News and Reviews - Recent

Spring is in the air at last and to celebrate we have four brand new, mouth-watering specials that are sure to shake off the last of those winter blues.
The fresh flavours of the Agnello alle Acciughe will certainly whet your appetite - a rump of lamb expertly cooked with garlic, rosemary, olive oil and anchovy sauce, sautéed leeks, green beans and new potatoes.
And for those who love their seafood the menu features three new options. Merluzzo Arrosto is a delicately roasted fillet of cod on pappardelle tossed with peas, broad beans and butter – a simple but delectable way to enjoy a real taste of spring.

Cappesante con Pancetta is the perfect light dish to wake up those taste buds for the new season. Pan-fried scallops wrapped in crispy pancetta on a salad of rocket, frisée, broad and green beans, artichoke hearts, red onion and parsley with a mustard dressing – ideal flavours to enjoy as a light lunch in the sunshine.

And ,finally, the fresh Linguine Vongole is sure to tempt you out of hibernation – clams tossed with garlic, chilli, plum tomatoes, parsley, white wine and linguine.

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Sheffield is set to experience the authentic BBQ taste of North Carolina as a flagship fast food restaurant prepares to open in the City.
The Original BBQ Grill and Rib Shack Company will open their first outlet on Sunday 7th March in the Oasis Food Court on the lower mall at Meadowhall Shopping Centre.
The Company was founded by two Sheffield born food enthusiasts, Philip Betts and Steve Palmer-Smith, who have a lifetime of experience in the food industry. The pair have a passion for all things BBQ and they believe that the combination of slow cooked meat and the finest BBQ sauce direct from the USA will prove irresistible to diners. 
The menu at The Original BBQ Grill and Rib Shack Company includes full and half racks of BBQ Pork ribs, pork hammers, lamb ribs, pulled pork sandwich, Louisiana pulled beef sandwich, Cajun chicken shack wrap, BBQ chicken wings and beef steak sandwich. Two innovative salads are also available including an iceberg wedge accompanied with ranch dressing and bacon as well as a selection of side orders.
Philip Betts, Joint Managing Director, said: “The origins of The Original BBQ Grill and Rib Shack Company lie in Mobile, Alabama where Steve and I were introduced to the Deep South culinary traditions of BBQ excellence. This method of cooking is taken very seriously indeed here and it is incredibly inspiring.
“The perception of BBQ in the UK is very different story, it’s all about charcoaled sausages which are burnt on the outside and not cooked on the inside – we are here to change all that!
“All our meat has been slow cooked for three and a half hours and is tender and exceptionally tasty. We are very passionate about bringing the culinary tradition and true taste of BBQ to the UK and are proud to have chosen Meadowhall, the region’s premier shopping destination, as the location to launch our flagship outlet with our ‘ribs on the go’ concept.
Steve Palmer-Smith, Joint Managing Director, added: “With the launch of The Original BBQ Grill and Rib Shack Company we are introducing a unique, authentic concept to the quick service restaurant market and are very confident that it will be well received by our customers.
“We are holding an exclusive VIP launch event on Saturday night, where more than 75 invited guests will get the chance to sample the menu for the first time and we very much looking forward to opening for business on Sunday 7th.
“There is no other restaurant like ours out there and we see our Sheffield restaurant as this the first of many. We are definitely up for the challenge of educating every single one of our customers to enable them to experience the taste of true BBQ – Rib Shack style!

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Waiters who know their onions but sense when to hold off, simple decor and a good bread basket...
10 Things That Make a Good Restaurant

1. The light fantastic...tastes better and wine floods your senses more spectacularly when there are windows around. I can't explain why...
2. Simplicity. Restaurants used to be shrines to immaculate taste. You could have peeped into the dining rooms of the Ritz or the Savoy any time from the 1910s to 2000 and seen the same white damask napery, cut glass, burnished silver serving dishes, opulent creamy drapes, Sabatier cutlery... Today, we suspect eating houses that come on like shrines. Simple décor is best...
3. A bit of a buzz. Restaurant reviewers award points for "ambience", and every habitual diner-out knows the value of a little noise with your meal. I don't mean the effortful badinage of theatrical Italians in upscale trattorias. I mean some good music (a bit of The Killers, a soupcon of KD Lang, a touch of Mumford & Sons) played quietly and unobtrusively, and a buzz of easy conversation, the kind conducted by people who know they aren't being overheard...
By John Walsh, in the Times, Thursday 25th February. Read more:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/a-critic-bites-john-walsh-reveals-what-marks-a-good-eaterie-from-a-bad-one-1909743.html
 

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The award winning 1855 restaurant at the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield has a new addition in the kitchen.

Jonathan Williams, aged 25, has been appointed as Senior Sous Chef and will work alongside new head chef Ernst Van Zyl.

Jonathan said: “I am very pleased to have joined the team at the Copthorne and delighted to be working with Ernst and his team.

“1855 has quickly established a great reputation for delivering good quality, competitively priced food and is a popular restaurant within the city.”

Somerset born Jonathan previously spent time working at Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin starred restaurant The Fat Duck.

He added: “I spent six weeks working at The Fat Duck on a chef stage placement and it was a great experience. I learnt a lot about flavour combinations and different presentational styles.

“I observed a selection of Heston’s most famous dishes being assembled such as snail porridge and bacon and eggs ice cream.

“I was inspired by a number of dishes I helped prepare at The Fat Duck and I am looking forward to bringing my own flair and culinary ideas to the Copthorne.”

Orla Watt, General Manager of the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, said: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Copthorne.

“He is highly skilled in his field and has a wealth of experience. He is a great addition to the restaurant team.”

For more information on 1855 Restaurant, or to book a table, visit www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield<http://www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield>  or telephone 0114 252 5480
 

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Food Glorious Food: 20 March – 28 November 2010
From grow your own to celebrity chefs, school dinners to Sunday roasts – a new family-friendly exhibition at Weston Park will take a look at food’s place at the heart of British culture. Curated by Museums Sheffield, Food Glorious Food will explore our relationship with all things edible to tell the stories that lie behind what we choose to eat. 
Food – how we grow it, prepare it and eat it – is at the very heart of our society. What we eat, when, and who we share it with reflects who we are and forms a large part of our daily lives. Working in partnership with the University of Sheffield, Museums Sheffield has drawn on The British Library’s vast oral history archive and interviews with people from across the region to look at what’s gone from our farms, into our shopping trolleys and onto our plates over the last fifty years. From the influence of rationing, through the post-war expansion of world flavours, to our present crusade against fast food and focus on nutrition, this new interactive exhibition will show how the nation’s changing relationship with food has reflected the concerns of the age.
Exploring the journey from field to fork, Food Glorious Food will draw from Museums Sheffield’s collections of Social History, Visual Art and Decorative Art as well as loans from the V&A Museum of Childhood and The Museum of Brands. Budding cooks of all ages will enjoy our eclectic displays of labour saving gadgets, historic culinary devices and unusual recipes, before delving into our larder, stocked with interesting food stories and nostalgic packaging. Little green fingers will be kept busy in our vegetable patch play area, while the Food Forum will showcase archive footage from the British Pathe archive and allow visitors to share their own food likes, dislikes, recipes and memories.
Food Glorious Food is created in association with the University of Sheffield and will tour to the V&A Museum of Childhood, London, in 2011. The exhibition is supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Sheffield – Let’s Change4Life, a city wide programme focused on addressing overweight and obesity in children and families.
www.museums-sheffield.org.uk

Location: Weston Park Museum
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As usual, the new year has brought a profusion of sales to the high street and restaurants have joined the shops and stores offering discounts. You can find deals such as two for one at Café Rouge; main courses for £7 and kids eat half price at Pizza Hut; half-price vouchers at PizzaExpress; and second main meal for just £1 at Zizzi.
These deals have become an accepted and reliable way for mid-spend restaurants to build consumer traffic in quiet times. But they have now been around for more than 12 months and their currency is in danger of becoming debased.
Restaurant chains have got themselves into a tight corner over discounting that is likely to be difficult and time-consuming to get out of. And with so much competition on the high street between broadly similar outlets, it would take a brave operator to put an end to price promoting when the competition continues to discount.

