The Old Queen’s Head, Sheffield
Public houses in England come in many different forms and guises but the all pervasive theme pub, plastic bars with the fun surgically removed to be replaced by one ’wacky’ theme or another, seems to be spreading at an alarming rate. With many traditional pubs feeling the heat of the recession it is time to celebrate one of the great survivors in the annals of English inns: The Old Queen’s Head in Sheffield.
The Old Queen’s Head is the oldest surviving domestic building in the city. The building itself is thought to date from around 1475. The earliest surviving written record of the pub comes from 1582 when it is referred to as ’The Hawl At The Poandes"and records it as belonging to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury a major historical figure during the reign of Elizabeth I.
The current name of the pub is thought to refer to the doomed Mary Queen of Scots, who spent many years imprisoned in Sheffield under the care of George Talbot. It may be that Mary herself spent time in ’The Hawl’. The pub is of interest to fans of the paranormal as well as fans of a pint. There are regular reportings of paranormal activity at the pub, from glasses flying unaided through the air to a mysterious grey lady seen floating through the cellars and who leaves a scent of almonds behind here.
The building is ideally situated next to the transport interchange of this beautiful Yorkshire city. It is a striking timber clad building in authentic black and white tudor fashion.
I love the atmosphere at The Old Queen’s Head, despite being in the heart of the city it remains a friendly local attracting loyal regulars from the nearby flats as well as students from the cities two Universities and commuters. A function room upstairs, complete with its own bar, is used for a variety of clubs and societies including role-players, science fiction fans and poetry enthusiasts.
The Old Queen’s Head is a Thwaites inn and specialises in real ales and ciders, the cellar is kept to an impeccable standard and the beer is uniformly fantastic. A large range of food, including daily specials, is cooked on the premises and is as delicious as it is value for money! I would recommend having the stomach satisfying ’brunch’ whilst your watching a football match on one of the bar’s big screens.
The Old Queen’s Head perfectly fuses the modern and the traditional in the good old public house. With an unbeatable location, friendly welcome and very reasonable pricing why not belend history with your hops and make a date at The Old Queen’s Head?