Exposed Magazine February 2022

FEB 2022

FESTIVAL OF THE OUTDOORS SPECIAL

ADVENTURE TIME!

INSIDE: SHAFF // STEVE PEAT // SHEFFIELD BEER WEEK CHLOE LONGDEN // ROBOTWIG // EXPOSED AWARDS

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FEB 2022

FEATURES 24: OUT AND ABOUT

A month-long celebration of the amazing outdoor community in Sheffield, we take a closer look at what’s going at this year’s Festival of the Outdoors. Scoot over for event roundups and interviews with runners, walkers, climbers, outdoor plungers and world championship-winning mountain bikers.

14: FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME

In our monthly column on the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield FC chairman Richard Times discusses the club’s proposed move back to the Steel City.

44: READY, SET… ACTION!

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) is set to bring the wild outdoors into the heart of the city once again this year. Exposed rounds up the highlights and speaks to some of the creatives and thrill-seekers taking part.

48: PARKLIFE

As part of our Outdoor City special, Heritage Sheffield’s Richard Phipps charts the intriguing history of two of Sheffield’s most loved public parks.

REGULARS

13: CITY VIEWS 55: FOOD & DRINK 65: NIGHTLIFE 66: COMEDY 69: MUSIC 74: FILM 78: LGBT+ 81: CULTURE 82: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT 84: THROUGH THE LENS

When it comes to comparing the offer of various UK cities, it can be quite easy to fall into the trap of playing amenity Top Trumps: how many bars/restaurants are there? What’s the shopping experience like? Just how big and impressive are the latest developments? It’s not that these aren’t significant factors for judging the quality of life in modern cities – we dedicate plenty of column inches to such things each month – but spend too long focusing on commercial one-upmanship and you begin to overlook the importance of green space, engaging scenery and outdoor recreation in creating a desirable place to live.

While Sheffield might fall behind other major cities in terms of urban development (though plans are well underway to change this), the enviable rural offering and its wider relationship to outdoors culture redresses that balance and then some. The first thing I did after leaving a testing isolation period over the Christmas holidays was make a beeline for the Peaks, reaching the tranquility of open countryside in just over an hour on foot. In times of stress or difficulty, I’ll often find myself drawn, almost subconsciously, to one of our 200-plus, parks, woodlands and public gardens. All in all, it’s probably our biggest asset.

Next month, the Festival of the Outdoors returns (1st-31st March) to celebrate Sheffield’s vibrant outdoor community.

It will showcase everything great about the great outdoors: from adventure film festivals to wellbeing walks, heritage trails to botanical-themed open air markets. It’s all shaping up nicely and to pay homage we’ve centered this mag on Sheffield: The Outdoor City, so head over to page 24 and you’ll find plenty of dedicated content – news, event previews and interviews with climbers, cyclists, wild swimmers, fell runners and anyone else we could persuade to have a natter with us.

Elsewhere we’ve got the usual mix of new openings, local creatives and interesting goings-on to keep you occupied this month. I’ll leave you to have a flick through and hopefully we’ll catch up again in March.

FESTIVAL OF THE OUTDOORS SPECIAL

ADVENTURE TIME!

INSIDE: SHAFF // STEVE PEAT // SHEFFIELD BEER WEEK CHLOE LONGDEN // ROBOTWIG // EXPOSED AWARDS!

GAFFERS

Phil Turner (MD) phil@ exposedmagazine. co.uk Nick Hallam (Sales Director) nick@ exposedmagazine. co.uk

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Joe Food (Editor) joe@exposedmagazine. co.uk Ash Birch (Online Editor) ash@exposedmagazine. co.uk

GI’ US A HAND PLZ Heather Paterson, Cal Reid, Mark Perkins, Richard Phipps

COVER IMAGE

Zero° directed by Scott M Salt and Benjamin Paul

THE BUSINESS STUFF

EXPOSED IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY BLIND MICE MEDIA LTD UNIT 1B RIALTO 2 KELHAM SQUARE KELHAM RIVERSIDE SHEFFIELD S3 8SD The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Blind Mice Media Ltd and while every effort is made to ensure information throughout Exposed is correct, changes prior to distribution may take place which can affect the accuracy of copy, therefore Blind Mice Media Ltd cannot take responsibility for contributors’ views or specific entertainment listings.

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LET’S GET TOGETHER! As restrictions are lifted across the country, GET TOGETHER festival announces its return to Sheffield for a huge bank holiday celebration of independent music, art, food and drink.

In 2021, it was one of very few festivals that went ahead and received huge praise for a genre-spanning, diverse line-up. This year’s event is set to be even bigger and better with over double the number of stages, all within a five-minute walk of each other.

UPFRONT

The first round of artists announced last month include Squid, Confidence Man, The Murder Capital, Goat Girl, Pip Blom, Newdad, and Du Blonde, to name but a few.

On top of an abundance of live music, the popular garden area at Sheff Uni will host a beer & cider festival, plus a vast array of the best independent and local street food traders. The area surrounding all the stages will be filled with plenty of arts, crafts and activities, making this bank holiday party one of the biggest in South Yorks.

Tickets now on sale at gettogetherfestival.com WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 9

THE MILLOWNERS ARMS Originally created as an exhibition for Kelham Island Museum, The Millowners Arms was somewhere you could read and learn about the history of beer in Sheffield, but you couldn’t actually buy a pint (most of the time, anyway).

That all changed back in 2019 when the museum’s hospitality offering was revamped and the Millowners Arms, while still retaining the information and artefacts of Sheffield’s rich brewing past was transformed into a fully functioning tavern.

It wasn’t until one of the subsequent periods of Covid restrictions that the pub really came into its own. With outside space at a premium, the expansive courtyard became a hotspot in Kelham and we’ve happily whiled away a few hours in the sun, relaxing next to the river with a pint.

And there’s plenty to get excited about on the beer front too. Befitting a pub of its heritage, the Millowners offers a huge range of top-quality cask, keg, bottles and cans, as well as top-notch traditional grub, from weekly Sunday Roasts to a selection of small bites, burgers and loaded fries.

THE MILLOWNERS ARMS KELHAM ISLAND MUSEUM, ALMA STREET, SHEFFIELD, S3 8RY @THEMILLOWNERSARMS 10 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

GIVE IT A GO

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IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE “Sheffield is about its people: communities, groups, activities and the hangouts in which you’ll find them.”

Yeah, it’s more like a large village than a city in character and I guess that attracts or cultivates a certain type of person. More specifically, my experience living in Sheffield since coming here as a student in the early 90s has been about cultivating, growing or joining communities of like-minded folk. This wasn’t a grand plan; it just came together in a haphazard getting on and living life kind of way.

I used to strive to be in with the cool kids. Or was it to hang out with geeks like me? Actually, it was more about championing music that I and others loved, building an audience of like-minded people to come together and dance. Kinda cool.

Oh, and I made a living out of it for many years after starting as a hobby. Interestingly, I straddled mainstream student club nights, creating and DJing at Disco 2000 and Skool Disco, but also running the far more underground NY Sushi. Not many DJs/promoters did that, most stuck to one thing or another. I like to think it’s given me an unusual perspective. Looking back 20-plus years, these have been some of my most cherished memories of the city: finding my crowd and enjoying our chosen passion, past-times and interests; hanging out together in clubs, dancing to great music imported from around the globe; taking the Sheffield flavour on our own tours up and down the country.

I’m soon to be in my 50th year, with almost 30 of those spent living in our city. I have a wonderful wife

BY CHRIS ‘BIBBY’ HOWETT

“AND THAT’S WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT THIS CITY OF OURS: THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO AND SHARE WITH LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE.”

and two kids. You might guess that the interests and hobbies we now take part in have changed somewhat. Thinking about this, it’s interesting how over these years we’ve found new communities to hang out in, spending more time in coffee shops and our legendary countryside. My wife yoga, nutrition and fitness, our daughter dance, and our son karate and basketball. Me, well, I still love music but confess I’m no clubber these days. Zooming into now and the various lockdowns we’ve all endured has led me back to a hobby I loved when I was a kid, one that I sold up from to buy my first set of turntables to begin a journey as a DJ. You’ll now find me bargaining with the wife to let me and my son go racing at the weekend. Racing radio-controlled cars at Sheffield Off Road & Rally Club. With this I’ve found another group of great folks to have fun with and share a hobby.

And that’s what’s great about this city of ours: there is so much to do and share with like-minded people. Of course, not everyone is from Sheffield originally, but I do think living here nudges you to the friendlier end of the scale. Finding these groups fills me with strong positive energy, reassuring me that this city will look after me in another 30 years to come. All we have to do in return is put our little bit back. Contribute in some way to keeping people coming together – joining, creating and participating in whatever floats your boat.

CHRIS IS CURRENTLY DIGITAL PRODUCER AT SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION AND A FATHER OF TWO. WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 13

UPFRONT / SHEFFIELD FC

FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME… Sheffield FC Chairman Richard Tims talks us through the latest update on the club’s vision for their new ground.

If you’ve passed by the Sheffield Transport Sports Club in recent months, you might have noticed a sign emblazoned with the words ‘home of football coming soon’. That’s because this site, situated just off the Meadowhead roundabout, is where the world’s oldest football club plan to take their next step on a long and illustrious journey, returning over county lines back to South Yorkshire and its native city of Sheffield.

It was March 2021 when plans were first unveiled for a new 4000-seat stadium and understandably there was plenty of excitement amongst football fans in the city. Now the dust has somewhat settled, we sat down with Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims for an update on progress and further details on the club’s vision for the site.

How’s it looking?

There has been progress and the stars do seem to be aligning, but there have been some, I suppose you could say, political hurdles to overcome. Despite the sites being only a mile away from each other, we’re actually working over two local authorities, so there are naturally a few challenges and boxes to be ticked.

But we’re getting there now and ticking those boxes.

It’s important to remember, though, that we were technically homeless for 141 years, so there’s no need to rush things. It’s important we do this properly. The support locally has been great, so have Sheffield City Council, and we hope we can follow through on the promise to deliver something special for the city.

The Vision We’re looking to build something that’s more than just a ground. Considering our heritage, we want something that’s of local, national and international importance. We hope it will serve as an international visitor centre where football fans from around the world can take a trip to the city that gave the beautiful game to the world. It should be on every fan’s list to visit the home of football once in their lifetime.

We’ve got plenty of interesting ideas, and I think what’s key is having somewhere which brings together the history of the club but also maintains 14 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

a fun, interactive side. We want it to be somewhere that people, young and old, will be enthused about.

For example, we invented the first crossbar, so how about a crossbar challenge using a 1957 leather case ball? If that’s not difficult enough, try it in an old pair of antique leather boots. See how you get on with that. We have many historical artefacts to showcase, going right back to the formation of Sheffield FC, and that’ll all be on show in the visitors centre.

Another thing we’ve discussed is ensuring the food and drink offering will be top-notch. We’ve already spoken to some local food vendors about getting them in there, a good craft beer selection is important too. We’ve got a great relationship with Borussia Dortmund and St Pauli, who love a bratwurst before games, so I’ve promised to our very own bratwurst corner in tribute. Then of course, we’ll have the traditional stuff – pies, fish and chips, etc.

Coming Home Pretty much everyone in Sheffield knows the Meadowhead roundabout, and if you’re coming in from the south side of the city, you can’t miss it really.

The transport links there are fantastic, and we really think that’ll be instrumental in boosting the numbers of people coming to visit. It’s important to mention, too, that there’s been a cricket pitch there for a long time and we’ll help to ensure cricket remains an important part of that site for years to come.

When will it be ready?

It’s obviously not entirely in our hands, but we’d like it to be a couple of years. I think that’s optimistically achievable if all goes well. Sheffield FC have lived a very nomadic existence for some time now, so we’re really excited about the opportunity to put down some proper roots back in the Steel City. It’s going to be another exciting chapter in The Club’s history, and we hope we can bring as many Sheffielders as possible along for the ride! sheffieldfc.com // @_sheffieldfc // @sheffieldfc

GROUNDHOPPING: SHEFFIELD FC’S NOMADIC JOURNEY When Sheffield Football Club formed in 1857 their first home was East Bank, so named as it stood on the east bank of the River Sheaf. The players would get changed at Park House, where members wrote the first rules, before making their way to the field.

The best view we can have of the site today is to look down on the car park of the B&Q store on Queens Road.

East Bank would remain the club’s home through to 1872, although they also played matches at the Newhall Athletic Grounds during the early years.

From 1873 through to the formation of Sheffield United in 1889 the club listed Bramall Lane as their primary ground, also playing games at Newhall, Ecclesall Road and the Old Forge ground in Attercliffe. For the new two decades, the club led a somewhat nomadic existence, with Ecclesall Road becoming their primary home before Owlerton and the Niagara Grounds, in Wadsley Bridge, around the turn of the century.

A plan to relocate to a site in Handsworth was foiled by the outbreak of the First World War and when football resumed Sheffield moved to the new Abbeydale Park ground, where they would remain for over 60 years. When league officials stated that the dressing rooms were too far from the pitch a change of home to Hillsborough Park followed, with that then being declared as not to league standards after one season! A move to the 25,000 capacity Don Valley Stadium saw the club struggling with small attendances in the vast ground and the somewhat more compact Owlerton Stadium was also used for a period.

It was certainly the case that the club needed a ground of their own to call home if they were to look ahead to a more prosperous future though and in 2001 moved to their current base, at the Coach & Horses in Dronfield.

Now of course there are big plans to move to a new site on the horizon and further strengthen the longterm future of the world’s oldest football club for many more years to come. Watch this space.

BE PART OF FOOTBALL HISTORY SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN THE WORLD’S FIRST FOOTBALL CLUB AND RECEIVE REWARDS.

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UPFRONT

FIND YOUR FIRE

A Tardis-like hub of wellness and community tucked away in the leafy surrounds of Abbeydale, Sheffield’s Soul Fire Studios celebrates its 5th birthday this year – and fittingly, the venue arrives at the milestone in very good shape indeed.