Opinion piece by Peter Backman, the Times, 22nd February 2010. Read more:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/leisure/article7035574.ece

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NATIONAL festivals supremo Phil Jones has been drafted in to run Sheffield's first food extravaganza, in a bid to put the city on the culinary map.

Jones, aged 53, is the man behind the UK's biggest annual celebration of food and drink, in Manchester. He has built it up over the last 12 years and also runs successful events in Greenwich, Richmond, Southport and Nottingham.

But Sheffield's scope eclipses all these, he says, adding: "This is our key event now.

"Rome wasn't built in a day and the truth is it's going to be hard work and a long-term project. But the potential to develop into something really big and on the national stage is superb."

as reported in the Sheffield Telegraph by Lesley Draper, 11 February 2010
http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/City-working-up-appetite-for.6061744.jp

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The Clearly Food Kitchen has opened its doors at 46 Howard Street (formerly Alfie & Bella’s). Under new ownership the CF Kitchen offers freshly made, home cooked seasonal food to eat in or takeaway. Owner Stuart Baker has a long established history in the food business; training originally at a number of Michelin starred establishments including the Dorchester in London and Clievden House. Followed by twelve years in food manufacturing, developing chilled ready meals for major retailers. Now, using his years of experience he is keen to provide freshly cooked, seasonal, real food, at affordable prices for all to enjoy. Stuart says “I have lived here for twelve years now; I love this city and want to feed it well with home made, freshly cooked food”. Feedback from CF Kitchen twitter followers has been great so far with comments including: ‘excellent food, just what Sheffield needs’ and ‘good, hearty, real food, long overdue in south Yorkshire’.
CF Kitchen is open daily from 8am, breakfast through to the commute home. Pop in early for the breakfast favourite ‘Pride of Britain’ (Cumberland sausage, smoked bacon, field mushroom, plum tomatoes and an egg served up in a bread cake), healthy porridge or a freshly baked muffin such as banana and blueberry, marmalade and apricot or chocolate and orange. Daily specials include a choice of two hot pots, one meat, one vegetarian, flavours include chicken casserole, chilli beef with cornbread or Moroccan vegetable tagine, daily soups include  celeriac and butterbean or butternut squash and chilli as well as freshly made pizzas, tempting tarts, hot pork rolls and fresh salads. Not too mention an array of home baked treats such as oatmeal and raisin cookies, rocky road and plum crumble tray bake. Freshly made ready meals to pick up and take home for tea will shortly be available.
 

Location: Clearly Food Kitchen
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More than 30 catering establishments came together last week to celebrate healthy eating at the first annual Healthy Choices Award Ceremony. The Healthy Choices award ceremony, funded by the Sheffield Let’s Change4Life Programme, saw winners from across the city including:
● ‘Best Healthy Food establishment’ went to Homemade, who not
only offer healthier menu items but also healthier cooking methods used during preparation
● ‘Most breastfeeding friendly establishment’ was awarded to
Nonnas for their pro-active promotion of a breastfeeding policy and welcoming environment
● The award for ‘Sourcing food locally’ was presented to
Silversmiths, who actively support the local economy by sourcing 70% of ingredients from Sheffield
● ‘Fairtrade’ award went to Sharrow’s new Fair-trade coffee
shop SMaRT Venue
● The ‘Community Champion Award’ was awarded to the Burton
Street project, who are visited by 1500 people each week, are involved in local food initiatives, and provide work experience for people with learning difficulties
● And finally the ‘Most Inspiring Award’ was presented to
Nonnas, who showed high achievement in all of the award categories
Carol Weir, NHS Sheffield’s Programme Director for the Sheffield-Let’s Change4Life Programme said: “The ceremony was a phenomenal success and demonstrates how important the healthy eating agenda is to local businesses. All the winners and shortlisted entries are already achieving so much by contributing towards offering healthier alternatives to the people of Sheffield.”
Siobhan Horsley, Food Programme Manager at Sheffield Wildlife Trust who runs the Healthy Choices programme said: “We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from all the participating establishments and I’m sure that the award ceremony will grow from strength to strength as more caterers become Healthy Choice Award accredited”
Trudi Coleman from award winning Nether Edge café Homemade said: “We were delighted to win the award for Best Healthy food establishment in Sheffield and to be a part of an exciting new initiative that can only benefit the people of the city.
“We have always endeavoured to source and use local produce and offer unusual fresh salads, homemade soups and warm dishes of the day that challenge conventional ideas about vegetarian cuisine. We as owners, prepare, cook and serve all our own food, and therefore know exactly what each dish contains. This is an important aspect of offering people healthy food choices.”

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CHEF John Parsons is one of the best-known names on the local culinary circuit, yet he has never had his own restaurant in his home city – until now.

With a pedigree that stretches from Granville College to The Ivy and J Sheekey in London, he headed back to Sheffield when his son was born and set about building up his reputation at Thyme Café, the Plough in Hathersage and the Terrace restaurant just up the road.
Published Date: 21 January 2010, by Lesley Draper.  Read more at

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/EATING-OUT-A-place-in.5999814.jp

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A SOCIAL centre, two cafés and two restaurants shared honours in Sheffield's inaugural health food 'Oscars', announced last night in a ceremony at Hillsborough stadium.

Published Date: 28 January 2010 by Lesley Draper.  read more at

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/headlines/Famous-five-grab-the-honours.6020550.jp

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Heston Blumenthal has won international acclaim for his brand of 'molecular gastronomy' – but Sheffield chef David Neville is hard on his heels.
Fascinated by the scientific approach to his art, former student Dave returned to Hallam University to indulge in a little experimental cooking of his own

By Lesley Draper, Sheffield Telegraph, published 28th January 2010.  Read more

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/The-science-of-ice-cream.6020554.jp

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2010 at the Wig & Pen is about celebrating Great British food. We are stripping back to the core of what our restaurant is all about – good, wholesome, tasty food.  We have a new menu which pays homage to great British classics and are dedicated to using fresh, seasonal, local produce in all of our dishes.

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Our new weekend brunch menu!   
 

For all of you who are up and about early at the weekend, why not pop down to The Milestone and sample our delicious Early Risers Brunch menu? We are offering a glass of Bucks Fizz, your choice of eggs Benedict or eggs Florentine, finished off with our Milestone blend coffee. All for only £10 (offer between 11am and 12 noon)
There is also a wide range of other fantastic dishes available on our new brunch menu which is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3pm .

Location: The Milestone
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Movie magic for Copthorne’s first birthday!

Movie lovers and fine dining enthusiasts are in for a film-themed music and dining treat this month, as a leading Sheffield hotel celebrates its first anniversary in the city.

Top city boutique venue the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield is celebrating its first birthday by hosting a blockbuster night of cinema themed entertainment in its renowned 1855 restaurant, on Saturday 23 January.

Hollywood entertainment will be provided by a trio of top artists including vocalists Richard Beavis and Jack Woods, who will entertain diners with a mix of movie theme tunes from hit flicks across the decades.

