you have any concerns about a lecture or a project, I have found my lecturers to be approachable and really helpful.

Shopping

To be honest, I love shopping. If you do too, Sheffield is the right place for you. There are several places to go shopping in Sheffield. Starting from the city centre, there are many shops and famous clothing brands such as River Island and H&M. My favourite place in the city centre is the Moor, which is an area with shops, food, a marketplace and a cinema. Not far away from the city is the large shopping mall called Meadowhall. This is the best place if you want to do a lot of shopping – it’s huge!

Entertainment

If you’re looking for something to do in Sheffield, the first thing you should do is check out the Students’ Union and see what societies they have. They host hundreds of clubs and societies, so there’s something for everyone. On the other hand, you can do other entertaining activities in Sheffield. If you are a movie lover like me, Sheffield might be the perfect place for you because there are many cinemas located in the city centre and around Sheffield. Also, you can enjoy your movie with variety type of screens such as IMAX and 4DX. You also have the opportunity to see live music, comedy and theatre in the city centre.

Food

Food is a big issue for me. I love cooking, and I often eat at restaurants. There are many kinds of restaurants in Sheffield, and if you are an international student I can promise you that you will not miss the food from your home country. You can find Chinese food, Hotpot, Thai, Indian, Hungarian and Korean food, as well as traditional British food. However, if you really enjoy cooking, like me, there are lots of supermarkets and shops where you can get your ingredients.

Travelling

Sometimes I feel like I need to get away from studying, and travelling is one of my favourite things to do when I need to relax. Sheffield is located in the middle of UK and close to many travel destinations, so it is very easy to travel to somewhere a during the weekend. You can go shopping in Manchester, chilling in York, watching a football match in Liverpool, or even go to Edinburgh for your holidays.