The ethos of what they do is informed by three core elements: yoga, healing and vibrant health. Naturally, a wide range of yoga classes are available onsite – everything from hot yoga and aerial sessions to the more strength-based vinyasa or introspective styles such as yin yoga – but director Anne Marie Gordon is keen to stress that while remaining a key pillar of its identity, Soul Fire is much more than just a yoga centre.

“We offer a holistic service, bringing together a community around health, healing and wellness and supporting people on that journey. Upstairs we have spaces which offer counselling, reiki and massage therapies – plus there’s room for more businesses to get involved and grow with us on that front – whereas downstairs we’re incredibly excited to announce that our on-site vegan café will be open from February onwards.”

That wider commitment to community and lifestyle is something which helps set Soul Fire apart; from food workshops to spiritual talks, inspirational movie nights to enjoying their trademark cold-pressed juices on the suntrap rooftop garden, everything revolves around nurturing a sense of companionship and connection, those important aspects of life that have undoubtedly been in short supply during the pandemic.

“A lot of people have had to deal with feeling disconnected and isolated over the last two years,” says Anne Marie. “So, our main goal is to make people feel welcome, to feel connected to themselves and to feel part of a community – without 20 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

expectation or judgement.”

Certainly, during a period where public standards of health – both physical and mental – are continuing to be tested, the benefits of practices such as yoga, nutritional awareness and stress management during a pandemic are well-documented. The team are conscious of potential anxieties in the return to physical gatherings, so repeated deep cleans and a commitment to respecting personal space ensures the provision of a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

The broad package that a regular yoga practice

offers is something manager Jo Edwards is keen to extol the virtues of, particularly with a 6-week beginners course launching this month (13th Feb) – a perfect fit for anyone looking to learn the foundations of yoga or even refresh themselves with the basics.

“I think there can be some misunderstanding with yoga: it’s not just physically beneficial but also mentally beneficial, emotionally beneficial.

You see a lot of stuff online essentially telling you that if you don’t look a certain way then you’re not fit or flexible enough to do yoga. That’s not real, that’s just Instagram yoga. Soul Fire is more than just fitness yoga, as it focuses on how people feel, too. It’s a whole health practice and we are on a mission to transform as many lives as we can.”

There’s huge sense of potential bubbling inside 7 Edgedale Road, and the resident team of yogis, bodyworkers, food creatives, counsellors and therapists are looking to bring as many people as possible on a life-nourishing journey with them. Fore more information on what’s on offer regarding memberships, classes, events and room hire at Soul Fire Studios, pay them a visit at soulfirestudios.co.uk or call on 0114 221 6551.

Soul Fire Studios 7 Edgedale Road S7 2BQ Email: info@soulfirestudios.co.uk // @soul.fire.studios // WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 21

CHARITY

HELP BUILD A HELIPAD AT SHEFFIELD CHILDREN’S In 2021 the new Cancer and Leukaemia Ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital opened to patients and families. The Children’s Hospital Charity is now moving on to the next stage of their appeal to transform the facilities at Sheffield Children’s by fundraising to build a Helipad on the roof of the hospital.

In total, £6million is needed to build the Helipad with over £3million already raised thanks to the support of generous businesses, trusts, groups and individuals.

Sheffield Children’s is the only Major Trauma Centre in South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire that receives children under 16 years of age and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

The hospital also provides emergency services for Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire. Currently air ambulances can only land in Weston Park opposite the hospital. This is only usable in daylight hours, which particularly restricts its use during winter months, and cannot be used during public events.

The park is also across from a busy road which means staff must press the button

to cross the road in an emergency incident, which adds further delays in a situation where every second is critical.

Building a Helipad on the roof would ensure air ambulances can land and be transferred anytime with flood lighting.

When the weather sets in, the new helipad would also have electric trace heating incorporated into the deck to ensure that ice and snow do not disrupt the continued use of the facility during periods of inclement weather.

Could you help make this a reality for Sheffield Children’s Hospital in 2022?

There are lots of ways to get involved and support The Children’s Hospital Charity this year. From running the Sheffield Half Marathon to jumping out of planes and trekking to Machu Picchu.

Visit www.tchc.org.uk to find out more.

The new Cancer and Leukaemia Ward opened to patients in December 2021!

WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 23

The

T A E R G Outdoors COMPILED BY JOE FOOD // PHOTO: SAM MCQUEEN

Next month sees the return of The Festival of the Outdoors, ready to kick off a full month of events and activities celebrating the strength of the city’s vibrant outdoor communities.

Headline events this year are Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF – 19/20 March), The Climbing Works International Festival (19/20 March), Pollen Market special (20 March) and the Run for All Sheffield Half Marathon (27 March).

So, whether it’s to watch some of the best new adventure films, catch a glimpse of world-leading climbers taking on boulder challenges set by Percy Bishton (who was the route setter for the Tokyo Olympics), soak in the atmosphere at Castlegate with a special Pollen Market event or one of the most popular running events in the country – Sheffield has it all.

On top of the headline events the festival will feature various family, specialist and cultural events to get involved in across the whole of the month of March: dig days and mountain bike try-outs, volunteer events and heritage walks, Sheffield Beer Festival’s special runs and walks, orienteering, and much more.

Councillor Alison Teal, Executive Member for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure, said of the event: “After two years of the covid pandemic, local people have never been more reliant on or grateful for their parks, woodlands and greenspaces. Festival of the Outdoors gives us the opportunity to celebrate that, as well as finding new ways to be active and bringing us together with nature, which all lead to positive impacts on our health and wellbeing.”

“This is also a chance to highlight the responsibility we must all adopt in 24 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

respecting and protecting the natural environments around us – the climate emergency and the nature emergency demand that everyone take ownership to look after the incredibly precious green and blue spaces that we’re so lucky to have. I hope we’ll see lots of people getting involved, being inspired and loving our outdoors, not just in March but throughout the whole year.”

Two special ShAFF collaboration events are also taking place this year, supported and subsidised by The Outdoor City offering tickets with a significant reduction in price. There will be one event held on 16 February in the Winter Garden featuring a Q&A session with local filmmakers, as well as one on 9 March at Sheffield Cathedral, which will have music programming from Sheffield’s very own Get Together Festival.

More details will be shared soon through The Outdoor City, ShAFF, Get Together and Sheffield Cathedral websites and social media channels.

The full festival programme is available at theoutdoorcity.co.uk/festival-ofthe-outdoors, and you can follow @ TheOutdoorCity on social channels for all the latest news and information. From around mid-February a printed guide will be available through independent businesses and community centres throughout the city.

To celebrate the return of the festival, Exposed has put together a feature celebrating the UK’s first Outdoor City, speaking to the local people and organisations leading the way in getting out and about in Sheffield.

Why the Outdoor City?

Here are just a few reasons: A third of the city lies within the Peak District, which was the first designated national park in England (est. 1951).

A whopping 61% of Sheffield’s entire area is green space.

There are 80 ancient woodlands in Sheffield, the largest being Ecclesall Woods, which is the largest ancient semi-natural woodland in South Yorkshire.

There are more than 250 parks, woodlands and public gardens inside the city’s boundary, which is estimated to contain around 4.5 million trees.

Sheffield is the most geographically diverse city in England and has more types of differing habitats than any city in the UK. We’re home to the country’s only city centre mountain biking facility at Parkwood Springs.

Sheffield is the UK’s ‘Climbing Capital’ with circa 10,000 climbers living in the city.

Participation rates in outdoor recreation here are well above the national average – particularly for walking, running and cycling.

WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 25

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Evie Muir, Peaks of Colour founder “Our main aim is simply to create a safe space for people of colour to reconnect with nature, reclaim space in the outdoors and reap the mental health benefits...”

Peaks of Colour is a Peak District-based walking club by and for people of colour only. We offer monthly hikes across classic Peak District locations, and regular walk-shops: creative and holistic workshops set in nature, in collaboration with local facilitators of colour. In 2022, for example, we will see the group exploring routes such as Winn Hill and Edale, with yoga, nature writing and sound therapy workshops throughout the year also. We’re an informal, inclusive and intersectional group that is intentionally trauma informed, LGBT+ inclusive and accessible. Our walks vary in difficulty and duration, with wheelchair and pushchair accessible walks to meet a range of needs and experiences.

As a community group that aims to uphold a decolonial, co-produced model, Peaks of Colour is founded on the Black Feminist ethos of Radical SelfCare. This recognises that for people of colour, rest is resistance, an act that unapologetically puts our wellbeing and safety first. It recognises that in order to look after others – be that within the family, the wider community or in our fight for social justice – we must first look after ourselves. We were similarly born in response to the overt and insidious rural racism experienced in outdoor spaces, combatting the disproportionate barriers to access that people of colour experience and resisting the systems which gatekeeps nature and the mental wellbeing benefits it offers.

Our main aim is simply to create a safe space for people of colour to reconnect with nature, reclaim space in the outdoors and reap the mental health benefits – that for one day a month, we permit ourselves the space to pause, breathe, recover and heal, in the company of others who share our lived experiences of navigating society as people of colour.

Another aim, more broadly, is to explore funding opportunities and revenues that resists a top-down model far too often rooted in colonial models of power and control. We hope to remain sustainable as a collective whilst also remaining true to our values of rest and resistance If you identify as a person of colour, you can get involved by joining our closed Facebook group (search ‘Peaks of Colour), which is where we announce all the dates, times and locations of our monthly hikes and events.

26 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Our allies can support us by following us on Instagram, sharing Peaks of Colour amongst your networks and, if you have the financial capacity, donating to our fundraising pot. We are currently an unfunded and volunteer-led community group who relies solely on donations to fund our workshops and core costs, so any and all financial support is hugely appreciated.

For me, in the most individualised sense, Sheffield and the Peak District more specifically is a place of healing. As a domestic abuse survivor, I have relied heavily on the outdoors this city has to offer for my own trauma recovery – whether being blown away atop Stanage Edge, submerging into Rivelin’s Plunge Pool or lounging amongst the crocuses in the Botanical Gardens, I am the most at home in myself when immersed in the Outdoor City. It’s what makes me feel tethered and anchored, yet similarly detached and free. It allows me to focus on the present and look forward to the future instead of being cemented in the past, and I always return home feeling lighter after spending time in the outdoors. Peaks of Colour as an idea was actually conceived on one of Sheffield’s round walks, and is simply my opportunity to extend the invitation, to people of colour to share the places and the peace these places offer with me. @peaksofcolour

Rachel Carr, climber & coach

“I try to get out to the Peaks whenever I can and have climbed so many incredible blocks around that area.”

I began climbing 13 years ago when a friend of my mums took me as a kid, and I instantly fell in love with it. I started out as a gymnast so found I was quite talented from an early stage – climbing was a much more fun way to use my strength, flexibility and to challenge myself.

I started in competition climbing after becoming British champ, a year after attending my first internationals. I focused on competing until aging out of junior at 19 years old, and that’s when I started to discover outdoor climbing.

After becoming quickly hooked I found myself travelling the world just to climb. At the age of 21 I moved to Sheffield for work and for the climbing and fell further in love. I’d competed for GB as a junior and a lot of our trainings were based in Sheffield, so I got a real sense of the climbing scene through those and also attending competitions here. Now, I try to get out to the Peaks whenever I can and have climbed so many incredible blocks around that area. The things I like most about living here are the people, the access to the outdoors and just how easy it is to get around. My main focus now is trying to raise awareness, understanding and visibility for other female climbers so more can discover and enjoy it as much as I have. @rachelkarma WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 27

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Owen Hayman, Sheffield Outdoor Plungers

Simon Walkden, Fell Runner and Photographer

“In the mornings before work, I often try to get out for sunrise, and as an activity it fitted in perfectly with my amateur photography hobby.”

Football was my main sport for a long time, but after breaking my leg in 2007, I decided I needed to knock that on the head. I figured I’d get into something else following my recovery. I’d always been a runner since I was a kid, and around the same time a colleague of mine entered the London Marathon, so I built my fitness back up with running and ran that race in 2009.

It was initially road running to begin with, but I later started tagging along with a neighbour who would run out on Blacka Moor and that’s what introduced me to fell running. Living in Dore, I had the Peak District on my doorstep, so running out there quickly became my default workout and before I knew it, I’d started entering fell running competitions.

I was quickly hooked. In the mornings before work, I often try to get out for sunrise, and as an activity it fitted in perfectly with my amateur photography hobby. Sometimes I’ll run from home, out as far as Castleton, and other times I’ll drive into other part of the Peaks and explore from there.

I love the variety that fell running offers, I enjoy the more challenging weather conditions once you get higher – the wind, the rain, the snow. I never listen to music when I’m out in the Peaks; I tune into the sounds of nature instead.

Whereas road running was largely about hitting certain times and beating PBs, out in the Peaks the main decision is really just how long you’re going to be out there for – sometimes it’s 3, 4 or 5 hours of being totally immersed in your surroundings.

The great thing about Sheffield is it doesn’t really feel like the other big northern cities – Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool – as literally a third of it lies in the Peak District. I think something that symbolises that city/countryside dynamic well is the Sheffield Round Run route: you’re within a major city but constantly passing through all these green spaces at the same time. It’s a very special thing to have. @mazymixer

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I moved to Sheffield about ten years ago for university. Before that I was in Swansea, where I’d spend a lot of time swimming in the sea. I was already quite an outdoorsy person; I had discovered rock climbing just before moving here and continued that when I arrived. I remember one of the first things I did as a fresher was cycle out at night to the Peak District while everyone else was getting trashed in halls of residence.

In terms of wild swimming, there wasn’t anywhere that well known back then, apart from Slippery Stones really. I had joined a wild swimming Facebook group based in Leeds called FLOWS (Fabulous Leeds Outdoor Wild Swimmers) and saw they were visiting some of the reservoirs around the north of Sheffield – places like Penistone, where I was living at the time – and cautiously began swimming in those. I also started going to Crookes Valley Park and began wondering why others didn’t seem to swim there. I’d watched it for a while and it had all the signs it was clean, so I started swimming there and set up a Facebook group in 2016.