A special anniversary four course menu features favourite dishes including corn fed chicken, champagne sorbet and a bitter chocolate fondue.

The movie event is the first of a number of entertaining evenings which the hotel will host throughout the year. A jazz evening will take place on March 6th and will include a four course dinner in the award winning restaurant.

Orla Watt, general manager of the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, said: “I can’t believe a year has gone by since we launched. Sheffield has been such a welcoming and friendly city and all the hotel staff have thoroughly enjoyed their first year here.

“We wanted to put on a truly special evening of entertainment to allow our loyal guests, or perhaps debut diners, to help celebrate with us.”

The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £34.95. Booking is essential. For more information about this or future events, or to book, call 0114 252 5480 or visit www.milleniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield

Location: Copthorne Hotel
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When the owner of Nonnas restaurant in Sheffield and Chesterfield, Gian Bohan first tasted it, he knew this was the perfect Extra Virgin Olive oil to represent Nonna’s love for authentic and high quality food sourcing. Now after eagerly and patiently waiting for nature to do its part, the second harvest of Nonnas Puglian Extra Virgin is finally here.

“Terre di Puglia” is a testament to the Rubini Family, owners of a four hectare olive grove donated to their ancestors by a feudatory (Countess Siciliano) in the middle ages. Since then, generations of Rubinis have been lovingly growing olives and handing down the grove and the knowledge to their successors. This olive oil they produce exclusively for Nonnas is a family matter rooted in tradition, history and pure passion for the land and its produce. This year Mimmo Rubini (the son of the producer and also a waiter at Nonnas) and his family were helped by Nonnas customers who went to Puglia to pick the olives and following all the steps of making Terre di Puglia.

Sveglia! at 7am for the traditional breakfast with the local pickers at the caffe’ before dedicating the day to the harvest using both traditional “Mazzaridd”- a wooden stick with a comb shaped top which shakes the branch without hurting the plant and a somewhat more technological instrument called “Squotitore” a motor run stick with a clap which shakes the tree and makes olives fall.

After a hard days work, the olives are transported to the local mill for the “molitura” in a cave like underground stone mill. “What strikes you the most,” observes Mimmo, “is the heady smell of all the different types of olives being milled, so mesmerising you can almost taste the flavours of the olive oil to come. It is a quite unique sensory experience. One I am glad we could share with our customers so they would see how much love and dedication goes into the making of our olive oil.” It is often said “I wish I could bottle that experience,” well we think the Rubini family managed to do just that and capture in this exceptional Extra Virgin the smells, the pride and the passion and the love for their land. The proof is in the taste.

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Ruth and Faruk Günay have opened a new Turkish restaurant, Lokanta at 478 Glossop Road, Broomhill, Sheffield S10 2QA. Ruth grew up in Sheffield, met Faruk on holiday in Turkey and lived with him there for almost ten years. Faruk is originally from Ankara and ran bars and restaurants in the resort of Kemer near Antalya on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The couple’s ambition is to bring high quality Turkish food to Ruth’s home in Sheffield.

Lokanta means restaurant in Turkish and describes the kind of place where absolutely everybody eats with friends, family or colleagues. Meze are Turkish tapas style dishes and Lokanta in Sheffield has a range of freshly prepared meze which can be enjoyed at any time of day with a drink or as starters to an a la carte meal. Lokanta offers Turkish wine and beer which are the perfect accompaniment.

The head chef at Lokanta is Hasan Yaman who has come from the Baia hotel group in Turkey and was recruited by Ruth and Faruk to run their kitchen. Hasan specialises in modern Turkish cooking and is very excited to be working on this new venture in England.

We look forward to welcoming you...

Lokanta

478-480 Glossop Road

Broomhill

Sheffield S10 2QA

Tel 0114 266 6444

www.lokanta.co.uk

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UK has more starred restaurants than ever before!

Britain's place as one of the world centres of gastronomy has been enhanced by the influential Michelin guide, which has awarded more stars to the nation's restaurants than at any time in its 35-year history.

By Harry Wallop, Consumer Affairs Editor, the Times, published 15th January. Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/6998093/Michelin-Guide-2010-UK-has-more-starred-restaurants-than-ever-before.html

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El Toro the Spanish canteen & tapas bar in Broomhill is offering free bread making lessons every Sunday until the end of Feb from 12.30 - 1.30pm covering ingredients, needing, proofing & baking.

Owner David Neville who has developed bread for M&S and the Michelin star rated Vicarage says 'it's become something of a lost art bread making which I'm really looking forward to showing people, it's going to be good fun and kids are more than welcome'.

You can watch David & the team making bread on your way to work in El Toro’s window most mornings and sample their speciality hand made bread daily from 8am for breakfast, lunch & tea.

Please email your interest in attending ‘how to make bread’ to Dave@el-toro-sheffield.co.uk.
 

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Sheffield is set for a flavour of South Africa, with the appointment of a new Head Chef at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.

South African born Ernst Van Zyl, 32, who now lives in Manchester, has taken control of the kitchen at The Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, based on Bramall Lane.

Ernst will oversee the Copthorne’s 100 seater 1855 restaurant and bar, carrying on the excellent work of his predecessor’s menu, which has been built on a core of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

With more than a decade’s hospitality experience, Ernst has worked in the kitchens of many high profile AA Rosetted hotels, including the five star Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London. He joins the Copthorne from Prima Hotels, where he was the executive chef for six hotels across the UK.

Ernst said: “I’m delighted to be working at the Copthorne Hotel. It is a great company with a fantastic reputation and Sheffield is an up-and-coming city which I like very much.

“I love a new challenge and am anticipating the role will test my experience in food and beverage. In South Africa we often barbeque our food, whether sun, wind or snow. I hope to adapt some of these influences into the existing menu at the Copthorne.

“The previous head chef, Daniel James’ menu obviously works extremely well, and I believe that if something works then don’t change it, but every chef likes to make a few minor adjustments! He has done an excellent job here, with the hotel being awarded an AA Rosette and the various restaurant accolades achieved under his guidance, so I’m looking forward to carrying on where he left off.”

Orla Watt, general manager of the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, declared: “1855 has now been established as a leading name in the city for delivering good quality, modern food at affordable prices. We are delighted to have Ernst on board, especially as our previous Head Chef, Daniel James, played a major part in choosing Ernst as his successor.

“We are looking forward to working with Ernst to sampling some new, fresh ideas to get 2010 off to a great start.”

The Copthorne Hotel Sheffield has also appointed Jonathan Williams to the kitchen as Ernst’s right hand man. Previous to his new chef role at Copthorne, Jonathan spent a month at Heston Blumenthal’s acclaimed restaurant, The Fat Duck.

For more information on 1855 Restaurant, or to book a table, visit www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield or telephone 0114 252 5480

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Christian Kent, formally of the Blue Room Brasserie in Sheffield, is delighted to announce the launch of Christian’s Restaurant at the Beauchief Hotel on 23rd January 2010.

Christian will present Modern, British Cuisine using fresh, seasonal locally sourced ingredients, and will specialise in grilled steaks and fish.

Christian is passionate about food. He has spent over fifteen years working at Claridge’s and The Savoy in London. He returned to his home city Sheffield where he opened The Blue Room Brasserie in 2001.

He is now looking forward to the arrival of Christian’s Restaurant where customers can dine in a newly refurbished elegant, glamorous, intimate, surrounding.

Private dining is available within Christian’s Restaurant for parties up to 20 in the Abbeydale Suite and up to 30 in the Regal Suite.

Christian will also be extending his culinary skills to the Bar 161, The Ballroom and all private function rooms within the Beauchief hotel.

