Oc t o be r 2 0 2 0
INSIDE: Jim Connolly // What’s On // New Openings // Akeem Balogun // Get Together Festival // Steelyard Kelham // A-Z Sheffield STUDENT SPECIAL
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TA PAS
R E STAU R A N T
&
CUBAN
BAR
Everything changes but you! Well, It’s been a crazy > Tapas & Drinks TA PAS R E STAU R A N T & C U B A N B A R 2020 so far that’s for sure, Our team of chefs and waiting staff are ready to cook and serve you, a selection of over 40 mouth watering one that we’re all not dishes from our varied and authentic tapas menu. going to forget so easily. Cubana re-opened back in July and we’ve had an amazing post lockdown start despite the restrictions and new modus operandi. Over the last few months, we’ve tweaked and re-adapted alongside the various rule changes with everything running both safely and smoothly. Our biggest challenge to date will no doubt be the requirement for us to close our doors at 10pm every night of the week - but we think we can make it work, and wanted to share with you our thoughts and plans...
> Inevitably, things
are going to be different for a while...
before things return close to normal. But, it is what it is and we have to wait until restrictions are lifted until it’s safe to do so. Fingers crossed though, it’ll be sooner than predicted! Until then, here’s what you can expect when you next visit us:
A
Our bartenders are ready to prepare you our tasty, exotic cocktails and of course we’ll have our full range of wines from around the world, not to mention our 220 strong award winning rum selection for you all to enjoy.
> Happy Tapas & Happy Drinks HAPPY TAPAS is still available now until 5pm SUNDAY TO FRIDAY. Call in and chill out at the end of a hard day (at home or at work or maybe both these days!!). Unwind and soak up our relaxed Latino vibe whilst enjoying our ‘Happy Tapas’ deals. All tables seated before or at 5pm may choose from ANY 2 tapas dishes for £9.95 or £5.00 off ANY of our tapas set menus.
HAPPY DRINKS! We’ve Happy Drinks offers available until 5pm, SUNDAY TO FRIDAY. All of our Classic & Signature cocktails for only £5.00. There’s also discounts on selected beers and house wines.
> Live Music is back! We’re delighted to announce that we’ll be bringing back live music to Cubana from early October. We’re busy organising a programme of easy listening/mellow live music featuring many of Cubana’s performers throughout the week from as early as 7pm both upstairs in the restaurant and downstairs cocktail bar. We want to show our support to the amazing musicians who’ve not been able to work and have had a very tough time of it lately so we’ve tried to accommodate as many gigs and we can on Sunday to Thursday evenings –there’s no doubt they would really appreciate you coming to see them perform. We can’t wait to get the rhythms flowing again!
Call 01142 760475 FIND US AT... UNIT 4 LEOPOLD SQUARE, SHEFFIELD S1 2JG
NEW!... BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH > Bottomless Brunch – Cubana style
> Drinks-To-Go
We thought you’d be pleased to know that from mid October, we’ll be launching our new “Bottomless Brunch” package We’ll be running the BB every Saturday and Sunday (various sittings from between 11am– 2.45pm) - well if you’re going to have an early finish you might as well have an early start the next day right? (or vice versa!) We wanted to raise the bar with the BB concept offering our unique Cubana twist - it’s important for us to provide substantial/top quality food and we’ve been busy putting together a delicious combination of traditional Latin brunch dishes alongside the usual on tap supply of Prossecco, Sangria, cocktails and much more for you all to enjoy.
Weather permitting, we are also now offering a take away service for drinks for customers to enjoy either on Cubana’s outdoor terrace or outside in Leopold Square. We’ve even arranged a gazebo outside in the square complete with heaters to make sure the great British weather doesn’t get the better of you!
> Cubana vibes Despite the restrictions, you can be certain of one thing - we’ll continue to provide Sheffield with the Cubana experience and usual good vibes you’ve come to expect. What will never change is the warm and friendly Latino welcome you’re accustom to from our fantastic team. We’ll take good care of you in our unique Cubana style. Muchas gracias to all our customers for your ongoing and loyal support. We’re ready and waiting to serve you look forward to welcoming you back!
> Bookings For bookings, please complete the enquiry form on the following booking request link: www.cubanatapasbar.co.uk/request.php or give us a call on 0114 2760475
> Opening Times
> Table Service Table service for drinks will be available in our cocktail bar downstairs It will also be possible to pre-book tables at any time during the week and on Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays we will also be taking bookings for drinks up until 6pm following which we will be running a walk in service through to the end of the night.