The idea was to create a local group where people who shared an interest in wild swimming could meet and discuss locations, maybe go on swims together. I felt like I had discovered something and wanted to share it. I worked at Sheffield University so would often go for a lunchtime swim during the summer and pop back into work. It’s a very refreshing thing to do. There’d be different groups who started turning up at different times to fit around their daily routines – the morning group, the 1pm gang, the post-work swimmers – it quickly became quite popular.

There are a few well-known wild swimming locations around Sheffield these days: Crookes Valley Park, Slippery Stones, the Rivelin Valley plunge pool. It can be a highly addictive activity; you get that rush of endorphins and the wellbeing aspect is huge.

People with certain physical and mental health conditions can actually find quite life-changing effects from wild swimming.

There’s a lot of science around it, and of course a big social side too – Sheffield SOUP is one of the biggest local swimming Facebook groups in the UK. I think part of that is because we always wanted it to be as welcoming as possible; it’s very much a ‘more the merrier’ attitude.

People might wonder how something as inoffensive as swimming could be political, but wild swimming is wrapped up in two big things: access and environmental impact. I’d argue it has a positive environmental impact as it engages people with issues surrounding our rivers, particularly the pollution problems they’re currently facing. If you’re swimming in them, you’re going to positively engage in that debate. @sheffieldoutdoorplungers

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T U O And About EVENTS GUIDE

Our pick of Festival of the Outdoors events heading your way next month!

Vivacity, Peace Gardens 4th-5th March, 5pm-10pm Vivacity is a free to attend music and lighting concert in Sheffield centre. As well as live bands and DJs, the event will have live performances, laser show, kids’ activities, a selection of local food traders and a bar. There will be something to do and experience for all ages of the family to help bring warmth and light to the dark nights and city streets.

Parkwood Springs and the Neighbouring Woods 5th March, 10:30am-1pm Parkwood Springs car park This 4.8km walk will explore a little of Parkwood Springs, with its spectacular views over the city and the Peak District. We’ll hear some of its interesting history and about plans for the future. Then it’ll cross into Roe Woods and on to Crabtree Ponds, before returning to Parkwood Springs.

The Outdoor City SUP experience 5th-6th Mar // 12th-13th Mar // 19th20th Mar // 26th-27th Mar Victoria Quays Come along for a SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) experience in the heart of Sheffield at the historic Victoria Quays.

Once you’ve had a quick introduction to the equipment and after a short safety briefing we will get to grips with how to control the board whilst kneeling. Once we’ve got that sorted you’ll look at getting stood up. When you’re feeling comfortable it’ll be time to put your new found skills to use and go on a small journey along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal. Minimum age 13 and it costs £45pp.dcoutdoors.co.uk

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Sheffield Beer Week 7th-13th March Imagine a week where breweries hold open days for visitors to explore, pubs host beer festivals, bars have tap takeovers and restaurants offer menus with tailored beer pairings – that’s Sheffield Beer Week! This week-long festival celebrates the region’s brewing landscape, highlighting the wonderful world of beer, taking and sharing inspiration from across the globe. Collaboration is key with Sheffield’s bars, pubs and restaurants joining forces with local, national and international breweries to host beery events. sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk ShAFF x Get Together music and film night!

Sheffield Cathedral, 9th March Bringing the wild outdoors into the heart of The Outdoor City, Sheffield Adventure Film Festival are moving their outdoor screen indoors to Sheffield Cathedral, with some extra special music programming from Get Together festival!

ShAFF will be screening special music-related films and Get Together will be showcasing some great bands as a preview for their second festival in May. shaff.co.uk Sheffield Beer Week 2022 - Pub and Industrial Heritage Walk 11th March, 4pm-5:45pm Join Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer for Sheffield and District CAMRA, for a talk and walk around Kelham and Neepsend! The event starts at the Fat Cat; after a short introduction, we’ll follow a 1.2 mile route, passing the oldest working brewery in Sheffield, a myriad of industrial sites, more breweries and pubs before finishing in Neepsend, close to the now derelict Cannon Brewery. Cost is £3.95.

Hop Hideout 5km 12th March, Kommune Meet at Hop Hideout beer shop in Kommune foodhall for a gentle 5km run around Sheffield’s central green spaces. All abilities welcome and the run will be finishing back at the shop for a Sheffield Beer Week social afterwards. Email hophideout@gmail.com to book your free place. @hophideout A Journey to Hidden Places 13th March // 27th March Join author Rob Haslam on a 6 mile-walk to discover the Lost Gateway in an ancient bluebell wood, the Star Crossed Queen, the Enchanted Chairs and up to 30 fascinating pieces of creative art hidden around Firth Park and Wincobank. Meet outside First Start at 11am and bring a packed lunch. Reserve places by emailing roberthaslam0@gmail.com.

Norfolk Heritage Trail 16th March Sheffield Manor Lodge, 10:30am-1pm Follow the linear Norfolk Heritage Trail (2.75km) through City Road Cemetery, Norfolk Park (café and toilet break) and Spring Wood in the knowledgeable company of one of its original instigators. Includes a bonanza of historical gems, including the Cholera Monument, Shrewsbury Hospital, the Old Queen’s Head, Sheffield Castle and the Cathedral.

ShAFF 2022 18th-20th March, Showroom Cinema Now entering its 17th year, ShAFF (Sheffield Adventure Film Festival) is the largest urban adventure film festival in the UK, with an aim is to bring the outdoor community together and inspire everyone to seek their own adventures, challenge themselves and take action to protect the environments we adventure in. shaff.co.uk The Rab Climbing Works International Festival 19th-20th March, The Climbing Works A bouldering competition with a difference. No entry fee, no isolation for the qualification round, and the chance to climb alongside some of the best climbers in the world on problems set by some of the world’s best route setters. You don’t come just to watch – you come to take part. climbingworks.com

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Gettin’

T U O And About Pollen - Inner-City Flower Market x FOTO 2022 20th March, Castlegate Celebrating all things botanical, recently arrived street market Pollen has nestled into its home along Grey to Green in Castlegate, an award-winning scheme bursting with innovation and sustainability. Expect to find a range of plant, produce and flower sellers adorning the cycle path, creating a feast for the senses. You can also enjoy a huge range of outdoor brands and activities - from bike rides and orienteering routes, to workshops, live entertainment and some of the best food and drink in the city. pollenmarket.co.uk Sheffield Home of Football Walking Tour 20th March Crucible Theatre, 2pm Led by Dr John P. Wilson, the Home of Football Project manager, this central 1-mile walk will shed a light on Sheffield’s unique football heritage: the world’s two oldest clubs, Sheffield FC (1857) and Hallam FC (1860); the founding of SWFC and SUFC; and the history of Bramall Lane and Yorkshire Cricket Club. Places can be reserved at Eventbrite.co.uk, or download the ‘Sheffield Home of Football’ App from Apple Store or Google Play Store for your own narrated tour.

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Introduction to Archery 26th March Ringinglow Archery & Target Sports Centre This Adult Introduction to Archery session is designed for those with little or no experience with archery and provides coaching in correct and safe shooting. An Archery GB qualified coach runs all sessions and all equipment is provided. Cost is £30pp, and please note they run separate introduction sessions for juniors under the age of 18. ringinglow-archery.co.uk Sheffield Half Marathon 2022 27th March A major event in the UK’s running calendar, the Sheffield Half Marathon attracts thousands of runners and spectators to the city’s streets and raises many thousands of pounds for numerous great causes. With a city centre start and finish, the event boasts a scenic route – with stunning views of the Peak District for those who conquer the climb to Ringinglow. runforall.com A full list of the events featuring the latest updates is available at theoutdoorcity.co.uk/festival-of-theoutdoors. Plans can change quickly in the currently climate, so do doublecheck

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

POINTS OF VIEW We asked Exposed readers to send in their favourite views, walks and generally lovely green spaces dotted around the Steel City.

@CHeywoodHeath Too many to choose from which in itself captures Sheff as @theoutdoorcity Graves Park, Manor Lodge, Castlegate & @OurCowMolly. In no other major city are you blessed with such amazing green spaces regardless of whether you’re in the city centre, a council estate or affluent suburb.

@cprepsdy We’ve worked for nearly 100 years to define and protect @theoutdoorcity countryside. Our founder Ethel Haythornthwaite helped to draw up the Green Belt and to create the @peakdistrict national park. The stretch of our Peak District Boundary Walk up Wyming Brook is stunning.

@P_U_B_L_I_C Manor Fields. Every morning. Bliss.

@juliabeaumont13 Centrally, I love a walk around Norfolk Park, through Clay Wood to the Cholera Monument and along to Park Hill. You don’t have to venture far from the city for lovely views.

@jimmy The view from Fulwood Head Road back into the city.

Good rest after cycling up Roper Hill!

@drlouisashilton I love this view from Fanshawe Gate Lane above Totley!

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@GlynCowlishaw The bench at the top of the Coppice Road (a track really) looking down to the A57 out of Sheffield and the Rivelin Valley below.

@mazymixer The cairn on Totley Moor. My local running patch since I was a child.

@markcurtains Parkwood Springs. Mainly for the MTB trail (only one of it’s kind in the country currently) but some of the best views of the city and further afield.

@Adelai05 Oh definitely #StHelena right at the top of #Grenoside. From here, in one direction, our whole glorious city of #Sheffield is spread out at your feet and to the other side #moors stretch out into the #peakdistrict.

@tpltravelled All of it. There isn’t a ‘one’. As the seasons and the daylight shift so does the impact of anywhere in the City and its surroundings on the soul. Sunset or sunrise on an Edge or the view off Skye Edge?. Grouse ont’ moors or a buzzard over S2? Grateful in spades for all of it.

@jameshope_gill Looking across Blacka Moor to Dore and the southwest of the city. Amazing that the city has the Peak District within its boundary. This picture was taken at Easter Day sunrise last year.

GOT MORE PICS OF #THEOUTDOORCITY? WE’D LOVE TO SEE ‘EM. SLING US A TAG ON SOCIALS @EXPOSEDMAG/@EXPMAGSHEFF

@nest_co_uk A slight detour from the Sheffield round walk, there is a field behind The Norfolk Arms which has a great view! It’s only a 2-3 mile walk from Endcliffe Park but it feels like you are in the middle of the countryside.

@RivelinCo We may be biased as we’re based there - but definitely Hillsborough Park! It has a library, a lake, beautiful views & a new cafe & activity centre opening soon... the perfect place for a wander, a visit to the community-run walled garden, or a go on the bikes with @cycling4_all WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 35

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Steel INTERVIEW: JOE FOOD

From Wharncliffe Woods to World Cup glory, proud Sheffielder Steve Peat is an international star on the downhill mountain bike scene. He spoke to Exposed about his journey into MTB, standout moments from an illustrious career and why the Outdoor City is the place for him. Main image: Andy Cole. Inset image: Duncan Philpott.

Hi Steve, tell us a bit about growing up in Sheffield and how you developed an interest in biking?

I grew up in Chapeltown with my older brothers, who I’d basically follow around on bikes everywhere. I suppose you’d say Chapeltown Park was where I’d cut my teeth; we used to build jumps around the back of the park and ride from there onto the slag heaps behind it. My mum would say I was never in the house, which was quite true.

When did it start to move from hobby into something a bit more serious?

Quite late on really. I think I was 17 when I did my first mountain bike race. My dad was part of Hillsborough Motorcycle Club for about 50 years, so we were always around bikes and two wheels. I was probably around 14 or 15 when I saved up all my paper round money and bought my first mountain bike, but it wasn’t until a few years later when a plumber I worked for told me to come and join his mountain biking club one night, the Beighton All-Terrain Squad (or BATS for short). I went for my first ride with them and managed to beat their best downhill mountain bike guy, so they were a bit like, “you’re actually quite good!” Then a bit later I entered and won my first novice race, a crosscountry race, so that was it – I had the bug.

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It sounds very much like something you fell into rather than planning it out since you were a kid?

Yeah, I was always a bit like that. I just continued entering more and more races, spreading out a bit further and continuing to win. But to be honest, it wasn’t like I was setting any goals – I was just loving life, loving riding mountain bikes. Then I eventually went up to national level and around ’93 I got my first downhill bike, with help from Langsett Cycles who had started sponsoring me, and I suppose once I started to win at a higher level I started to set a few more goals.

Borneo following a headhunter’s trail. There’s been loads of cool stuff.

What was it about downhill mountain biking that appealed to you more than other mountain biking disciplines?

For me, it was mostly about the adrenaline, shorter races and the training I enjoyed the most – shorter sprints and strength work.

Quite a few of my mates were going down the downhill route too, so I guess I enjoyed it a lot more.

You’re still very much involved in the biking scene in Sheffield. How popular is it as an activity these days?

The biking scene is really popular here. There are groups out there like Ride Sheffield, who help build trails all across the city. I’m a bit more involved in the north side of the city, and we run the the Steel City Downhill in Greno Woods, which will be back for the 10th time this year. All the money from that race goes straight back into maintaining the trails in Greno Woods and across Sheffield.

In terms of the Peak District side, Lady Canning’s is another really popular spot and Parkwood Springs, which will be getting another phase of development soon. The view of the city up there is incredible.

And it’s taken you across to compete in competitions and ride bikes around the world. Do any experiences really stand out?

I feel quite lucky I found mountain biking and managed to make it my job. For the last 25 years, I’ve raced world cups all across the globe and travelled to some really incredible settings. There have been adventure shoots where we raced at high altitude by Machu Pichu or ridden through the forests of

Despite travelling around the world with your mountain biking, you always return home to Sheffield. What does the Outdoor City mean to you?

Sheffield is home for me, and it’s where my family is. I live right on the edge of Wharncliffe Woods, so I can get straight out of my door and into the trails. I’ve been able to master my craft in those spaces, and despite being able to train and race in some incredible places, I still love it back here in Sheffield.