We are now taking bookings for the Valentines weekend.

For reservations please call 0114 262 4424 or email info@christiansrestaurant.co.uk

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Sheffield’s entertainment scene gains an exciting addition in the New Year with the arrival of the city’s first contemporary cabaret and dining venue.

Walnut Live opens on January 15 after refurbishment of the former Walnut Club Champagne Bar and Grill in Ecclesall Road. This is after the City Council granted us a live entertainment license in December 09.

Founder Richard Mills aims to mix cabaret styles from the Moulin Rouge and the jazz speakeasys through to modern-day equivalents, combined with quality dining to create a new experience in the city.

The venue will open from noon until 12.30pm from Wednesdays to Sundays, offering a mix of live music, comedy and theatre. There will also be theme nights with tribute acts celebrating the likes of Motown, soul and the sounds of the ‘80s & decades.

"We have been staging live jazz and swing to packed houses at the Walnut Club Hathersage for the past five years," Richard says. "We decided that the time was right for live entertainment on a much wider scale at our Sheffield venue – and we want to encourage local talent. We hope to get a couple of headline legends of past pop each month; I’m particularly looking forward to a couple of tribute acts I’ve personally seen before as Blondie and Rolling stones, they are amazing!"

Walnut Live's regular attractions will also include regular Live Thursday, Friday and Saturday showtimes, Thursday nights will be called Walnut JAM with open mic spots with MC Ryan Taylor. Sunday and Wednesday’s will be developed into live comedy, performance and dance nights.

Theme night audiences will be offered a three-course meal from the Michelin-rated kitchens for £20 per head. A variety of other offers will include a £5-£10-£5 three-course menu and a £11.95 two-course daytime menu.

Alongside the transformation of the Sheffield venue, the Walnut Club restaurant in Hathersage is being refurbished and rebranded as the Walnut Club Brasserie, opening from Wednesdays to Sunday lunchtime.

"We want to create more of a friendly, homely atmosphere while preserving our reputation as a venue for quality dining," says Richard.

The brasserie will focus on European and British cuisine, using local suppliers, and will introduce a £5-£10-£5 menu alongside a range of special offers. There will be more special food events like the recent wild mushroom hunt and the established jazz and swing evenings will continue on Fridays and Saturdays.

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A new report released today by leading herbs and spices company, Schwartz, in collaboration with experts from the European food community, has identified the major European culinary trends and top flavour pairings for 2010, which will lead the way for what’s on UK menus in the year ahead.

As reported on the Food & Drink Innovation Network 8 January 2010

http://www.fdin.org.uk/2010/01/schwartz-flavour-forecast-announces-top-food-trends-2010/

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SO the season of merrymaking is in full swing and most of us have chomped our way through enough mince pies and turkey dinners to weary even the liveliest of palates.
If you're longing for a meal that's guaranteed to spark the tastebuds, then the latest arrival in Ecclesall Road is right up your street – and the 'no reservations' policy means it won't be booked up.
Spice Market Café is the eagerly awaited new offering from BrewKitchen, the Sheffield group that includes Artisan, Canteen and the Cricket Inn at Totley.
Master Chef Richard Smith is the culinary force behind it and, once again, he seems to have hit upon the perfect ingredient to round off the company's offer. The Spice Market borrows elements from each of the other outlets but is, essentially, different from all of them.
"An exciting mix of the fantastic cuisines of Asia with the British love affair with spices," burbles the publicity leaflet. "Let us take you on a journey of cooking through Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Malaysia, all with a great British take."

Reviewed by Lesley Draper, the Telegraph. Read more:

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-Spice-Market-Cafe.5932916.jp

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It's a long wait for my liver and mustard fried potatoes but, sitting over my glass of Empire bitter in the Rutland Arms on Brown Street, Sheffield, I wasn't in a mind to complain. After all, any pub chef who can take the time and effort to make his own baked beans, rather than open a can, gets a Brownie point or two. And Paul Hil, who may have only one 'L' to his name, has earned several Brownie points from me.
Reviewed by Martin Dawes, the Star, read more

http://www.thestar.co.uk/food/FOOD-REVIEW--The-Rutland.5956890.jp

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A couple of weeks back a local restaurant boss looked at his tinsel decorations and shook his head sadly. "Christmas used to last four weeks, now it's down to just two."It's what is going to happen in January which worries me."
He wasn't the only one. It's been a belt-tightening year for customers as much as eateries yet new ones still open up in a city which has far too many restaurants.With a credit crunch on, I spent this year looking even more acutely than normal to find real value for money in the less glamorous places. It was often to be found in places which were more cafes than restaurants.
By Martin Dawes, the Star,Published Date: 30 December 2009. Read more at
http://www.thestar.co.uk/food/Value-for-money-the-holy.5943132.jp
 

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No doubt 2009 will go down in history as a year of doom, gloom and banking disaster. Sheffield's pubs and restaurants have taken a hammering like everyone else – but the result has been an unexpected win for their customers.
While one or two old favourites have caved in under the pressure, most have adapted to the tougher market with resilience and imagination. And that has meant greater choice and better quality at the budget end of the scale.
Chef Richard Smith began the year by closing his acclaimed fish restaurant Catch but swiftly reopened it as Canteen, a back-to-basics version of neighbouring Artisan. Likewise Cary Brown was back in town with the new Mini Bar, offering pared down, tapas-style versions of his old Slammers favourites.

By Lesley Draper, the Telegraph, published 31st December 2009. Read more

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/Top-of-the-menu-for.5947336.jp

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He's behind you!

Robinson Crusoe Pantomime Lunch
20th, 23rd, 24th, 26th December

Take some time out with your friends and family.Enjoy a well earned break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations and relax with your family and friends. Enjoy our pantomime classic, Robinson Crusoe, as we serve you and your loved ones with a delicious 2 course lunch. This is a treat for everyone!
Lunch starts at 12.30pm and booking is essential. Tickets are £19.95 per adult and £9.95 per child under 12
 
20% discount on all tickets for bookings made on or by Friday 11th December!
 
Telephone 0114 252 5480
www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield
 

Location: 1855 at the Copthorne
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Over the past 10 years, Britain has become the height of culinary cool.

As reported by Jasper Gerard in the Telegraph Online 11 December 2009

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/restaurants/6779749/The-restaurant-highlights-of-the-Noughties.html

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... Head chef Abdrabou Achnatih is a Latino who worked for many years in the Canary Islands – all of which adds up to the perfect recipe for a Latin American restaurant 'with a European twist'. "We're passionate about our food; that's what you need for success of a restaurant," says Francisco. To ensure they got the recipe right the Mama Mia team started out with a lengthy menu then gradually refined it to feature a broad range of both dishes and prices. The accent is on authenticity: where else in the city can you get paella for one, made with real paella rice? Pasta and pizza were banned until they gave in to perceived demand and settled on a token two of each. "But people don't ask for them – in four weeks we've only sold ten…"
Reviewed by lesley Draper, the Telegraph, 10th December. Read more

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-Mama-Mia-Abbeydale.5898567.jp

Location: Mama Mia
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The stage is set for a promising newcomer

... The new theatre restaurant, the Crucible Corner, is a little cracker.
It is not in the theatre itself but opposite and at first it looks unpromising as you pick your way through a building site to get to what was Ruskins wine bar in Tudor Square, a brave idea that never got off the ground.
Now renamed and redressed – the white walls are broken by giant black and white photos of Famous Crucible Thespians (Derek Jacobi, Kenneth Branagh et al) – it serves both the Crucible itself and the next door Lyceum, as well as the Library Theatre rather better than its predecessor Eat.
We decided to go early for a theatre tea (without the theatre) although the place is open from 9am for breakfast with last orders at 8pm.
So far, according to executive head chef David Wilson, the trade is mainly sandwiches and salads at lunchtimes and people get their teeth into something more substantial in the evenings.
Reviewed by Martin Dawes, the Star, 2nd December. Read More

http://www.thestar.co.uk/food/The-stage-is-set-for.5872916.jp?articlepage=1

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This is National Curry Week and what better way to spend it than in Sheffield's Indian Restaurant of the Year 2009... and 2008.If Sheffield is so certain about the Ashoka it was time to go along to see if I agreed.But then the Ecclesall Road eaterie has always been top of the poppadoms for me.
 