Cubana will open 7 days per week until 10pm every night Monday to Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
4pm – 10pm Midday – 10pm 11am – 10pm 11am – 10pm
Last orders for tapas in the upstairs restaurant is 9pm.
C U B A N ATA P A S B A R . C O . U K facebook/cubanatapasbar
STRONG NORTHERN &
‘Hendo’s’, ‘the Black Stuff’, ‘Relish’ is a Sheffield institution, adding spice and savour to any dish. Splash it on Rarebit, stir it in Shepherd’s Pie, teem it into your Bloody Mary, tip it over Fish and Chips for a fuller, richer flavour. To find out more and where you can find Henderson’s fabulous relish, please call 0114 242 5724 or visit hendersonsrelish.com
Available in all good grocery stores across the city, and online at www.hendersonsrelish.com
21 21: Get Together What’s that? A brand new festival featuring some of the finest up-and-coming music talent in the UK launching in the Steel City next year? Yer can count us in. Superheroes get the Sheffield treatment as Tamsin Crowther speaks to Sheffield-born illustrator Jim Connolly, who this month will be launching a Crowdfunder to fund the remaining pages of his Made of Steel comic book project.
Elsewhere... 13: City Views 16: Dyson Place 19: Factory Floor 39: Luke’s Place 43: Make Yourself at Home 64: Sheffield Doc/Fest 67: Film 70: Gaming 73: LGBT 76: Artist Spotlight
28: Akeem Balogun
Phil Turner (PUBLISHER)
The talented Sheffieldbased writer talks us through his creative process for writing The Storm – a debut collection of 13 exhilarating short stories released on Okapi Books this month. e coronavirus outbreak.
phil@exposedmagazine.co.uk
24: Jim Connolly
32: Steelyard Kelham We pay a visit to the city’s first box park situated on Bardswell Road and featuring a whole host of exciting independent businesses.
45: The Full Monty For the fresh-faced newbies and the uninitiated out there, we round up some of the best experiences to tick off your Steel City bucket list. Stay safe and get stuck in!
74: Movers and Makers For this month’s showcase of creative talent we spend a day in the studio with designer-maker Katherine Boyd, an expert in stained glass and fine metal work.
Nick Hallam (Sales Director) nick@exposedmagazine.co.uk
JOE FOOD (EDITOR) phil@exposedmagazine.co.uk
PAUL STIMPSON (ONLINE EDITOR & DESIGN) Paul@exposedmagazine.co.uk
contributions from
24
32
Tamsin Crowther Mark Perkins Heather Paterson Cal Reid Matthew King
COVER IMAGE Alistair Flindall www.kunstity.com
the business stuff Exposed is published monthly by Blind Mice Media Ltd Unit 1b 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.
www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 7
upfront: kick off
You may have noticed a bit more bustle to Sheffield city centre over the past month as our student population returns, albeit in a slightly more subdued fashion deprived of the usual Freshers Week madness (sigh). For those of you picking up this magazine, perhaps for the first time, we’d like to offer you a big friendly northern welcome to our home. Now it’s your home too. We know things are a bit strange out there at the moment, but hopefully we can keep you occupied and give you a few tips on how you can still make the most out of this wonderful city. Simply turn the page and get cracking with probably the best lecture you’ll receive all year…
AYUP! 42%
Of students choose to stay in Sheffield following graduation – significantly higher than the national average.
60,000
Number of combined students studying at Sheffield Hallam and Sheffield University combined, bringing a huge annual boost to the city’s economy.
5th
Where the city recently ranked in a UK-wide poll of affordable cities. An average pint costs £3.36 – the cheapest of all major UK cities. www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 9
upfront
Hope Works Needs You! Following wide-scale disruption caused to the events industry by the Covid-19 pandemic, nightlife venues across the country are facing the very real prospect of closing their doors for good.