PEATY’S STEEL CITY DH 2022 heads to Greno Woods on May 14th

Quickfire with Peaty Career highlight?

There are two. Winning the World Cup race at Fort William in Scotland – it was the biggest cheer I’ve ever heard in sport. Then winning the World Championships in 2009 and becoming the fastest guy in the world.

Best location you’ve cycled in the world?

Wharncliffe Woods. When you know your local trail, you can have some real fun on them.

Where’s your happy place?

Out on a bike, riding with friends.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: SHEFFIELD BEER WEEK

Sheffield Beer Week

By Jules Gray, Sheffield Beer Week Founder Sheffield Beer Week returns! Founder Jules Gray talks us through what we can expect from a week-long festival celebrating the region’s brewing landscape.

Looking forward is about the most positive thing we can do now – and finally, it seems that there is a hopeful horizon in the distance. With that in mind, March is one of my favourite months – well, at least since Sheffield Beer Week launched in 2015. Sheffield’s craft beer festival, Indie Beer Feast, will be kicking off the week in style with a new central venue, the 1930s industrial space of Trafalgar Warehouse. This year the event will welcome 17 breweries, 2 cideries and a selection of Low Intervention wines from Naturally Wines.

Sheffield Beer Week officially launches on Monday 7th March and though this year may be a more relaxed affair citywide (hospitality venues and the brewing sector are still in recovery mode from 24 months of pandemic), this muchneeded boost will be a huge bonus for the local scene. We also need/deserve every bit of joy we can get these days, so it’s a pleasure to see SBW making a triumphant ‘real-life’ return!

Beer tourism is a crucial cog to a beer city such as Sheffield; the footfall and financial benefit all round is a real win-win for the local hospitality and brewing industries (this includes taxis, restaurants and hotels). The immense sense of positive community and pride for residents can’t be knocked either, in addition to all the great events and beers we have to relish. Sheffield Beer Week will be working closely with North Yorkshire beer allies Harrogate Beer Week, celebrating a cross-county beer partnership. There’ll be a continued focus on a hybrid of online and in-person elements in light of the pandemic, enabling us to connect on a global level with supporters. All will be listed at sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk, so do head over for a browse!

Creating welcoming spaces for everyone in the beer scene has always been a focus for Sheffield Beer Week and this year is no different with Out & About (@ outandaboutsheff) and International Women’s Day events. Sheffield breweries Heist Brew Co and Lost Industry will be brewing up beers for International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day (@IWCBD/ unitebrew.org), so keep a lookout on their socials for more information on those.

Visit Sheffield’s Festival of the Outdoors hosts a month-long celebration of the

green spaces and adventure trails in the city through March – and Sheffield Beer Week are happy to be joining in the fun!

We’ll be showcasing beer and history walks (via local historian Dave Pickersgill, editor of CAMRA’s ‘Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs’); a running and beer social club, and highlighting the ‘Right to Roam’ campaign (righttoroam.org.uk) alongside the 90th anniversary of the Kinder Mass Trespass with a beer collab from best-selling author Nick Hayes (The Book of Trespass), Saint Mars of the Desert brewery, Sheffield Beer Week and Hop Hideout. Sheffield Beer Week’s key ongoing core strands focuses on Beer and Food Pairings, Community and Heritage – Sheffield really does punch above its beer weight on the global stage, let’s raise a toast to that. sheffieldbeerweek.co.uk / @ SheffBeerWeek indiebeerfeast.co.uk / @IndieBeerFeast

Harrogate Beer Week founder: Rachel Auty

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS: SHAFF

Adventure

TIME

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival is set to bring the wild outdoors into the heart of the city once again this year, as tickets go on sale for the 2022 event taking place at the Showroom Cinema from 18-20 March.

This year’s event welcomes five big screens across one adrenaline-packed weekend, featuring a carefully curated three-day programme of 100 of the best new adventure films from around the world.

From one minute long to feature length, this year’s selections include high adrenaline and big tricks, alongside quieter moments of contemplation and revelation.

Featuring environmentalists climbing strangler fig trees in Costa Rica, Peruvian housewives tackling South America’s highest peak, to a solo photographer on a mission capturing elusive mountain goats in the depths of a Yukon winter, the films reflect the diversity of the outdoor experience around the world.

Festival co-directors Matt Heason and Anna Paxton said: “As we emerge into a post-pandemic world, filmmakers have struck a balance between adrenaline and escapism, and more thoughtful reflection on the role of adventure in all our lives. ShAFF 2022 is the perfect springboard to the new outdoor season, and we look forward to seeing everyone there!”

As well as the screenings, you are also invited to learn how to lower your adventure footprint at The Outpost with free ShAFF exhibits, talks and experiences focused on steps we can all take towards sustainable adventuring.

Explore the potential of e-bikes and cargo bikes, find out how to repair your outdoor kit, or drop off old unwanted gear for upcycling. A series of free talks will discuss low carbon travel options, training for mountain and fell running, and how to dip your toe into wild swimming, among other subjects.

The Outpost will also feature a series of artwork using recycled and reclaimed materials and climbing and mountain biking photography exhibitions.

Festivalgoers are invited to join the conversation at a series of short film screenings followed by panel discussions around climate, sustainability, diversity and inclusion in outdoors and adventure.

Ian Wild, CEO of Showroom Cinema, said: “It’s great to be able to welcome ShAFF back to Showroom. Year after year the team behind the festival bring a consistently fascinating programme to the cinema and we’re excited to see what they have in store this time. It is always a pleasure to host events of this calibre, and as one of the best adventure film festivals on the international circuit it’s a fantastic addition to our schedule.”

The full 2022 programme can be viewed at the ShAFF website. Tickets go on sale via the Showroom Cinema website 12 noon, Thursday 3 February with ticket links for each session and event on the ShAFF website.

ShAFF will be the first event to be held at full capacity at Showroom since the beginning of the pandemic, and further information on the safety measures in place can be found on its website. This year the festival is also offering an online programme via their Reelhouse channel. shaff.co.uk // @shefadvfilmfest

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WHY WE CLIMB

We spoke to Louis-Jack, director of short film ‘Midair’ – an inquisitive bouldering documentary featuring Sheffield climber Jim Pope. By Lizzie Morton.

What was the inspiration behind Midair?

Our inspiration was trying to convey the reasons why we climb; even if you’re a climber the sport often feels very strange, especially bouldering. You spend a lot of time huddled under these big rocks in the middle of nowhere, often in the freezing cold, or you’re training and doing all these strange, very particular exercises – and sometimes you just think, what’s the reason for doing this? This was both a way for us to explore that existential question, and convey to those that don’t climb why we do it, why we love it, and why we’re willing to make the sacrifices and put the work in.

Bouldering looks like such a rush. How have you managed to convey that adrenaline high in the film?

The music was the biggest factor. From the outset I had in mind that it would have this pulsing, techno soundtrack to drive the film and convey that excitement. I guess there’s some crossover with dance music and that flow state in climbing. On both occasions, you lose yourself in that moment.

We had the track from Leftfield – a 90s rave track – and some more modern contemporary techno. I knew that Jim loved that music, so when the film focused on him, that music just made sense.

During the pandemic lots of us turned to the outdoors for escapism. How does it feel knowing more people are discovering what’s so great about bouldering?

It’s fantastic! It’s definitely changed my life.

Obviously, I’m biased, but I just think it’s the most wonderful pursuit. If you get hooked on it, it’s lifechanging. The more people that get into it, the better, both in terms of personal health and wellbeing. It also makes your relationship with nature more profound. Once you get into an outdoor pursuit, like climbing or bouldering, you get a greater affinity and respect for nature. If this film encourages people to give climbing and bouldering a try, then fantastic!

Are you looking forward to the premiere of ‘Midair’ at ShAFF? I can’t wait! With the Peak District being the centre of climbing I couldn’t think of a better place to showcase the film. I’m very jealous of you guys, having it all there right on your doorstep. Every time I come to climb in the Peaks, I just love it.

You can catch Midair at ShAFF as part of the Made in Sheffield collection (19 Mar, 16.15 – Screen 3); Adrenaline Films 1 (18 Mar, 21:30 – Screen 3); Young Adventurers Films 1 (18 Mar, 17:30 – Screen 2//20 Mar, 10:30); Adventure Bites (18 Mar, 17:00 – Café//19 Mar, 10:00 – Screen 5//20 Mar, 10:00 café) WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 45

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: SHAFF

RIDING IT OUT Exposed spoke to Daniel Schwendener, a junior doctor based in Sheffield who found solace from hectic wards during the pandemic through cycling in the Peaks. Her experiences will be documented in a new film ‘Days Off’ set to premiere at ShAFF next month. Photography: Richard Baybutt // Cotic Could you tell us a bit about yourself and what first drew you to mountain biking as a pursuit?

I came to the UK from Canada for medical school and now work as a junior doctor. I first got into mountain biking during medical school; things were getting a bit hectic, the workload was really high and I needed something else I could focus my mind on. There are few different pros to it, I guess. Fundamentally, it allows you to get out in nature, enjoy some exercise and be social – all very important when you work in a hospital environment. About five or six years ago, I met a couple of people on a Facebook group for girls who mountain bike and started riding through that really.

The film delves into how mountain biking really helped your mental health during the pandemic. Could you talk to us about that?

Yeah, the film focuses on how mountain biking and cycling in general helped to get me through the beginning part of the pandemic. As you can imagine, it was a chaotic time to work in a hospital – it was a very confusing and at times quite harrowing experience to work through. Also, even when you were out of work, all anybody was talking was the pandemic, whether that was people around you or on the news. Even when you came home it felt like you couldn’t get away from it. I got a gravel bike from Cotic [Sheffield bike company] and started going out for rides in the Peaks, cycling out from my flat in town all the way out there.

It gave you the space you needed?

Yeah, that’s it. Like a bubble where there’s nobody around, where there’s no talk about the pandemic; it’s just an escape. On a more general note, getting outside just helps your mood, helps you put things in perspective. As you said, it’s getting that space. It felt like I could breathe.

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS: SHAFF

Do you have any favourite routes or places you’d ride to?

I guess it depends who I’m riding with really. There was one route I was riding quite a lot, a nice little loop around Bradield Dale. And there’s Our Cow Molly’s ice cream shop on the way back, which is an added bonus!

Having moved here from another country, you’ve got quite a unique perspective into Sheffield’s offering as an outdoor city. What’s been your impression of that side of things since settling here?

I specifically chose to come Sheffield after studying in Nottingham because of how outdoorsy it is. Access to the Peaks is a big one, but also all the likeminded people here who are interested in cycling, climbing, etc. It’s much easier to find people here who you can relate to with that sort of stuff. It’s great. @dschwendy // @coticbikes WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 47

HERITAGE SHEFFIELD

PARKS FOR THE PEOPLE Sheffield is well deserving of its title as the ‘Outdoor City’.

A third of its area famously sits within the Peak District National Park and there are roughly four trees to every one resident. There is a wealth of avenues to explore on this subject, from the Mass Trespass of Kinder Scout in 1932 to the founding of the city’s botanical gardens or one of the idyllic riversides that are riddled with industrial relics. It’s Norfolk Park and the Cholera Monument Grounds that I’ve chosen as the subject for this month’s article, two parks with a rich heritage and stunning panoramic views to boot!

Norfolk Park sits to the south east of the city centre and is a popular jaunt for dog walkers, runners and cyclists alike.

Historically, the land that it now occupies was part of the former Sheffield Park, a vast medieval deer park totalling 2,462 acres, which belonged to Sheffield Manor. Sheffield Park passed to the Howard family, the Dukes of Norfolk, in the mid-18th Century through marriage, having previously been owned by the Earls of Shrewsbury. The park was split into farms and remained predominantly agricultural until the rapid expansion of the city in the early 1800’s. Houses started to permeate the area, creeping up the Sheaf Valley and Duke Street and ironstone mining was carried out beneath today’s park. In order to preserve a slice of this once grand expanse, in 1841 the Duke commenced with the layout of Norfolk Park. It partially opened to the public seven years later but was granted to the City Council in 1909 and has remained an asset of the city ever since.

The vision by the Duke was to create a recreational area that gave the illusion of rurality whilst maintaining its proximity to Sheffield. It was formed to cater for walkers and carriage rides – a romantic concept to the 21st Century Sheffielder – and 48 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

planted with shrubs and trees surrounding a central open space. It was the favoured location to invite Queen Victoria after she opened the Town Hall in 1897. On that occasion 200,000 people turned up to see Her Majesty, well over half the city’s population at the time.

Norfolk Park still retains much of its Victorian charm and there’s still plenty to look out for on your rambles. Two Grade II listed Tudor Revival lodges survive from 1841 at the main entrances along Norfolk Park Road and Granville Road, as do the gateways. At the opposite side of the grounds are a collection of quaint cottages that date back to the park’s creation. Framing the greenery is a memorial arch to the 15th Duke, creator of Norfolk Park.

The Ionic stone arch is the sole survivor of a halftimbered pavilion from 1912 that was destroyed by fire. Norfolk Park has since received grade II* listed status given its importance as a green, heritage site in our city.

To the north west of Norfolk Park is another of Sheffield’s historic green spaces that, given the last two years, may feel all too relatable. The Monument Grounds provide a serene setting a stone’s throw from Sheffield Station and offer possibly the best views over the city centre. Although it’s

Photography: @tazstreetmoments

enjoyed today as an escape from the urban world, the grounds relay a story of the Cholera Pandemic of 1832, an episode that claimed 402 lives in Sheffield, including that of the sitting Master Cutler, John Blake.

The disease had landed on British shores the previous year and swept across the land. Squalid conditions in Sheffield’s crofts and among the densely pack workshops saw cholera ravage the poorer population. Public anxiety increased hand in hand with the death rate, so a more appropriate burial ground was sought, away from the churchyards that sat in the heart of the communities.