... I happened to mention the exceptionally good mango chutney we'd just sampled in the pickle tray (£1.70) with our poppadoms (95p each) and he launched into the recipe. They make it themselves when mangoes are in season. It is fruity and chunky with a gentle heat.Give us some recommendations, I say, so he suggests the chicken liver puri (4.95) and the main course Kashmiri lamb bhuna (£9.45) which outsells any other dish.
Reviewed by Martin Dawes, the Star, 25th November. Read more

http://www.thestar.co.uk/restaurants/Ashoka-Ecclesall-Road-Sheffield.5852263.jp

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Warm up with wagamama’s new winter menu

The winter menu welcomes five additions to wagamama’s menu, including some fresh takes on the ever-popular ramen
these big bowls of noodles in soup make for comforting fare to ease the winter chill. succulent roasted pork belly is coupled with noodles in a chicken and pork spiced miso soup for the pork miso ramen. finshed with seasonal greens and a garnish of menma and spring onions, this is a dish you won’t want to miss!

the smoked haddock ramen will be top of the list for seafood lovers - noodles in a tasty vegetable soup are topped with smoked haddock, leeks and beansprouts, and garnished with menma and spring onions to create a tempting winter treat

back by popular demand, the miso ramen’s noodles in a delicious pork and chicken spiced miso soup are topped with stir-fried chicken, carrots, leeks, garlic and beansprouts, resulting in a veritable feast in a bowl! the dish is finished to perfection with a garnish of wakame, menma, mixed sesame seeds and chilli oil

diners in search of spice will enjoy the ebi chilli men - stir-fried prawns, courgettes, red onions, peppers, mushrooms and mangetout are served on soba noodles, with a chilli men sauce to banish the winter blues with its fiery kick!

for greens that pack a punch, try the wasabi, butternut and tofu salad, teaming roasted butternut squash and tofu with mixed leaves, beetroot, avocado, peppers and spring onion, together with the distinctive edge of a wasabi dressing .
http://www.wagamama.com/latest/news/from/wagamama/

Location: Wagamamas
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We've just launched our new winter menu, with lots of lovely new dishes including Zuppa Pasta Fagioli - a classic Tuscan soup of beans with ditalini pasta, finished with grana padano and olive oil - and Costata di Manzo - a 14oz rib-eye steak, on the bone, with cabbage, peas and broad beans, roasted new potatoes and onions.

For those of you with a sweet tooth we have two great new desserts. A seasonal favourite is back: Panettone al Forno - warm panettone bread and butter pudding served with vanilla ice cream - and we've also added a classic Italian vanilla pannacotta served with amarena cherry coulis. 

http://www.strada.co.uk/

Location: Strada
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Don't let your home-grown produce go to waste' is the call from Sheffield gastro pub The Milestone, in its latest initiative of trading food and drinks in exchange for customers  surplus, home grown goods!
The Milestone is firmly committed to championing local produce from the Yorkshire region and the gastro pub owners see this as another way to highlight their passion to cook local products and truly home grown food. So far customers have brought in a mixture of delights from their own home, including pheasants, eggs and a whole range of root vegetables.

Owner of The Milestone, Matt Bigland commented,

"Quite a few of our regulars have exchanged their produce for food and drink, it's been great fun!

"After a little bit of negotiation with our new ‘suppliers' our Head Chef is then given the challenge of producing and serving up a delicious dish. So far, we've had rhubarb, which was used to make a rhubarb crumble and another customer bought in pears, which we poached in cinnamon and used on our belly pork dish on the Gastro menu."

The Milestone Head Chef, Simon Ayres said:

"I'm always up for a challenge and we like to keep things interesting so this is a great way to demonstrate our passion for the ‘home grown' concept. What I would really like someone to bring in are the more unusual root vegetables, like white beetroot and winter beets, they're both in season and really colourful and I've got some new dish ideas I'd like to develop using those ingredients. "

The Milestone recently received a recommendation in the 2010 - Michelin Guide to eating out in pubs and is the only gastro pub in Sheffield to receive a recommendation, earning a reputation for producing fine dishes from locally sourced produce.

The gastro pub and restaurant menus have been deigned to emphasise the Milestone's passion for interesting food with Yorkshire twists on classic dishes, and with the emphasis firmly on locally sourced produce, the ‘bring your own' concept allows them to source suppliers right down to grass roots level.

Located at the edge of the city centre, in the heart of Sheffield's Industrial past, the gastro pub and restaurant has become firmly established as the culinary gem in the Kelham Island area.

The new Milestone menus are available online at http://www.the-milestone.co.uk/

Location: Milestone
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THE city boosted its bid for culinary recognition this week as around 200 members of the restaurant fraternity gathered in the Cutlers' Hall for the second annual Eat Sheffield awards.

More than 50 restaurants were nominated and more than 3,000 people voted in the online poll.

Those shortlisted for Restaurant of the Year included the Walnut Club, Silversmiths, Marco @ Milano and last year's winner, 23.

The title went to the Milestone gastro-pub at Kelham Island – which acknowledged its success by announcing that the team was planning to launch a second venue in the new year.

As reported by Lesley Draper in the Sheffield Telegraph on 29th October 2009

Read more at http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/Milestone-takes-honours-at-Eat.5775629.jp

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THE Sheffield public have voted with their stomachs and made the Milestone gastro-pub at Kelham Island their restaurant of the year.

Bosses Matt Bigland and Mark Sheldon received their honour at the Eat Sheffield Restaurant Awards and bagged another for best bar and dining venue.

Matt, who saw the potential of a wrecked shell of a pub in the city's 'Real Ale Valley' said: "It's a great honour after a tough three or four years."

The Milestone has been innovative, recently asking diners to bring their own produce – from pheasants to rhubarb – to be cooked for them.

As reported by Martin Dawes in the Sheffield Star on 27 October 2009.
Read more: http://www.thestar.co.uk/headlines/Sheffields-restaurant-of-year-revealed.5768305.jp

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What does a fiver buy you these days? A couple of pints, a gallon of petrol or a cinema ticket.
Or a Cary Brown mini meal.You can have any dish you want at his new Hunters Bar eaterie, called,
suitably, Mini Bar, and it'll cost you a fiver.
He doesn't bother with a menu, just a mirror with a dozen dishes crayoned on and you pick a slate of them as you would tapas.
Now Mr Brown has never been reluctant to broadcast his own talents. He talks a good menu, as they say in the trade, and he's the nearest thing we've got to a celebrity chef.But he usually delivers with flair, imagination and taste.