Influential underground nightclub Hope Works first closed on 18th March, and with current restrictions in place likely to prevent full capacity events for some time yet, the venue have launched a Crowdfunder appeal to assist them in their battle for survival. Liam O’Shea, Director/Founder of Hope Works, told Exposed: “Hope Works has been my life for the last eight years. I’ve devoted myself to trying to develop this unique space into something Sheffield can be proud of through cutting edge curation and a progressive attitude. Hope Works is a community, an ecosystem, and we need your help to survive this catastrophic situation. The Crowdfunder is already at two-thirds of the target with such a huge amount of support. We will get through this, together. So if you can, please support us in this very trying time for Sheffield Culture.” Ahead of what appears will be a difficult winter period for events, and with the government furlough scheme ending in October, an initial fundraising target of £30,000 will go towards saving Hope Works 10 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
and ensuring they can virtually deliver their annual No Bounds festival – a celebration of music, art, technology and dancing featuring some of the most exciting electronic artists in the world. To shed some light on the situation, Hope Works posted the following statement on their fundraising page: ‘For us running at normal capacity is not only vital to allow us to survive economically, but it’s part of the magic of what has made Hope Works special for so many people. Shared, close contact physical experiences where we lose ourselves in the moment together in a communal act of celebration, connection and joy through music: this is who we are and what we do. Despite this dire situation created by the pandemic we’ve pulled together a very, very special new virtual version of No Bounds Festival on a free/pay-as-youfeel basis. We just didn’t want to remain silent, for us we needed to make a response; we felt we owed it to those who have supported us so far to not go down without giving our all. The show must go on, and go on it will, primarily online, but we WILL go on!’
However, we need to do something we’d hoped we’d never have to do, especially as so many out there are experiencing real difficulty too. If Hope Works is to survive and we are to deliver No Bounds Festival to the right standard we need to ask for your support.” To show their appreciation for any donations received, a reward scheme has been set up offering everything from branded t-shirts and posters to lifelong Hope Works memberships. For more information and to donate, head to crowdfunder.co.uk/ save-hope-works and share the link to help get the message out there.
SOMETHING TO RELISH To celebrate their long-awaited reopening, popular city centre spot The Old House has revealed a new food and drink menu inspired by Henderson’s Relish. Comfort food inspired by the Henderson’s Relish cookbook is being served with a twist alongside an extensive cocktail menu that celebrates the best of the Steel City. Venue operators True North Brew Co have also brewed a special dark IPA, ‘Relish’, which will be available on draught exclusively at the Division Street bar. General Manager at The Old House, Tom Hay-Owens said: “We are immensely proud to offer our guests a truly Sheffield oriented bar and who better to partner with, than the embodiment of strong and northern. “The fresh food menu, which boasts a splash and a stir of Hendo’s throughout, consists of hearty mains such as our award-winning pies, bar snacks and of course, Hendo’s salted
chips to showcase the signature Yorkshire Relish in all of its glory.” Henry Henderson blended the first batch of Henderson’s Relish in Sheffield in 1885. More than 135 years later the family business is still blending to a secret recipe, known to only three family members. In 2019 a 192-page cookbook, Strong and Northern, was released by Meze Publishing featuring 60 recipes covering many family classics such as stew and dumplings. To mark the collaboration, UK-based illustrator Kid Acne has designed a custom bottle label aptly named ‘Splash it On’ using his signature design style and typography. The limited-edition run of bottles are available to buy alongside other Henderson’s gifts from The Old House. To find out what’s on the menu and book a table, visit theoldhousesheffield.com.
PEARSON AND EARL’S Quirky independent barbershop Pearson and Earl’s will be marking their 3rd birthday in October, and with heaps of 5* reviews and a growing customer base, they have a lot to celebrate. Back open for business after lockdown and with new safety measures in place, they can be found on Gibraltar Street opposite the popular Shakespeares pub. Who are they? Pearson and Earl’s was named after owner Gemma’s grandparents on both sides. Having previously worked at Taylor and Taylor’s in Sheffield for 18 years, in 2017, Gemma decided that it was time to establish her own place. First opening with hairdresser friend Emily, who returned from working in Dubai for the new venture, they now have four dedicated members of staff. What do they do? They offer a variety of services for people of all age groups and genders, including haircuts, colouring, cut-throat shaves, and hot towel shaves. They use REF products, a vegan and cruelty-free brand, whilst also boasting their own in-house line, Pin Up Barber. What’s new? Lockdown brought about the opportunity for a mini refit at Pearson and Earl’s. Since reopening, they have ensured all proper safety measure are in check, including a one-way system and masks available for both staff and customers. Gemma has enjoyed the creativity of working with her client’s longer lockdown locks (and with some interesting home cuts, too!) and is positive about the future, hoping to grow the business to a second unit. 161 Gibraltar Street Sheffield S3 8UA pearsonandearls barbershop.co.uk
“Over 20 year’s experience in Sheffield and around the world.”