The 12th Duke of Norfolk, the largest landowner in Sheffield, provided a plot of unconsecrated land overlooking the township for this purpose in August 1832. Such was the hysteria surrounding the pandemic that many of the burials were in unmarked graves on what became known as the Cholera Burial Grounds. Fortunately the disease was under control by the end of the year and the grounds shortly closed to burials. Similar to Norfolk Park, the grounds were given as a gift to the city by the Duke in 1930.

Also like Norfolk Park, there are several attractions in the grounds to transport the visitor back to yesteryear. The focal point is the impressive Cholera Monument, a needle-like structure that can be seen from many streets in the city centre. Erected in 1835 as a memorial to those who tragically died during the pandemic, it is the work of Matthew Ellison Hadfield, one of Sheffield’s chief architects who would go on to design St. Marie’s Catholic Cathedral and St. Vincent’s Church in the city. To the north east of the Monument Grounds, across Norfolk Road, are the former Shrewsbury Hospital almshouses, chapel, chaplain’s house and infirmary from 1825. Connecting the Cholera Monument to Norfolk Park is a lovely walk through Clay Wood, a green oasis amongst Victorian villas.

Sheffield has many historic parks and green spaces, all with their own tale to tell. There’s plenty out there to explore, so make the most of it and enjoy our wonderful outdoor spots!

Words: Richard Phipps @heritagesheffield WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 49

NEWGEN ADVERTORIAL

KNOW YOUR CBDS

Hemp and CBD have an ancient history. In recent years, hemp has hit the mainstream; however, it outdates much of modern civilization. In fact, the oldest recorded use of hemp goes back over 10,000 years in the region now known as Taiwan.

Pictures @deadpony_

Similar to today, hemp was used for thousands of years as food, fiber and medicine. The seeds were used as food, the oil (containing CBD) as medicine and the hard durable stalks as fibre.

Most people have heard of Marijuana, but not everyone is familiar with the hemp plant.

Hemp is a species of cannabis, and closely related to marijuana. However, a highly important distinction is necessary: unlike marijuana, neither hemp nor CBD is psychoactive. This means the consumption of CBD and hemp does not get you high.

Consequently, there’s been a growing interest in the health benefits purported by CBD use in recent years, leading to something of a boom in products containing cannabinoid – a compound from the cannabis plant which doesn’t produce a ‘high’ like its THC counterpart – and on the market today you can find anything ranging from CBD-infused rollons, sprays and gummies to soft drinks, coffees and even bath salts!

Evidence in various medical journals have pointed towards cannabinoids potentially being effective in treating a range of ailments: anxiety, depression, PTSD, epilepsy, addiction, diabetes, arthritis, sleep disorder, chronic pain conditions, to name but a few.

Another popular use for CBD is as a workout supplement, with studies suggesting that it can aid recovery by reducing muscle pain and inflammation, which is precisely how Newgen CBD owners Ash Dobbins and Louie Dubik were first introduced to the product.

“I’d always experiment with alternative pain management methods through my boxing training,” says Ash. “I’m not really one for paracetamol, ibuprofen or sleeping pills. So, just over three years ago now, when we heard about the some of the positive feedback on CBD, Louie and I started experimenting in 52 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

using it for recovery purposes.”

“It didn’t take long for us to see the benefits. We were that impressed we’d start to buy the products for friends and family, and when they started to see the benefits too, we trusted it and began to create a brand. Newgen came to mind because it felt like a new generational discovery – even though it’s actually been around for thousands of years!”

Since setting up the company in 2018, Newgen moved to new premises late last year, a quirky café/ shop on Campo Lane where they sell a wide range of products – oils, gummies and muscle roll-ons – alongside superb coffees (available with or without CBD), bagels and bakes.

Through building up a loyal customer base, they’ve heard first-hand feedback on the positive changes their products have brought to people’s lives – whether that’s mental health, physical ailments or sports recovery. The aim now is to spread the Newgen message further and continue to support healthy and active lifestyles.

Ash explains: “I think CBD is still a little misunderstood. All our products are lab tested and we pride ourselves on the extensive research, testing and sampling that ensures we comply with all UK laws. We use our products personally and give them to our friends and family, so you can be assured they’re entirely safe! We’re passionate about this.

The feedback we’ve had from customers has been phenomenal, telling us how the products have helped improves lives in a wide range of ways. We’re absolutely open to answering any questions people might have – that’s what we’re here for – but we’d also ask people to do their own research if they have any misgiving, as there’s plenty out there.” @newgencbd // newgencbd.co.uk // 16 Campo Lane, Sheffield, S1 2EF

WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 53

恭喜发财 happy new year!

TIGER10 Scan the QR to download the app!

T&Cs: Only 500 x £10 off codes available. Code must be redeemed before 28th February 2022. Code can be used against any outlet on the citygrab app.

FOOD AND DRINK

TOP OF THE CHOPS

The team behind popular Broomhill restaurant Butcher and Catch recently opened a new sister restaurant in the heart of Kelham Island.

Their second venue, Chop Shop Bar and Grill, will take over the unit formerly occupied by The Tap House on Alma Street.

The new site promises to be more butcher than catch, with a key focus on chargrilled steaks, chops and meats, as well as rotisserie chicken, alongside a smaller number of fish dishes and sides.

Owner Liam Ridge explained to Exposed: “The venue is an arm of Butcher and Catch, so the inspiration comes from the meat elements that we do in Broomhill – really taking it back to basics with chargrilling. That’s the heart of what the kitchen is and pretty much 80 percent of the menu is on the grill. Whereas up in Broomhill we’ve got quite a complex menu, this is more about just showcasing the meat.”

“A lot of Butcher and Catch is about theatre and bringing the customer closer to what we do; if you’ve been up to Broomhill, you’ll see the open kitchen and the open meat and fish display. It’s

hugely importantly to us that you see where your food’s coming from. Here, we’ll have Iberico ham on the table and we’ll be carving to order, we’ll have a rotisserie chicken and you’ll be able to see the Argentinian chargrill that we can raise up and down, allowing us to either smoke meats or slow cook them, giving a really good emphasis on that smoky flavour. It’s really exciting.”

Chop Shop will also house a 40-seater bar, specialising in a range of top-quality red wines, as well as local cask ales and cocktails.

“It’s a great venue to have a bar as well, so we’ve split the venue into two – a bar area and a dining area.” explains Liam.

“The bar will have a huge focus on wine.

We will have cocktails, but the huge red wine menu links to the steaks, the chops and the meats. We’re going for wines with stronger, bigger flavours. Even the white wine is designed purely around pairing with meats, so a lot of stronger flavoured whites, nothing that’s just going to sit in

the background.”

For Liam, opening this second site brings the Butcher and Catch full circle and is the culmination of a five-year long journey since they first looked at this unit, before finally taking the plunge on their first site up at Broomhill.

“We’ve learned a lot from our first restaurant, so it’s important to get this one right, and there is pressure obviously. We’ve got a good reputation to start with, but it’s really important to understand they’re not the same, and when you see the menu, you’ll see the differences. There are similarities in terms of the way it looks, but it is a different menu. This is really back to basics in terms of chargrill and rotisserie cooking and kind of not overcomplicating things. We’re just very excited about being open now.” @chopshopgrill

CHOP SHOP BAR & GRILL 1B Alma St, Sheffield S3 8RY butcherandcatch.co.uk/chop-shop/ 0114 270 6008

WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 55

FOOD AND DRINK

SPREAD THE GOOD BREWS

New craft beer bottle shop and tasting room opens in Kelham.

New craft beer bottle shop and tasting room, Hymn to Ninkasi, is now open in Kelham and has locals singing its praises for its diverse offering of independent craft beers.

The shop, which takes its unusual name from a song of praise to Ninkasi, the Sumerian goddess of beer, can be found across from Domo restaurant and boasts vast fridges packed with around 180 different lines of unique and exciting independent brews from both Sheffield and across the globe.

As well as a mind-boggling range of bottles and cans, they also house three rotating taps for drinking in, which will always offer the choice of a lager, a sessionable IPA and a third ‘out-there’ sup, as well as a bespoke collection of small-batch local spirits and wine that can’t be found anywhere else in Sheffield.

The family-run passion project comes from brothers-in-law Nathan Robinson and Andrew Rodgers, who are branching out from their usual areas of business to incorporate their shared love of

craft beer and interesting brews.

Andrew told Exposed: “The UK beer scene has gone crackers, and Sheffield is a hub. They’re getting the product right and it looks awesome as well. Because of that, we’d been talking about doing something like this for three or four years and just before lockdown we started looking for premises.”

“We were so confident that it was going to work that lockdown didn’t really bother us. It’s all about location, and we love Kelham. We wanted to be somewhere that has the right kind of vibe and this place has it. Craft beer and Kelham fit together nicely.”

There’s a small bar area and tables inside able to accommodate 12 people for onsite drinks, as well as 12 people outside. To pay your respects to Hymn to Ninkasi, pop by the Little Kelham development from Wednesday to Friday, 5:30pm-10pm; Saturday, 2:30pm10pm and Sunday, 2:30pm-8pm. @hymn_to_ninkasi_Kelham

SENSES WORKING OVERTIME A new immersive fine dining restaurant and cocktail bar is set to open in the heart of Kelham Island this spring.

Work is well underway to create Synaesthesia, which will take its place in the area’s thriving bar and restaurant scene on the corner of Alma and Russel Street, across the road from the Grind Cafe.

Indie venue Synaesthesia aims to play with the senses, pairing innovative dishes with a bespoke cocktail menu inside an immersive setting.

Operations Manager John Gordon told Exposed: “We’re incredibly excited and enthused about Synaesthesia. We began by creating a bespoke cocktail menu, but found that the food wasn’t quite matching up to it, so we were able to hire Leslie Buddington, who was the head chef at Brocco [on the Park], and Leslie has crafted a menu that is absolutely phenomenal.”

The venue plans to tantalise and subvert expectations all day long, serving coffees, sandwiches and small plates in the daytime from an ‘interesting and intuitive lunch menu’, going through 56 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

into their fine dining evening experience.

John told: “We always want it to be special. As soon as you walk through the door, you should be having that synaesthesia feeling and experience; it should be a fully immersive experience.”

As well as the food and drinks, the interiors should add even more sensory touches, so watch this space for further updates on its progress, as well as incoming socials and soft launches in the coming weeks.

VALENTINE’S DAY Enjoy a romantic evening with latin love songs, low lights, and our authentic latin tapas menu.

From 6pm.

Now with a new opening time of 3pm, every Saturday La Mama will be serving you a fun style Latin Bottomless Brunch. Is your friend’s brunch ending at 3pm? Well, we’re just getting starting!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS @ LAMAMATAPASBAR 238 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield, S7 1FL Tel: 0114 327 9597 www.lamamalatin.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK

Z-AAPY DAYS

A new Thai restaurant comes to Ecclesall Road...

Authentic Thai street food group Zaap Thai have revealed plans to open their first Sheffield restaurant on Ecclesall Road.

The popular street food chain, which already boasts five restaurants in the North of England, is hoping to be open by late spring, early summer in the former home of Mud Crab Diner, more recently Bloc Restaurant.

Spokesperson for the group, Greg Callaghan, told Exposed: “We’ve been looking for a location in Sheffield for a number of years. It’s been at the top of our priority list, and we’ve finally found a fantastic site on Ecclesall Road after years of searching.”

We’re told the site will be ‘unrecognisable’, holding around 120 covers and featuring tuk tuk seating booths, neon lighting, Thai-inspired graffiti, a large bar, and an open kitchen lined with Thai hawker carts.

The menu will be full of Thai street food classics such as Som Tum, Pad Ga Prao and of course Pad Thai. There’ll also be a range of Thai curries, noodle soups, sharing platters, stir-fries and some more unique Thai dishes that you might not have heard of before.

They will also offer Thai-themed cocktails, Thai beers, a large range of non-alcoholic drinks and their signature Bubble Teas.

Greg added: “We can’t wait to introduce Zaap to the people of Sheffield.

Watch this space!”

ZAAP Sheffield will be the sixth Zaap Thai, following in the footsteps of restaurants in Leeds, Nottingham, Newcastle, York, and most recently the Leeds suburb of Headingley. For more info on progress at the Sheffield site, go chuck them a like on socials. zaapthai.co.uk

A TASTE FOR SUCCESS...

Heist Brew Co is set to bring more to the city this year with the launch of their new bottleshop and brewery tasting lounge.

Following a successful end to 2021, the Sheffield brewers wanted to bring something extra to their new brewery and taproom location and will now invite brewery friends from around the globe to their new beer tasting lounge.

Customers will be able to purchase and taste some of the freshest new beers from Heist Brew Co, as well as some of the best beers from around the world.

You are also invited to enjoy the beers in the company of the breweries involved during tap takeovers, and on brew days where beer lovers are invited to join the Heist Brew co brew team and their guests for drinks.

The first event lined up sees the Scandi Neon Wizards over at Omnipollo bring ten beers to help them kick off Sheffield Beer week, including special releases from their Church brewery in Stockholm, along with some very special cans and bottles.

The space will also be the location for fresh 58 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Heist Brew Co Pilot beers (Hype Juice) that can’t be purchased anywhere else, and these will be pouring every Friday in exchange for scratch cards as payment.

The new tasting room backs directly onto the brewery so you’ll be guaranteed the freshest pints possible. It will also be the location for many beery events such as Home Brew Club hosted once a month by the brew team, brewery tours and tank tastings and their unique Bourbon & Bourbon evenings where Bourbon barrel aged beers will be paired with Bourbon whiskeys.

And if all this wasn’t enough to whet your appetite, then more beer such as limited/ special release, barrel aged and Lambic beers will be available from the onsite bottleshop to take away. Further information on the brewery tasting lounge along with all event information can be found on their website. heistbrewco.com

RESTAURANT AND MUSIC BAR 250-254 London Road, Sheffield S2 4LW

Tel: 0114 221 5178 - 07435 966913 msmistryindiantapaslounge.com msmistrysheffield@gmail.com

Open: Weds-Sat 4.30pm to 10.30pm Sunday 5pm to 10pm Available for collection by calling direct or via: or order for delivery via:

VALENTINES MENU FEB 11th-14th

choose 3 appetisers, 2 entrees and a dessert served with a selection of breads, rice and a glass of fizz.