Reviewed by martin Dawes, the Star, 21st october. Read more

http://www.thestar.co.uk/restaurants/Mini-Bar-85-Junction-Road.5752960.jp

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Culinary delights on the evening menu at Copthorne

Sheffielders are being invited to sample the latest menu at the city’s newest best kept secret – including accompaniments such as beetroot sorbet, and pina colada ice-cream!
Sheffield’s latest AA rosette winning eatery, 1855 Restaurant, at the Copthorne Hotel on Bramall Lane, has launched a luscious new menu to tempt evening diners.To give restaurant-goers an extra special treat, the Hotel is offering these culinary delights for two for the price of one.
The new menu is packed with tasty treats, which selects the finest ingredients and sourcing, where possible, local and organic produce. 
Starters include cream of parsnip and apple soup, open lasagne of ham hock and potted Barbary duck.
Slow cooked brisket of beef, fillet of black bream and fine tart of artichokes are just some of the main courses on the new look menu, with warm steamed date sponge and coconut crème brulée with pina colada ice-cream tempting diners to indulge in a dessert.
The menus have been devised by the Restaurant’s awarding winning head chef Daniel James, who has already earned three AA rosettes during more than a decade of hospitality experience throughout the UK.
Daniel said: “The new menu is of a very high quality and the two-for-one offer provides exceptional value for money.  It has been designed to deliver on taste and includes something for everyone.”
The new menu at the 100 seat 1855 Restaurant is also supported by an extensive wine list.

For more information or to book telephone 0114 252 5480 or visit

www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield

Location: 1855 at The Copthorne
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Back to basics for top handmade burgers...

... Handmade is a small chain based in the Midlands and Meadowhall, its fourth restaurant, is the first in the north and it prides itself on going back to basics. The burgers are all handmade on the premises from traditionally reared, grass-fed fully-traceable beef, or so the claim goes. Its chips don't spill out of a packet but are double fried on the premises. And the buns are made of sourdough by local bakeries.
That's the claim and judging from the taste it works.
Reviewed by martin Dawes, the Star, 14th October. Read more

http://www.thestar.co.uk/restaurants/Handmade-Burger-Company-The-Oasis.5730597.jp?articlepage=1

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Simple pleasures and an authentic taste of Persia

The food here is rustic rather than refined, but portions are generous and there's no question about its authenticity. Spicing is surprisingly subtle and the accent is on simplicity.The menu sounds terribly exotic: dishes include chelo khoresh gheymeh, zereshk polo ba morg, and baghali polo ba mahi. The reality is somewhat more prosaic: lamb stew, chicken leg and fried fish!

Reviewed by Lesley Draper, the Telegraph, Thursday 24th September. Read more http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-Simple-pleasures-and.5674537.jp

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IT'S always nice to visit an old friend and that's what it felt like going back to Portofino on London Road, Sheffield.
My partner and I used to be semi-regulars at the Italian place next to Ponsford's posh furniture shop in Heeley until it closed, to be replaced by the Bay Tree, which specialised in English food. As reported in the Sheffield Telegraph on 17th September 2009

Read more at http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-Portofino-Italian-Restaurant.5655306.jp

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Delicioso: 'Brasil'

Delicioso is a celebration of international cuisine with a real party feel,a group table will enjoy themed food and drinks complete with recipes, ideas and inspiration to take home, courtesy of their Platillos table host.

£25 per person, all food and drinks and a take home recipe pack

Location: Platillos
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Kelham Island Museum Christmas Markets, 5 and 6 December 2009

 Call for Stallholders and Entertainers!

Kelham Island Museum is spicing up its 18th Annual Victorian Christmas Market with its fantastic new look museum and exciting line up of festive entertainment for all ages.New for 2009, the Museum will host individually themed market quarters, and we are calling for stallholders, demonstrators, entertainers and food providers to apply for this year’s Market.

Attracting over 10,000 visitors from across the region, this 2 day market is Kelham Island Museum’s biggest and most prestigious annual event. 

Kelham Island Museum is calling for applicants to fill the following market quarters;

Food Market – food from around the world to stimulate the senses, reminiscent of Christmas past and present! Farmers market stalls, local produce, organic meats, vegetable boxes, breads, cakes etc

Sheffield, Made – contemporary local crafts that are ‘Made in Sheffield’ e.g. locally sourced produce, traditional or well known products and souvenirs from local artists , blacksmiths, textile makers, woodcrafts, jewellers etc. Demonstrations would be very welcome!

Gifts, Jewellery, Penny Bazaar – a collection of quality gifts, including traditional toys, games, jewellery, textiles, accessories, alternative therapies, glass and ceramics, clothing and charity stalls etc.

Christmas Shop – products that are Christmas themed, e.g. cards, wrapping, music, decorations, candles, traditional wooden toys, ornaments, Christmas plants, Christmas trees, bulbs, wreaths, traditional baskets etc.

Entertainers- Entertainment will be a big part of this year’s market, so Kelham Island Museum is looking for a whole host of entertainers that compliment the traditional Victorian feel of the market.From the unusual and quirky, to the more traditional performers and musicians, from school choirs to brass bands, theatre groups to puppet shows, street performers to face painters and many, many, more!

Are you interested?    
Please contact Kelham Island Museum for an application pack on 0114 272 2106 or email events@simt.co.uk
Application packs can also be downloaded at

www.simt.co.uk

Closing date for stallholder applications is Thursday 24 September 2009.

Location: Kelham Island
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We've teamed up with a baker's dozen of the city's leading restaurants to offer readers chance of a cut price taste of luxury. Each week we will feature a different restaurant and they will provide 60 vouchers worth £50 each, to be redeemed at a different top eatery.The good news is that readers will only pay £25 per voucher. In effect, you get the meal at half price. Anything over £50 has to be paid to the restaurant on the night of their visit.
As reported in the Star, 9th September. Read more http://www.thestar.co.uk/food/A-taste-of-luxury-.5629795.jp

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Sheffield gastropub The Milestone has been awarded a prestigious Michelin-recommendation in the latest Michelin guide to eating out in pubs 2010.

The Milestone is the only Sheffield gastro pub to have received a recommendation in the 2010 guide and owners Matt Bigland and Marc Sheldon are attributing the recognition to their ongoing commitment to championing local producers in Yorkshire and ever changing menus to compliment seasonal choices.
Owner of The Milestone, Matt Bigland said: “We’re all delighted with the acknowledgement and it is a credit to the entire team, from the chefs in kitchen, to front of house, also our superb suppliers who provide amazing quality produce.
“We’ve had an amazing year, our profile and reputation has continued to grow and this really is the cherry on top of the cake.”  The Milestone Head Chef, Simon Ayres said: “We have a great line-up of talented chefs who have been very responsive to my demands. They have risen to every challenge and this recommendation is a just reward for their efforts. “I’m delighted with the new menus we have just launched and how The Milestone has continued to innovate in order to keep new and old customers coming back.”
The Milestone launched three new menus in September, created to reflect their enthusiasm for good food with a flavour of Yorkshire. The menus are for the three dining offers at the Milestone – the downstairs gastro pub, upstairs restaurant and the popular Early Bird menu. The dishes have been deigned to emphasise the Milestone’s passion for interesting food, featuring modern twists on classic dishes, such as potted beef with mustard pickle and homemade crumpets.
The gastro pub is located in the heart of Sheffield’s Industrial past and in-keeping with the spirit of the Kelham Island area, the Milestone offer a range of local ales, continental lagers, a carefully selected wines list and a creative cocktail menu. The Milestone is continuing to target a new breed of visitor to sample the local ales that pass through on Sheffield’s ‘real ale trail’ in the ever changing Kelham Island area.
The new Milestone menus are available online at www.the-milestone.co.uk.

