THERE’S SOMETHING BREWING

Last month, social impact developers Capital&Centric hosted a conversation about the future of Cannon Brewery. The team are currently working on plans to create a new neighbourhood at the long-abandoned site and invited people down to nearby Heist Brew Co. on Neepsend Lane to discuss their blueprint.

Speaking to Exposed last month, Tim Heatley, cofounder of Capital&Centric, said of the talks: “Cannon Brewery is a major opportunity for Sheffield – it’s a massive site that’s sat empty for quarter of a century. It presents loads of challenges, but we’re determined to make it a really diverse and interesting neighbourhood, a worthy extension to a growing city. It’s still pretty early days for us, but we wanted to get a feel for the key aspects that people think we should be considering as we move forward.

“It was brilliant to see people head down to our new neighbours Heist Brew Co and meet our team to discuss the site’s future. Pretty much everyone we spoke to said that the derelict Cannon Brewery has become a bit of an eyesore, but that it could be really special when developed. People are keen to see the design of the neighbourhood reflect the feel and identity of Neepsend as well as a proper mix of spaces that underpin a genuine community, from general stores and café bars or delis, to public green spaces where people can meet and hang out.”

The developers – currently featuring in Channel 4’s ‘The Big Interiors Battle’ – are custodians of the site. Once home to Stones Brewery, it was the birthplace of the UK’s best-selling bitter at the time before the doors closed for good in 1999. The place has been empty ever since.

It’s early days for Cannon Brewery’s transformation, but the mission to breathe life into the space, creating a buzzing and diverse neighbourhood follows the tried and tested method they’re taking in other cities like Manchester – where their

Kampus garden neighbourhood has won awards for their designled approach to the canal-side community.

Tim continued: “Cannon Brewery is a vast area that’s laid empty for years, just crying out for some vision. Whilst we take a design-led approach to all the communities we deliver – no two are the same. Whatever we bring forward must be made in Sheffield’s identity and be a worthy addition to the city as it grows.”

“What better way to do that than to get people and businesses involved from the very outset. Before we submit any firmed-up plan to the city council, we want to understand what the city’s residents would like to see there and canvas ideas that we can take on board.’’

From the perspective of a growing, developing city, Tim added: “Sheffield’s got so much going for it. It’s getting more and more attention as people look for cool, diverse and green cities in which to put down roots. We’re proud to be part of that renaissance … the Cannon Brewery district will be a big part of the jigsaw and the city’s future.”

If you’d like more information on the proposed development, head www. capitalandcentric.com/ cannon-brewery

A cosy hangout spot tucked away in the Cultural Industries Quarter, the Industry Tap is nothing short of a beer-lovers paradise.

It’s all about choice at the Industry Tap. Whether you’re a matchday reveller or a beer ticking connoisseur (or both!), there’s a beer for everyone across a whopping 21 lines at this truly independent Sidney Street boozer.

Since opening in 2019, the Tap has become a firm Sheffield favourite for everything from a quiet evening pint to grabbing a couple of cans from its stacked fridges, or even the perfect venue to hire out for that special occasion.

Showcasing brews from some of the world’s finest craft beer brands, as well as local and UKwide gems, the dog -friendly bar has you wellcovered whether you’re looking for a big Belgian beauty, something a little lighter on the palate, or even a gluten or alcohol-free option.

A glance up at the two screens, which hang above the bar, provides details of stouts or imperial stouts, IPA’s or double IPAs, sours and even premium ciders, on occasion.

Within their broad range of styles, local breweries are well represented with Sheffield favourites like Abbeydale, Triple Point, Little Mesters and SMOD all getting a look in alongside industry darlings like DEYA, and even more unusual fare from further afield.

They also boast a wide selection of spirits and cocktails if that’s more your thing, and just to make sure they have all the bases covered, they always offer a top-quality, premium lager on draught.

“We try to keep things a little bit different,” says Industry Tap owner Darren Filsell. “I’m very big on working with breweries direct and trying to get