£30PP

EXPOSED VISITS

Exposed Visits

YE

OLDE

BELL For obvious global pandemic-related reasons, UK staycations or “holistays” are very much in vogue these days. You might not be guaranteed the weather, but the benefits are pretty clear: reduced travel time and costs, the ease at which you can fit in short breaks, no airport stress or jetlag worries to deal with, and you can always nip back if you’ve forgotten something important… like a bank card or family member.

It also means you get to explore some real gems closer to home, as Exposed discovered last month while staying at Ye Olde Bell, an award-winning luxury spa hotel situated in Barnby Moor, Nottinghamshire – a mere 45-minute drive from Sheffield city centre.

The striking building was originally built as a coaching inn in the 17th century and retains plenty of old-fashioned charm and quirks. Exposed beams, oak-panelled walls and ornate decorations adorn the hallways and rooms, while the stylish restaurant complete with art deco bar and a contemporary dining menu brings it right up to the 21st century. Overall, they offer 59 individually styled rooms THE STRIKING providing various levels of decadence, plus four stunning suites and two luxury lodges BUILDING WAS for good measure.

ORIGINALLY After a swift, friendly check-in we were BUILT AS A taken across the courtyard to our accomCOACHING modation, Rufford Lodge. Attached to Grove Lodge (the two can be connected INN IN THE for larger parties via a set of communi17TH CENTURY cating doors), the two-storey abode had AND RETAINS a wonderfully cosy, country getaway feel it and featured a small kitchen area, PLENTY OF to comfortable lounge, spacious bedroom OLD-FASH- and modern en-suite boasting a roll-top IONED CHARM bath and walk-in shower.

It was also conveniently located right AND QUIRKS...

60 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

by the spa, our next port of call for the day. A multi-millionpound addition built in 2017, it’s become a popular draw for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation offered by a wide range of treatments, heated vitality pool, saunas, steam room, experience showers, salt inhalation room and many more restorative activities.

After being fitted with the customary attire of robes and flip-flops, we ordered some complimentary coffees from the on-hand spa waiters and took a dip in the pool, which despite the nippy October weather was heated to a toasty temperature and perfectly agreeable to drift around outside in. We then made our way around the saunas and steam rooms (the rustic ‘Stonebath’ room was our favourite) before being taken for the pre-booked Sabbia Med treatment upstairs.

Sabbia Med is essentially a relaxation room, designed to transport you to a sunkissed beach of your imagination’s choosing and kitted up with UV lights to provide a welcome Vitamin D boost without the risk of skin damage. It’s particularly effective for anyone who suffers from SAD (Season Affective Disorder) but also benefits those looking for a small slice of holiday bliss close to home. For 20-minutes we kicked back on deckchairs, dug our feet into the sand and listened to the waves lapping at the shore before a gentle knock at the door told us our time was up. We were then escorted back downstairs feeling so relaxed that a short nap in the sinusclearing salt inhalation room was our next move. It was probably around this time that we hit peak ‘spa chill’ levels, I’d say.

Once the darkness started to creep in and temperatures really began to bite, we naturally decided to head outside to take a pew in one of the wooden shelters tucked away behind the sauna rooms. No, we didn’t have a hankering for hypothermia, but instead wanted to get snug by one of the large open firepits that had roared into life. Combined with large blankets, steaming hot chocolates and a decent read on

yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk @yeoldebellspa @yeoldebellhotel

the Kindle and the last hour or so of our spa visit was spent very well indeed.

After freshening up back at the lodge, it was time to wander over to the 1650 Restaurant for dinner.

Embellishing the walls in the reception area you’ll find an impressive assortment of culinary awards including a coveted AA Rosette, so upon entering and taking our seats in the chandelier-lit dining room it was fair to say we had high hopes of an evening meal to remember.

Thankfully, our lofty expectations were more than met. We gorged on succulent baked scallops, seared pigeon breast, stunning roasted lamb, and a faultless beef shin and red wine pie. There was just about enough room to share a dessert, a delicious peanut parfait with crunchy salted caramel and rich, indulgent ice cream. Comfort food at its absolute finest.

Stuffed and still in serene mode from our spa experience, with an added layer of wine-induced sleepiness on top, we just about had time to retire to the drawing room for a nightcap in front of the open log fire and indulged our Agatha Christie-esque fantasy a short while longer before returning to the lodge for a restful, exceedingly comfortable sleep.

Following an early rise for coffee and two full English breakfasts at the St Leger Bistro-by-thebar, we checked out of the hotel only disappointed that we hadn’t booked in for a longer stay. However, plans are already underway to visit the spa again – and this time with a few friends from the Steel City in tow who’ve been swayed by our glowing reviews.

The power of the staycation, eh?

WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 61

A TOUCH OF CLASS

BEJU

Opening its doors on Glossop Road towards the end of 2021, luxury bar/restaurant BEJU brings a unique sensory experience to the Steel City’s nightlife scene.

Inside you’ll find a welcoming vibe, uber-chic interiors and a tempting contemporary Asian menu to entice the tastebuds.

An expert team of mixologists are on-hand to indulge you with a specially crafted cocktail menu, created to stimulate the senses and elevate the spirits.

If you’re looking to visit with someone special, their exclusive Valentine’s Day menu offers the opportunity to rendezvous beneath the stars, nestle between the illuminated maple trees and experience some world-class service from their dedicated staff.

Book your table online now at beju.uk BEJU SHEFFIELD 207-215 GLOSSOP RD, S10 2GW 0114 2960246 EMAIL: SHEFFIELD@BEJU.UK 62 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

SPOTLIGHT ON BEJU

WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 63

NIGHTLIFE // TOP PICKS

LA RUMBA: CRAZY P, O’FLYNN

DOUBLE DARE YA (FKA PSSY CULTURE)

Yellow Arch Studios // 12 Feb // £5 Formerly known as PSSY culture, DDY are back in February 2022 with a Valentines themed Queer Prom. So many LGBTQ+ students didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy prom as their true selves, many weren’t out yet or simply weren’t able to express themselves. With this in mind, Yellow Arch are creating an opportunity to do it again, but in a safe and accepting space. With live music and a DJ set till late, they can’t wait to welcome you all back for the prom of your dreams! Fatsoma.com

THE CRAIG CHARLES FUNK AND SOUL CLUB

Foundry // 25 Feb // £22 Legendary funkateer Craig Charles brings his trunk of funk to Sheffield for a night of incredible grooves at Foundry Students Union. From Robot Wars to Red Dwarf, Craig has now grounded himself as a funk and soul icon after 10 years of broadcasting on BBC 6 Music with their primetime Saturday night show. With support on the night from Renegade Brass Band & Andy H, this is gonna be a proper banger of a party.

Foundry.com

Hope Works // 11th february 2022 // £16.75 La Rumba are bringing along some firm favourites to headline Hope Works, with some of the best talent the city has to offer on support. Crazy P and O’Flynn are on joint headline duty with Crazy P bringing the experience of a career spanning over 20 years, spearheading the revival of house, disco & soul in the UK since 1997, and O’Flynn, whose musical style and energy as a DJ resonates so closely with La Rumba’s that it’s no surprise thry’re bringing him back to Sheffield for a third time. On support they have Román in Room 1 and Colecta, Kwake, and Myna providing five hours of forward-thinking techno, house, breaks, electro, drum & Bass, and everything in between for some serious heat in Room Two. Skiddle.com

HOPE WORKS PRESENTS: JOB JOBSE, CALL SUPER, PEACH, PARRIS

Hope Works // 4 February // £16.50 Hope Works have outdone themselves with this stellar lineup for the launch of their 2022 winter season. Led by Job Jobse, who makes his Sheffield debut and Hope Works premier, this is one of the most hotly anticipated lineups they’ve delivered in a long, long time!

Start 2022 with a bang at Hope Works as they dust off the cobwebs and get properly stuck in for a joyous celebration at one of the city’s best underground venues.

Skiddle.com

TEXTURE 04

DINA // 12 February // £6 Texture’s multi-genre club night returns to the Sheffield for an intimate fourth event. This time they head to DINA, an independent, inclusive, and innovative venue space for the arts in Sheffield. Expect Disco, House, Tech, UKG, Breaks, and everything in between. The event has limited capacity so make sure to get your ticket quickly!

Skiddle.com

DUB SHACK // GREEN KING MEETS CREATION REBEL

Dryad Works // 11 February // £9.05 Two sounds in the arena for an all-night unity session at Sheffield’s underground hub, Dryad Works. The night will also celebrate five years since Dub Shack was launched in the Steel City. Expect the deepest dubs and the biggest vibes!

Bristol-based Green King Sound System bring a mountain of dubs cut in their own studio, on their own label, Green king Cuts. Serious energy and vibes when the kings are in town! While, Creation Rebel Sound System, outta London, carry wisdom and knowledge passed down from the mighty Channel One. Expect deep meditation and upliftment when the rebels come to play! Skiddle.com WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 65

COMEDY // TOP PICKS

JAMALI MADDIX

SUKH OJLA

Leadmill // 8 February // £15 Join comedian Sukh Oilja as she tries to figure out how to move forward in reverse. From dealing with mental illness to moving back in with her parents, Life Sukhs explores mental health, identity, and living a double life in a searingly honest look at what happens when life doesn’t go to plan. leadmill.co.uk

Leadmill // 24 Feb // £16 As seen on Taskmaster (Channel4), Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (BBC2) and his critically acclaimed series Hate Thy Neighbour for Vice, Jamali Maddix is heading out on tour.

With a brand new show for 2021 Jamali will be tackling more home truths and universal issues. A master of the craft this latest show is not to be missed. leadmill.co.uk

MATT FORDE

Leadmill // 20 Feb // £15 There are wallies everywhere and half of them are running the country. The other half are trying to. Matt Forde (Spitting Image, Have I Got News For You, The Last Leg, The Royal Variety Performance) lashes out right, left and centre. And chucks in some funny voices while he’s at it. leadmill.co.uk

ROB BRYDON

City Hall // 5 Feb // £42 A Night of Songs and Laughter with Rob Brydon sees the popular entertainer backed by a sensational live band as he croons his way through a brilliantly unexpected selection of songs from Tom Jones to Tom Waits. Expect to be regaled with hilarious tales from the past, with a few famed impressions thrown in. sheffieldcityhall.co.uk 66 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

JOIN THE CLUB!

Three cracking regular comedy clubs bringing the laughs to Sheff Yellow Arch Comedy Club – 17th Feb (FREE) Last Laugh @ Sheffield City Hall – Fridays/Saturdays (£10-£18) ROFL Comedy Club – Fridays/Saturday (£15)

Fall in love again this Valentine’s Day at Beju Sheffield. Let our expert team release your every inhibition with our world class cocktails and specially crafted menu. Rendezvous beneath the stars and feel the love this Valentine’s. Call or book online now. Limited seats available.

Vip tables available - please DM us to book.

@BEJU_SHEFFIELD 207 - 215 Glossop Road Sheffield S10 2GW | 0114 2960246 | sheffield@beju.co.uk

hospitality

Friday 4 February ‘22, Doors 10pm, 18+

The alarm

henge

Friday 8 April ‘22, Doors 7pm

Friday 11 February ‘22, Doors 7pm

prospa

james taylor quartet

Tuesday 15 February ‘22, Doors 11:30pm, 18+

Saturday 16 April ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

glasvegas

ride - nowhere 30th anniversary

Wednesday 16 February ‘22, Doors 7pm

Thursday 21 April ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

benjamin francis leftwich Thursday 24 February ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

larkins Friday 22 April ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

the craig charles get togheter funk & soul show festival Friday 25 February ‘22, Doors 8pm, 18+

Sunday 1 May ‘22

dnb all stars ft. wilkinson

JP cooper

Friday 4 March ‘22, Doors 10pm, 18+

gza - 25 years of liquid swords Saturday 5 March ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

folamour Tuesday 15 March ‘22, Doors 23:30pm, 18+

daft funk Saturday 19 March ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

kokoroko Friday 25 March ‘22, Doors 7pm

warmduscher

Saturday 2 April ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

black country, new road Wednesday 6 April ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

Wednesday 4 May ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

sea girls ‘homesick’ album launch Sunday 8 May ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

viagra boys Saturday 14 May ‘22, Doors 7:30pm

yard act Sunday 22 May ‘22, Doors 7pm

Rolling blackouts coastal fever Friday 3 June ‘22, Doors 7pm

MUSIC // TOP PICKS

HENGE

Foundry // 11 Feb // £16.50 HENGE came to Earth six years ago to spread their message of peace, love and harmony through Cosmic Dross. Hailed with ‘reinventing space-rock for the 21st century’, the band’s unforgettable live shows blend science fiction, psychedelia and theatre. foundry.seetickets.com

K.O.G

Yellow Arch Studios // 26 Feb // £15.40 K.O.G delivers infectious West African vibes from Ghana via Sheffield, with diverse musical origins conflating to whip up their signature heady brew of afrobeat, hip-hop and soul. Take it from us that main main Kweku Sackey sure knows how to get the party going, so ensure to bring your dancing shoes. yellowarch.com

BEFORE BREAKFAST

Yellow Arch Studios // 25 Feb // £11 Sometimes poetic, often beautiful and always honest. Before Breakfast weave strong melodies and ethereal cello with sweet harmonies, creating an accomplished sound that is drawn from a wealth of musical experience, taking in everything from classical to folk. yellowarch.com

HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT

Leadmill // 11 Feb // £22 The musical equivalent of a rant in the pub but with added pathos, Major cult band Half Man Half Biscuit make a welcome return to Leadmill after their sellout 2019 show promoting their critically acclaimed album, the brilliantly titled No One Cares About Your Creative Hub So Get Your Fucking Hedge Cut. leadmill.co.uk

PALE WAVES

O2 Academy // 23 Feb // £22 One of the UK’s most important indie-pop outfits, Manchester’s Pale Waves tour their incredible second album Who Am I?, the follow up to their 2018 Top 10 debut, My Mind Makes Noises. academymusicgroup.com

KATY HURT

Greystones // 26 Feb // £15 Steeped in country roots but never one to simply yield to the traditional Nashville sound Katy stretches the country music genre in exciting new directions with haunting blues vocals and towering country rock guitars. mygreystones.co.uk

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NIGHTLIFE EXPOSED AWARDS

THEY’RE BACK!