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Quiet mannered Bryan Moran was coming to terms today with the news that the prestigious Good Food Guide thinks he is the best chef in Sheffield. His restaurant Moran's, on Abbeydale Road South is a new entry in the guide, published today, and scores four out of 10. It brings the total of Sheffield eateries listed to four - or five if you include the Old Vicarage - which scores seven - at Ridgeway, listed under Derbyshire.
As reported by martin Dawes in the Star on 8th September.
Read more: http://www.thestar.co.uk/headlines/Another-Sheffield-restaurant-enters-Good.5622596.jp
 

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The cost of fine dining in London has fallen for the first time in 14 years as restaurateurs attempt to buck the recession, according to new findings published today. The average meal now costs just 0.4 per cent less than last year, down from £40.55 to £40.39, according to the latest Zagat London Restaurants survey. But fewer people are eating out with the number of meals consumed outside the home down from 2.5 meals a week last year to 2.2 this year and, when they do, diners are leaving smaller tips.
As reported in the times online, 8th September. Read more http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6825775.ece

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Dining out is turning minimalist as the demand for small plates of food is on the increase. Half-size dishes at half the price are the latest trend as diners become more concerned about price and their waistlines.
The Spanish tapas style of eating is being adopted by other cuisines as the appetite for light bites takes over from the traditional main course of meat and two veg. New restaurant openings in London and around the country reflect the fashion for small plates and mix-and-match tastes. Bigger portions have already been linked to obesity in the United States, where plates tend to be overloaded.

As reported in the Times, 5th September. Read more http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/eating_out/article6822285.ece

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... Sukhothai means Dawn of Happiness and is the old capital of Thailand. Our own meal dawned happily with the arrival of the Pearls of All-Siam, a big selection of starters. Every one was a beauty. Instead of Chinese prawn toast it was minced chicken, instead of the usual spongy Thai fishcake it was juicy prawn with a crispy coating and there were little pastry baskets holding diced chicken and vegetables with a hit of fresh coriander.
All of the food tasted fresh, not tired: little wan ton 'bags' of juicy pork and prawn, big prawns deep-fried in pastry and, wait for it, 'An awakening of Thai fruits salad melded with dried shrimp, roasted coconut and crushed peanut.'

Reviewed by Martin Dawes in the Star on 2nd September. Read more

http://www.thestar.co.uk/food/FOOD-REVIEW--AllSiam-639.5606494.jp

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 FOOD and Drink meets Niki Baker, the bubbly pastrychef- turned-boss of Eat Sheffield promoting this year's city restaurant awards, in one of the local cafes which may well feature. As reported by Martin Dawes in the Sheffield Star 2^nd September 2009

http://www.thestar.co.uk/food/Eat-Sheffield-and-vote-Sheffield.5606489.jp

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New Restaurant Tasting Menu

We are delighted to introduce a new tasting menu to the Milestone Restaurant. 
 With 7 delightful dishes for £34.95 including mackerel with stewed cockles and pan handle venison steak, parisien potatoes, cauliflower puree, cauliflower fritter and bitter cocoa bean sauce - the new menu promises to tickle your taste buds!

The Milestone have now launched their new menu which includes a taster menu. This will make them the first Restaurant in Sheffield to offer a taster menu along side their a'la carte menu.

Please see the attached file for full details.

Location: The Milestone
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The 1855 Restaurant at the Copthorne Hotel, Sheffield has introduced a number of offers to coincide with the new menus. Restaurant goers can dine with wine for £8.99, which includes a one course buffet lunch, or enjoy a two or three course lunch, or early bird menu, for £12.99 for two courses or £15.99 for three courses. 
There is also an offer on the Restaurant’s Sunday lunch menu with two courses for £9.95 and £4.95 for children aged 12 and under.
The 100 seat 1855 Restaurant is supported by an extensive wine list with the Chef’s selecting the finest ingredients and sourcing, where possible, local and organic produce.
The dine with wine menus are buffet style with different cuisines, including vegetarian options, on offer daily. They include mild madras chicken curry, pilaf rice, vegetable and herb braised puy lentils; rustic lamb and root vegetable navarin and mushroom and herb stroganoff; beef bourguignon with a selection of vegetables as well as tomato and spring onion risotto; fricassee of chicken, bacon and mushrooms with lemon and parsley couscous and mixed seasonal vegetables; sweet and sour pork, herb braised rice and Mediterranean vegetable pasta. 
The menus have been devised by the Restaurant’s awarding winning head chef Daniel James, who has already earned three AA rosettes during more than a decade of hospitality experience throughout the UK. 
Daniel said: “The new menus provide exceptional value for money and have been designed to include something for everyone whichever day of the week they visit. 
“The weekday lunchtime menus are ideal for business people. The one course buffet lunch gives diners the option for something quick and tasty or for those who wish to entertain guests over a longer period, the two or three course menu is ideal.”
The two or three course weekday lunch is available from 12 noon until 2pm and diners can also take advantage of an early bird special from 5.30pm until 8.30pm. These menus include a choice of three starters and three mains and include black pudding fritters, ham hock and grain mustard terrine, roasted chicken breast, pea and ham risotto and tarragon jus, and steamed chocolate sponge with dark chocolate sauce and tangy lemon tart with orange marmalade and vanilla ice cream.
The Sunday lunch two course menu options include a traditional roast and fish as well as a vegetarian option followed by a selection of desserts including almond pannacottas, gooseberry mousse and fresh fruit salad.
For more information or to book telephone 0114 252 5480 or visit www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield

Location: Copthorne Hotel
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Authenticity and an all-in package is a Plaza delight
 

...The look is chic and contemporary, with lots of dark wood, high-backed leather chairs, stylish glasses, decanters and brushed-steel cutlery. Framed prints on the matt black walls offer the only hint of the restaurant's Indian provenance. The food, on the other hand, is the real thing.

"What's this? It's amazing," enthuses my companion as we're presented with a complimentary dish of bhel puri – a traditional Indian snack that looks a bit like Bombay mix but tastes like a spicy salsa packed with puffed rice, chickpea noodles, onion, tomato, cucumber and coriander.

Reviewed by Lesley Draper on 27th August. Read more

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-Authenticity-and-an.5591526.jp

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La Perle is a real five-star pearl

It'sthe last place you'd expect to find a patisserie in Sheffield but then we don't do very well for cakes and pastries, do we?
Yes we have custard tarts and currant buns, you can find a good scone if you know where to look and there's someone making a living out of baking cupcakes.
As reviewed by Martin Dawes in The Sheffield Star on 26 August 2009. Read More...

http://www.thestar.co.uk/food/FOOD-REVIEW--la-perle.5587469.jp

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Restaurants are closing at the fastest rate in decades as people economise on eating out during the recession, industry figures reveal.
Data given to The Independent shows the recession has badly bruised food outlets, with diners spending £330m less on sit-down meals and takeaways in the first half of this year. In the £19bn-a-year sector – whose margins average 5 per cent – independent restaurants have been worst affected, while branded groups have lured customers with half-price offers that have hit profits.
As reported by Martin Hickman on the 24th August in the Independent online. Read more

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/news/crisis-hits-restaurants-as-diners-decide-to-stay-home-1776485.html

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... I start with delicious gambas al pil pil. Five succulent king prawns arrive in a terracotta dish, soused in butter, garlic and chilli, with a wedge of lemon and slices of tomato-rubbed bread. Simply divine.

As reviewed in the Sheffield Telegraph on the 13th August 2009. Read more...

http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-Ego-St-Paul39s.5548730.jp?articlepage=2

Location: Ego, St Paul's Mecure Hotel
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Delicioso: Mexican and South American

Delicioso is a celebration of international cuisine with a real party feel, a group table will enjoy themed food and drinks complete with recipes, ideas and inspiration to take home, courtesy of their Platillos table host.