Vote for your favourite independents in the Exposed Awards 2022!

Following two years of covidenforced cancellations, our grand ol’ do bigging up the best of Sheffield returns to 92 Burton Road (the home of Peddler Market) on 19th May. We’ve decided to freshen up the format a tad, so this year the votes will be split 50/50 between the great Sheffield public and an independent panel of local people (TBA) with experience in the city’s hospitality and cultural industries.

What’s the plan?

It’ll be the usual big night out craic, taking place at 92 Burton Road on Thursday 19th May and bigging up the best of the local scene spanning food, drink, culture, fashion, music and beyond.

When does voting open?

You’ll be able to cast your votes from Monday 28th February at exposedmagazine.co.uk.

‘Ow Much?

Tickets are £40 a pop (£20 standing), which includes entry to the awards, drinks on arrival and food from a range of street food traders – as well as plenty of live entertainment to get you in the party mood.

Fancy a biggun?

We’ll announce the venue

hosting the afterparty on our socials next month.

In a nutshell…

Exposed Awards 2022 May 19th 92 Burton Road £40 seated // £20 standing Contact: nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk // 0114 2757709

Brought to you with the invaluble help of our lovely sponsors

The Categories

1. Best Bar 2. Best New Bar 3. Best Traditional Pub 4. Best Restaurant 5. Best New Restaurant 6. Best Vegan or Vegetarian Restaurant 7. Best Sustainable Brand 8. Best Cultural Experience 9. The Tramlines Award for Best Local Event 10. Outdoor City Award 11. Best Café 12. Best Indie Retailer 13. The Henderson’s Relish Made In Sheffield Award 14. Best Local Brewery 15. Best Live Venue 16. Best Club 17. Best Local Artist 18. Best Unsigned Band or Musician 19. The Sarah Nulty Special Recognition Award WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 71

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FILM WITH CAL REID

NIGHTMARE ALLEY (available on Netflix)

MUNICH: THE EDGE OF WAR An intriguing political drama that combines fact and fiction surrounding the 1938 Munich conference. This adaptation of Robert Harris’ espionage-thriller, released through Netflix on 21 January, features a strong cast and excellent period detail in its costumes and shooting locations. The event itself is something of a historical footnote compared with the events that followed, but the film successfully uses the setting to build genuine suspense, creating legitimate stakes when anyone with only a rudimentary understanding of real events knows the outcome.

George McKay and Jannis Niewöhner star as two young men, former Oxford friends, working for the British and German governments under Neville Chamberlain and Adolph Hitler respectively. Each ends up having close dealings with their leaders, and in Niewöhner’s case this is most disturbing since he is part of an underground network of anti-Nazis desperately working to undermine Hitler’s acquisition of the Sudetenland. Both become drawn into a dangerous game of espionage that unfolds during the conference, putting them both in danger. The story is written seamlessly into historical events, with the acting show stealer being Jeremy Irons as Neville Chamberlain.

The fictional story, whilst tense, is kept to realistic proportions. There are no gunfights, explosions or Nazi murder orgies often found in World War II espionage films. The welfare of the central protagonists is where the stakes lie since the result of the Munich conference is infamously well-known. The weight of momentous, dreadfully inevitable events unfolding around these sympathetic young men is truly felt.

What stops the film being more than a good-looking, efficient piece of historical cinema is the grounded approach to the fictional elements.

This is clearly intended to make the events seem as genuine as the reality they exist within, but the suspense can only go so far. What really lets the film down is the representation of Chamberlain: it’s not unfounded to say he was dealt a bad hand as far as his reputation goes. After all, what choice did he have? Britain was in no position to fight a war with Hitler and, after losing so many friends in the First World War, it was natural for a man of Chamberlain’s moral convictions to avoid another conflict. That’s all well and good, and perfectly plausible, but the film pushes its luck big time towards the end, implying Chamberlain’s appeasement tactics were a clever chess manoeuvre. This does push old Neville’s depiction into the realms of the preposterous, but it’s hardly an issue that sinks the rest of the film.

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Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of the 1946 William Lindsay Gresham crime novel is a glorious and seductive modern-day film noir. A previous adaptation starring Tyrone Power came in 1947, but the limits imposed by the Hayes Code didn’t allow for the same level of seediness and grotesqueness that del Toro’s modern version delivers. The plot is quintessential noir: an unscrupulous young drifter joins a second-rate carnival after leaving behind a dark and murderous past. Whilst working there, he picks up the essential tools required to hustle, despite the warnings of David Strathairn’s Pete Krumbein. Luring in Rooney Mara’s innocent and smitten Molly, Cooper’s Stanton Carlisle heads for New York to make his fortune from phoney psychic shows.

Of course, it being noir, pride comes before a fall and the sins of the central character must be paid in full.

The film has a surreal quality to it, the colour schemes of the cinematography are similar to those of del Toro’s The Shape of Water. The director is in his element here, certain moments reminiscent of earlier work like The Devil’s Backbone and Tod Browning’s Freaks. There are no supernatural nasties here, but the human characters are among the most repugnant of all del Toro’s creations.

The actors seem to have been chosen, besides their skill at the craft, for their striking appearances. Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper have that classic movie star quality. Blanchett at times reminds me of both Barbera Stanwyck and Veronica Lake from certain angles, whilst Cooper’s dishevelled introduction evokes the image of Tom Neal in Detour.

A brooding and unsettling neo-noir that serves as a wonderfully crafted love letter to classic cinema.

4/5

COMING SOON...

Jackass Forever One final turn from Knoxville and the gang with some of the most outrageous and wince-inducing stunts yet!

Death on the Nile The second of the new Poirot films from Kenneth Branagh following on from Murder on the Orient Express, no doubt featuring more of the ridiculous double moustache.

Uncharted Tom Holland stars as Nathan Drake in this adaptation of the popular video game series.

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FACEBOOK.COM/YELLOWARCH INSTAGRAM.COM/YELLOWARCHSTUDIOS TWITTER.COM/YELLOWARCH YELLOWARCH.COM/EVENTS YELLOW ARCH VENUE 7TH BIRTHDAY

18TH, 19TH AND 20TH FEBRUARY FREE ENTRY ALL WEEKEND Fri 18th - Jimmy The Gent Proven party starter and dancefloor devastator, Jimmy The Gent seamlessly blends good music from all genres into a delicious broth of musical soup.

Sat 19th - Babs After having graced the stage at Tramlines 2021, and several events throughout the year, Babs returns to play a mish-mash of genrehopping bangers throughout the night.

Sun 20th - Slim Wilson & the Swamp Brothers It wouldn’t be a party weekend without the return of Slim and his brothers in blues - toe-tappin’, foot-stompin’ rhythms and the dirtiest Americana riffs, the brothers have everything you need for an afternoon of beers and boogie.

IS THIS IT?

4TH MARCH FREE ENTRY 4th March sees the launch of our new night dedicated to all things indie and alternative music.

Is This It? celebrates the best anthems and forgotten favourites from the 80s, 90s, 00s and more recently.

Expect to hear: Arcade Fire • Arctic Monkeys • The Beatles • Beck • Bloc Party • Blur • David Bowie • Cast • The Charlatans • The Cure • Doves • Echo & the Bunnymen • Eels • Elbow • Feeder • Foals • Franz Ferdinand • Garbage • Happy Mondays • Interpol • The Jam • James • Jamie T • Jet • Joy Division • The Kinks • Klaxons • Libertines • Longpigs • Maximo Park • Metronomy • My Bloody Valentine • New Order • Pavement • Pixies • Placebo • Primal Scream • Pulp • Radiohead • Red Hot Chili Peppers • Slaves • Smashing Pumpkins • The Smiths • Stone Roses • The Strokes • Suede • Supergrass • Talking Heads • The Zutons... and more.

FEBRUARY 2022 01/02 03/02 04/02 05/02 11/02 12/02 16/02

BESS ATWELL JOHN FRANCIS FLYNN LUGHOLE BENEFIT W/ RAT CAGE + MORE FOR THE RECORD PLANET ZOGG DOUBLE DARE YA KIT SEBASTIAN

17/02 18/02 19/02 20/02 24/02 25/02 26/02

YELLOW ARCH COMEDY CLUB JIMMY THE GENT BABS SLIM WILSON & THE SWAMP BROTHERS JOHN LAW'S CONGREGATION BEFORE BREAKFAST K.O.G

YELLOWARCH.COM/EVENTS 30-36 BURTON ROAD, SHEFFIELD, S3 8BX

LGBTQ+

KNOW YOUR HISTORY It’s February, which means it’s one of the queerest times of the year as we head into LGBT History month – and Sheffield does not disappoint! After a difficult couple of years in the world of events, we are back with a bang this month. For those of you who may still be a little cautious heading out – or simply enjoy being able to attend events from the comfort of your own sofa – we still have plenty of online events available as well.

All through February you can view Alexis Gregory’s critically acclaimed production Riot Act. Direct from the West End and touring the UK, this online ‘reimagining’ has been created using interviews with a Stonewall survivor, a radical drag artist and an AIDS activist. If you’re after some local history check out the Steel City Queer History screening (Wed 9 Feb), which includes historic characters, lost venues, personal reminiscences and a unicorn! The film will be followed by a Q&A session with Suzie and Sandra from SCQH about the project.

There are more offerings from Sheffield Libraries with New Queer Kidlit for the New Year (Sat 12 Feb) – as Liz Chapman (Sheffield Libraries) and Zoey Dixon (Lambeth Libraries) bring you their top queer kidlit recommendations for 2022. Outrageous: The Story of Section 28 with Paul Baker (Thu 17 Feb]) tells the full story of Section 28: the background to the Act, how the press fanned the flames what politicians said during debates, how protestors fought back, and its eventual legacy. Central Library will also be hosting an in-person LGBTQ+ Book Group (Wed 23 Feb) where you can share your favourite LGBTQ+ reads and find out about some of the new titles in their collections.

For those of you into musical theatre, Dr James Lovelock is joined by Liam Gartland, Ameena Hamid and Matt Powell for Telling Queer Stories: Producing New Musical Theatre with LGBTQ* Characters (Fri 4 Feb) to discuss how we can create the infrastructure for new musicals in which LGBTQ* characters can thrive. The Society of Genealogists offers a one-hour online Zoom talk with author Gill Rossini in Same Sex Love, 1700–1957: History and Research Sources for Family Historians (Sat 19 Feb). In this talk she will discuss the challenges of same sex historical research, offer guidance on how to approach and interpret those sources and, using many fascinating examples, will highlight what can be done to bring vividly to life these often elusive ancestors.

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LGBTQ+

events, Sheffield’s LGBT youth charity SAYiT will be hosting a LGBT+ History Month Talk (Mon 28 Feb] covering LGBTQ history; from the Georgians, Victorians and Edwardians, through to soap operas giving us our first on-screen gay kisses, right up to our achievements this century, such as gay marriage and adoption. And if all the events this month have made you think that you want to increase your LGBT+ knowledge, then check out SAYiT LGBT+ Awareness Training (Wed 23 Feb).

There are plenty of opportunities for the sports fans amongst you this month with four Rainbow Blades Pre-Match Socials at Spirit of Sheffield as they take on West Bromwich Albion (Wed 9 Feb), Hull City (Tue 15 Feb), Swansea City (Sat 19 Feb) and Blackburn Rovers (Wed 23 Feb). There are also two chances to see Sheffield’s own LGBT inclusive rugby team Sheffield Vulcans as they play against the Typhoons (Sat 12 Feb) and Newcastle Ravens (Sat 26 Feb).

If you prefer your balls to be of the glitter variety then this month’s drag offerings will not disappoint. Malin Bridge Inn are introducing two new queens to their lineup this month, with The Tanya Minge Show (Sat 5 Feb) bringing her powerhouse vocals, gorgeous dance routines and hilarious witty banter before Sassy DJ Brooke (Sat 19 Feb) hosts another night of non-stop bops and hilarious one-liners throughout the night! Love is in the air as The Funky Beavers

return to Spirit of Sheffield for their Funky Valentine (Sat 12 Feb) featuring a night of camp joy.

Forum will be hosting RuPauls’s Drag Race Bingo (Fri 11 Feb) – fun games with a RuPaul twist and live performances from Yorkshire’s best up-and-coming Drag Queens. It’s the perfect warm-up act before the latest batch of queens take to the stage at City Hall for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: Series 2 Tour (Mon 14 Feb) tour featuring Season 2 finalists Tayce, Bimini Bon Boulash, Ellie Diamond and Laurence Chaney, along with stars from Drag Race UK. If that’s not enough drag for you – and let’s face it there is NO SUCH THING as too much drag – then don’t miss the drag legend Lady Bunny at Leadmill (Tue 15 Feb) featuring new parodies of Lizzo, Queen and Ariana Grande, plus brand-new material and some so old that only the dead will recall it.

There is dancing aplenty this month as LGBT Sheffield’s disco for womxn and non-binary people LIPS returns to Spirit of Sheffield on Saturday 5 Feb. Spirit will also be launching their new night, KINK (Sat 26 Feb), an all-gender queer-focussed fetish social, welcome to all whether experienced fetishists or new/curious a space to meet likeminded folk. Fetishwear is welcome (no full nudity) but not compulsory.

We have more club nights as global queer dance icons Horse Meat Disco return to the Steel City for Tuesday Club at Foundry (Tue 1 Feb) and CYB3R PARTY head back to DINA (Fri 11 Feb) for the second instalment of their new hyperpop/pc muzik night hosted by Poor Spice, Bambi Smith

and Gnarkill. Queer-led inclusive night Love&Lust takes place at Gut Level (Fri 11 Feb), showcasing a sexy Valentine’s party lineup featuring Sofie K, Alex Aubyn, Stephanie and Enya’s Drug Dealer.

Double Dare Ya (formerly PSSY Culture) presents QUEER PROM at Yellow Arch on Saturday 12 Feb). So many LGBTQ+ folk didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy prom as their true selves, many weren’t out yet or simply weren’t able to express themselves, so they’re creating an opportunity to do it again but a safe and accepting space.

With live music and DJs ‘til late, the event will welcome you all back for the prom of your queer dreams! While over at Sidney and Matilda we have Refugee Rhythms (Thu 17 Feb) bringing the best techno and house tunes with a lineup including Apricot Ballroom, Thirdspace and Joe W raising funds for LASS (Lesbian Asylum Support Sheffield).

A final shoutout to Byronic Sex & Exile who will be bringing revolutionary zeal and romantic passion back to goth, joined by special guest AMereKat bringing the joys (and sorrows) of ukulele to whoever will sit still long enough to listen, taking place at Shakespeares on Tuesday 22 Feb. That’s (almost) your lot for this month – several venues where still confirming their LGBT History Month schedules at the time of writing, so keep an eye on this column and the Sheffield LGBT event page on facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents for updates and announcements on the latest events and news.

Until next time, love and rainbows...

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CULTURE / TOP PICKS

FAR GONE

Studio Theatre // 17-26 Feb // £15 A profoundly moving story of a young boy’s journey from childhood innocence to child soldier. Seen through the eyes of those that love him and those that betray him, Okumu’s experience strikes straight at the heart through a powerful one-man performance. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

ANNA KARENINA

Crucible Theatre // 5-26 Feb // £15-£33 A bold new production of Tolstoy’s epic masterpiece about desire, duty and defiance - how do we choose to live the one life we have? Admired but unfulfilled, Russian socialite Anna is faced with a choice - remain with her husband to keep her beloved child, or risk ruin in the pursuit of passion. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

KENNETH STEEL – THE ARTIST’S JOURNEY

Weston Park Museum // 9 February // Free Join us for this lunchtime talk (1pm2pm, book in advance) with Edward Yardley, curator of Places in Time: The Art of Kenneth Steel. You’ll hear how the Sheffield artist Kenneth Steel became an immediate success as a printmaker and then how his post-war commercial art thrived through his patrons in Sheffield and beyond. museums-sheffield.org.uk

WHERE WE LIVE

Millenium Galleries // Until 5 June // Free Presenting five locations across England, including Sheffield’s own Park Hill, Where We Live brings together paintings Trevor Burgess, Jonathan Hooper, Mandy Payne, Narbi Price and Judith Tucker which interrogate the social landscape of England at a time of profound political and social change. museums-sheffield.org.uk Picture: Mandy Payne

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME

Picture: MJohn Swannell

PRIVATE LIVES

Lyceum Theatre // 22-26 Feb // £15-£45 Noël Coward’s gloriously entertaining Private Lives follows ex-partners Elyot and Amanda, who find themselves on honeymoon with their new hubbies, in the same hotel on the French coast, admiring the view from adjoining balconies. Their initial horror quickly evaporates and soon they are sharing cocktails. Who knows what the future holds for them…? sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Lyceum Theatre // 15-19 Feb // £15-£45 The National Theatre’s Olivier and Tony Award® -winning production returns to the Lyceum for one week only!

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. In fact, he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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CULTURE / ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

CHLOE LONGDEN Exposed catches up with Chloe, a Sheffield-based freelance illustrator and animator whose work celebrates the power of nature, LGBTQ+ communities and the Steel City itself.

Can you tell us about your background and how you got into illustration?

I have been interested in illustration from a young age, having been drawing for as long as I can remember, and art was always my favourite lesson in school. I became serious about it when I was doing my GCSE and A levels, as I was having to make decisions for my future and knew it was something I wanted to carry on with. It helped me get through many difficult times in my life and still does. I use art as a form of therapy for my mental wellbeing.

You work across a range of mediums – pen/ ink, watercolour, digital. Do you have a preferred style?

I love working with different mediums as each give a different effect and can create a whole new piece. My preferred medium would probably be pen/ink, which I used for the Sheffield Buildings project, as I have always been interested in the architectural line drawing style and wanted to use the clean lines to show the beauty of the local buildings. I enjoy learning how to use new mediums and experimenting, usually working out what I want to use based on what I visualise in my mind and what I think will create the best effect.

What sort of themes inspire you creatively?

I am inspired by nature and plants, trying to incorporate leaves and foliage into most of my work, and they are often the main drive behind my project ideas. Another theme I focus on is bringing attention to the LGBTQ+ community and making art that normalises it. As part of the community, I want to make sure I am using my skills and voice in the best way. I also want to draw what I connect with, in the hope it does the same for others. Some things I am passionate about are fighting climate change, saving the planet, feminism and stopping animal cruelty. These are all themes I am hoping to touch on in my future work.

Do you have any pieces or series of work that you’re particularly proud of?

I would say my Sheffield Buildings project – it has been my most successful in terms of interest and shows my skills in the best way.

Sheffield is very important to me as it is where I have grown up and I love the pride that people 82 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

share for their city. There is so much wonderful art surrounding Sheffield and different areas of the city, made by amazing local artists who each put their own spin on it. I change my style and themes a lot, but the Sheffield drawings stay consistent in their style and are now noticeably mine, which I love.

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received as an artist?

How important networking is and putting your name out there. Your work can go unnoticed, no matter how talented you are, but if you speak to people and push it, you can get yourself noticed. A lot of degrees and teachings focus on the skills and history behind art, which is important, but don’t always discuss what happens after. Having those networking skills is so important in securing further work and knowing how to market yourself.

How do you find being a creative in Sheffield?

I love it! I think I’m very lucky to be here as there are so many opportunities and the community is so large and supportive. There are countless markets and independent businesses all willing and eager to display your work and support you. Through my other work, I have also met other creatives linking to other industries, which has helped me step into other roles and work with a variety of groups.

What have you been working on recently?

For the last few months, I have been able to go fulltime freelance as an illustrator for a studio, which has been an amazing experience as I’ve had the opportunity to work on illustrations for big names and TV shows. Although quite busy, I am still open for commissions and looking for new artistic opportunities while working on new designs in my own time. I’m planning more Sheffield Building designs and beginning a new project based on nature and the changing landscape. The idea behind it is that no matter how much we try, Mother Nature will never bend to our will and she will always claim back what’s hers. @chloelongdenart chloelongdenanimation.com WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 83

THROUGH THE LENS

ROBOTWIG

Steve Berry – AKA Robotwig – tells us how lockdown set him on a journey recreating iconic film scenes in toy-art form, employing the use of practical effects and selftaught lighting techniques to create a hugely entertaining series of work.

Could you tell us a bit about your creative journey so far?

I’ve been a graphic designer for over 23 years and freelancing for nine of those. Since a very young age I have always been able to illustrate. I’ve always had a keen interest in movies, both watching them and finding out what goes on behind the scenes.

My dream when I was younger was to work in the film industry on special effects and makeup effects, but growing up in Yorkshire at that time, and on a paperboy salary, I just couldn’t afford the commute to London. There weren’t that many opportunities open up here back then, but films have continued to be an interest throughout my life as I find the whole movie experience quite magical and creative What or who were your early creative inspirations?

Drew Struzan was and still is a big inspirational influence. For me, he captures the essence of each movie he illustrates and there’s magic in his creations.

I can look at his posters for hours. Ray Harryhausen is another creative genius whose work fascinates me. I think watching the movies he was involved with when I was younger really opened my mind to what you could do using creativity to transport you into another world. There’s too many to mention, but I’ve always been inspired from those greats that came after. Stan Winston’s creations are so unique. Rick Baker and Rob Bottin creatively explore the areas I’ve most wanted to be involved in. I don’t come from a family of creatives, but I was lucky to have the encouragement to keep on that path thanks to my Mum and teachers at school.

Robotwig is an interesting name… is there an equally interesting story behind it?

The name actually came before I decided to go freelance and then became my creative brand. It was created on a post-it note whilst taking a brief from a client at my old work, one of those doodles you kind 84 | WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

of don’t know you’re doing. I drew a little robot, like the robomaid from the Jetsons, my work colleague came along and drew a little toupee on top of it, and for some reason the concept that a robot would develop a keen interest in wigs was highly amusing. So, then I developed that idea to what you see now. He’s called Lenny, after Lenny Kravitz, because he has the most amazing hair.

For those unfamiliar with your toy-art series, can you describe the process behind getting the shots together?

My process works like that of figuring out an illustration.

I think about a scene or something interesting that I can recreate or advance on, then I sketch it down and start thinking about the props and tools I need to recreate an environment before finding what I can utilise, like a plant or footstool (which I have used before). I then figure out how to light the scene and give it the look

and feel, like it’s a part of a famous movie you may have never seen. There’s quite a lot to think about and a lot of calculation and time to get it right. All the photos I’ve created are shot on a platform no bigger than an A3 sheet of paper; I have little room to work in, so everything you see is within that space and I try to make it look as expansive as possible. I shoot everything practically as much as I can because I personally think it adds more to the shot and it challenges me creatively, whilst also coming from my desire to work with as many physical items as I can. If a scene requires rain I’ll add some real water effects in, or for special effects like an explosion I’ll make it rather than CGI it on. Atmosphere is key for me.

Where did the initial idea for it come from?

Well, I call myself an unintentional toy photographer; it was something I’d never thought of doing or had done previously. I have created the odd portrait shots for a few businesses in the past but had never ventured into actually lighting a scene or anything like that, so this was> ›>> WWW.EXPOSEDMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 85

THROUGH THE LENS >completely new to me. When the pandemic hit all my work dried up almost immediately, as I worked a lot in retail and those businesses closed quite quickly.

I was sent home from a new contract in March 2020 with pretty much no clue what was going to happen. I didn’t know how long I’d be without work; I certainly didn’t think it would be up to this current point, but I needed something to do to keep me occupied and I was always interested in learning studio photography and thought it’d be a great way to upskill. I took a few photos of shampoo bottles, drink cans and after about an hour I’d run out of things to do. So, I went into the cupboard and found some bits of Lego I’d got a few Christmases back and started to take some photos.

Then I thought, ‘What if I created movie scenes using these figures?’ which led to a very poor (by my standards today) recreation of Bishop in Aliens.

I’d not been on social media for a few years since my alternate movie poster illustration days, so posted the photo up for a laugh and got a good response from it.

It was from this response I carried on and developed my ‘brick’ photos, creating famous movie scenes that you’ve probably not seen in Lego before. What really spurred me to carry on was some of the personal messages I was getting from people saying that my work was really cheering them up during this hard time, so my page kind of became a place for people to forget about the external world and have a bit of a giggle. I think it became a sort of comic strip that people looked forward to every day because I always tried to do something different.

What appealed to you about that particular medium?

I think that there was something really enticing about creating the worlds and atmospheres of my favourite movies in miniature. It feels really satisfying being able to transport yourself into a film set from a replica in your living room, recreating scenes made 30 years ago.

I drew a little robot, like the robomaid from the Jetsons, my work colleague came along and drew a little toupee on top of it, and for some reason the concept that a robot would develop a keen interest in wigs was highly amusing...

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Your alternative movie posters are wonderful.

How do you create those, and do you have a personal favourite?

If you can’t tell I’m a movie fan by now, then I’m doing something wrong! Yes, I had great enjoyment creating my alternate movie posters and there’ve been some great opportunities taking part in some actual film promos. I had developed the idea of a reflection range of posters, reflected through the eye of a character.

You’d get a recognisable character from the movie and they would be looking at something important that reflected in their eye, sort of to make you feel like you were in a three-dimenional space. Jones from Alien is one of my favourites, his eye reflecting the Alien curled up before Brett gets wiped out. I created the pupil to reflect the shape of the Alien egg and drawing fur was a lot of fun. But I have to put a word in there for Short Circuit too – I love that robot!

What else have you been working on?

Trying to get this work out there has been my priority, so I’m in contact with a few galleries and would love to be able to carry this on as a full-time profession. I am getting better and better and have a real love for this work. It’s been a tough couple of years, so I’m hoping 2022 will see my work reach wider audiences so that I can make a living from this – and not eating pasta everyday would be nice.

YOU. HAD. ME. @.

POPPADOMS xx W E S E L L LOV E & C U R RY

T O R E S E R V E Y O U R VA L E N T I N E S TA B L E P L E A S E G O O N L I N E W W W. A S H O K A 1 9 6 7. C O M D I N E I N - D E L I V E R Y - TA K E O U T

SHEFFIELD BEER WEEK 03.03 - 06.03 OMNIPOLLO x HEIST Expect special releases from Stockholm &, hip hop vibes

08.03 INTERNATIONAL WOMENS COLLABORATION BREW DAY

Women of Sheffield invited to join in our brewday including certified beer server, tasting masterclass

09.03 TURNING POINT SHOWCASE 8 Line takeover begins

10.03 SPECIAL PIN RELEASE FROM TURNING POINT Limited Release Pin of ‘The Second Law’ Tonka, Maple, Cacao, Vanilla Imperial Stout

11.03 COLLABORATION BREW DAY Once again you are invited to join in our brew day

12.03

BEER COCKTAIL BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

Brunch consisting of Unlimited Disco king, Inner City Sumo Mimosa’s, Grave Diggers Biscuits Martini’s and The Ecstasy of Mary Bloody Mary’s.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED VISIT WWW.HEISTBREWCO.COM/EVENTS 107 NEEPSEND LANE, SHEFFIELD, S3 8AT