£25 per person, all food and drinks and a take home recipe pack

Booking essential!

Location: Platillos
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Sheffield’s newest four star hotel has been rated highly by the AA Recognition Scheme for its top class facilities and services in the heart of the city.
Copthorne Hotel, Sheffield, which is based next to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football stadium, has received an AA merit of 79 per cent and one AA Rosette for its 1855 restaurant.
The AA has been recommending and acknowledging hotels since 1908. Rosettes are awarded annually to AA inspected restaurants for the quality of their food.
Orla Watt, general manager at the Copthorne Hotel, Sheffield, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded such a high AA rating.
“The AA Rosette for the restaurant is also an exciting achievement. We recently appointed award-winning head chef, Daniel James, who has already earned three AA rosettes during more than a decade’s hospitality experience across the UK at high class venues in Wales, London and Cambridge.
“All these things combined make us very proud of the Copthorne Hotel, Sheffield and its associated facilities – especially as it is a new brand in the city.”
The new, 158 room Copthorne Hotel Sheffield brings the latest four star facilities and services to the heart of the city.
 
For more information or to book visit www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield

Location: Copthorne Hotel
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Michelin starred Chef Daniel James is on a Yorkshire culinary mission to make Sheffield’s newest four star hotel one of the region’s most talked about gastronomic hotspots.

The recently appointed head Chef at the Copthorne Hotel, based next to Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football stadium, will oversee the hotel’s 100 seater 1855 restaurant and bar, including the launch of a modern new menu built on a core of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Multi-award winning Daniel has earned three AA rosettes during more than a decade’s hospitality experience across the UK at high class venues in Wales, London and Cambridge. He joins from the Copthorne Hotel Cardiff and also worked for two years at one of Wales’ most renowned country hotels, Llangoed Hall in Brecon.

Daniel, from Brecon, Powys, said: “Food is in my blood. My grandfather was a baker and I have some very fond childhood memories of cooking at home at the weekends. So you could certainly say food is a life long passion of mine.

“I have been fortunate to have won some of the industry’s top awards during my career. But I don’t cook for accolades, I cook because I love food and because I’m ambitious. Sheffield represents a new challenge for me, but I’m lucky to have joined a fantastic new hotel which is serious about becoming a major player in the Yorkshire culinary circuit.”

“Yorkshire is home to some really unique flavours and dishes, from its world famous puddings to some well-loved cheeses, sauces and sweets. So why buy European, when the quality and variety is here on our doorstep? I am always on the look out for good quality local suppliers and I’m proud that seasonal, Yorkshire ingredients will form the heart of my menus here at the hotel,” said Daniel.

Orla Watt, general manager at the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, said: “Our vision is to make the restaurant here a leading name in the city for delivering good quality, modern menus at affordable prices. Daniel’s appointment is a major part of that process and we look forward to showcasing his talent to our valued business and leisure guests following the launch of our new menu in May.”

The new, 158 room Copthorne Hotel Sheffield brings the latest four star facilities and services to the heart of the city.

For more information or to book visit www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield

Location: Copthorne Hotel
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To celebrate the recent launch of The Milestone Cookery School in Sheffield, one winner and a friend can win a day of cookery classes followed by dinner for two in The Milestone Restaurant.

A champion of businesses and attractions in the region, Yorkshire South Tourism www.yorkshiresouth.com has teamed up one of the region's flagship eateries, The Milestone Bar & Restaurant www.the-milestone.co.uk to offer a special culinary prize.

To enter, just answer the question posed at Channel 4 www.channel4.com/food/competition/yorkshire-south-cookery-school-09-07-28.html

Location: The Milestone
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The Milestone have now launched their new menu which includes a taster menu. This will make them the first Restaurant in Sheffield to offer a taster menu along side their a'la carte menu.

Please see the attached file for full details.

Location: The Milestone
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It has been one of Britain’s most successful industries for the past four decades, but the recession has finally brought the phenomenal growth in informal dining to a halt.

A report published yesterday by Allegra Strategies, the analysts, revealed that the amount Britons spend on informal eating out — where a meal costs £15 or less — has fallen for the first time in 40 years.

The research, Eating Out in the UK 2009, reveals that 15,000 jobs have been lost in the sector in the past year and warns that the trend could continue as one in five people plan to eat out less during the next 12 months.

As reported on the Times Online, July 15th 2009. Read more...

business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/leisure/article6710949.ece

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wagamama today announces its summer menu. packed with exotic ingredients, mouth-watering dressings and wagamama goodness, the new range of pan-asian inspired salads are sure to tickle your taste buds

http://www.wagamama.com/latest/news/from/wagamama/123

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Have you heard about the Big Lunch? It's a return to the roots of the street party and it could be happening on your doorstep... As reported on the Guardian online, July 7th 2009. Read more...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2009/jul/07/big-lunch-street-party

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Why when other European cities enjoy pleasant al fresco summer dining, does London fail so miserably? Is there any town in Britain where it's pleasant to eat outdoors? As reported on the Guardian online, July 6th 2009. Read more...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2009/jul/06/pavement-cafe-london-paris

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... BB's, which must be the narrowest restaurant in Sheffield, is affectionately known as the Tardis by some regulars. It goes back a long way and packs in a surprising amount of tables without being claustrophobic. Upstairs there's room for larger parties to gather. As reviewed in the Sheffield Telegraph on the 25 June 2009. Read more...

www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-BB39s-Italian-Restaurant.5399152.jp

Location: BB's Italian Restaurant
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This summer mixologists are serving up infused spirits, 1920s reduxes and twists on seasonal favourites. As reported in the Times online on .... Read more... http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6561828.ece

Location: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6561828.ece
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There are two kind of people says BiggestJim - aka James Armstrong - those who can take spicy food first thing and those who can't. What's your idea of a perfect breakfast? http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2009/jun/23/taste-london-breakfast

Location: www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2009/jun/23/taste-london-breakfast
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... With all mains under a tenner and children eating free for every adult eating at least two courses, it's very family friendly. Which is what it's meant to be. As reported in The Star, 17th June 2009. Read more...

www.thestar.co.uk/restaurants/Tea-in-the-Park-Abbeydale.5372514.jp

Location: Millhouses Park Café
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Minister rejects clains that 45,000 restaurant workers face redundancy in shake-up

As reported by Andrew Grice, Political Editor in The Independent on 5th May 2009

Read More...

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/fair-tipping-law-wont-cost-waiters-their-jobs-1678997.html

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Star chefs, ego-fuelled food; those days are over. Now it's the diner who rules the restaurant.
As reported in the Times online, March 21st 2009. Read more…
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article5944125.ece

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As the first forkful of scampi sidled gingerly into his mouth, my friend's head snapped still in surprise, then began to oscillate gently in ecstatic bemusement. "I can't believe it," he whispered. "I didn't give the place a chance. As reported on the Guardian online, 22nd March 2009. Read more
www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/mar/21/morans-restaurant

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A WARM welcome is standard fare at Otto's. Now you would think that would apply to all restaurants but as you and I know, that is definitely not the case.

As reviewed by Derek Fish in The Sheffield Telegraph on 6th March 2009

Read More at...

www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/foodguide/FOOD-REVIEW-Otto39s-Restaurant-344.5045307.jp

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Following a recent inspection we're delighted to announce that Cubana received top marks, a  5 star rating for our hygienic and well-managed food preparation from the "Scores on the doors" scheme,  a Council led public information initiative. The primary purpose of the 'scores on the doors' scheme is to empower customers to make more informed choices about the places from which they purchase food  

http://www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/business/sheffield/211456/pubs-with-food/index.php

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