Save £2.00 with this advert Monday & Wednesday 161 Gibraltar Street, Sheffield S3 8UA Telephone: 0114 2723801
12 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
Sheffield has always presented itself as a bit of an enigma to me. When I came here as a student in 2011, I was desperate to pin down the identity of the city – of course, this tied in with a time when I was scrambling for a measurable sense of my own identity – but I found it difficult to locate. For a long time, Sheffield was, at least to me, frustratingly unpredictable. The people drawn here were so varied, there were so many ‘scenes’, so many neighbourhoods with distinct tones, so much diversity and changeability that, to my novice eyes, seemed to suggest inconsistency. Now, nearly a decade on, I know I was completely wrong in my initial assumptions, not because Sheffield has stopped being the changeable and experimental city it is, but because I no longer see changeability, or even inconsistently, as signs of an identity in crisis, (a revelation usefully applied to people, as well as place, I have learned). Rather, I now know that these are signs of innovation and of rebellion, innovation in the ability to reinvent, and rebellion in the refusal to be reduced to just one thing. I am incredibly proud to live in a city which is not afraid to try new things, and that seems to want to embrace and explore all. Here are some of my favourite Steel City contradictions, which I have grown to love: - Sheffield is big and small. I’m often reminded by statistics that Sheffield is one of largest cities in the UK, and I know from experience that it is made up of a myriad of distinct neighbourhoods, but as everyone who lives here will tell you - it’s a big city with a friendly, village feel.
- Sheffield is uphill and downhill. A notoriously hilly city, Sheffield tends to be painfully steep when you’re moving house, but it’s likely to be all downhill when it snows. Miraculous! - Sheffield is brutal and beautiful. I live in Kelham Island in the industrial quarter, and I’m surrounded by the old brick-and-steel warehouses and buildings from Sheffield’s industrial past. My surroundings have their own striking attraction, but in Sheffield, you are never far from natural beauty when 61% of the city is green space. - Sheffield is tough and gentle. As with the contrast between nature and industry, there is a duality of hard and soft to be found in all areas of the city. This is best summed up by its people, who behind the strong Yorkshire accent are surely the friendliest and warmest in the country. If I could give any advice to people new to the city, whether you’re a student who has moved here to study, a young professional who has moved here for work, or just someone looking for a fresh start, it would be this: get out of the city centre and explore all the variety Sheffield has to offer. Explore Abbeydale and Eccy Road and Sharrow Vale, explore Kelham Island and Crookes and Broomhill. Explore the parks, explore the peaks. Find a community that you feel at home in, or just bounce around trying them all, like I have. Sheffield people are curious people, they are risk-takers, self-starters, DIYers. The result is a city that carries a sense of perpetual newness and surprise, and this is one of the most exciting things about living here.
by Tamsin Crowther
“Sheffield is tough and gentle. As with the contrast between nature and industry, there is a duality of hard and soft to be found in all areas of the city....”
want to share your sheffield story? drop a line to joe@exposedmagazine.co.uk
CITY GRAB
Tuckin’ In! who’s new to city grab this month Epirus Something of an institution in Crookesmoor, Epirus offers some of the most authentic and delicious Greek food this side of the Aegean sea. Greek meats, souvlaki, tzatziki – it’s all there and it’s all so, so good. 12-14 Barber Road, S10 1ED Perfect Burger If Greek isn’t on the agenda for the night, Perfect Burger (literally bang next door) serve up a wide variety of gourmet burgers and a generous splattering of sides and starters. They pride themselves on using the best quality produce to create some of the best quality and tastiest burgers in the city. 14 Barber Road, S10 1ED Humpit Hummus and falafel: the dream team forming the staple of any veggie treat. You’ll find both of them in generous portions at this micro eatery where you’re instructed to tear into the accompanying freshly made pittas and savour their unique range of hummus. 45 Leopold Street, S1 2GY Grazie Authentic Italian spot in the city centre of Sheff which specialises in freshly made pasta, warm Mediterranean hospitality and wholesome, hearty food that is sure to warm up the cockles. 1-3 Leopold St, S1 2GY Saucy Vegan fast food specialists with a focus on burgers, wings, fries, slaw, and gourmet sauces. Created by the original founders (Lauren and Dave) of legendary Make No Bones. 705 Abbeydale Rd, S7 2BE
14 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
trader of the month
City Grab’s pick of the bunch
Béres Béres is a family business, established in Sheffield in 1961. Renowned for their speciality roast pork sandwiches – made with traditionally cured pork cooked in gas fired ovens producing succulent pork with perfect crispy crackling every time. “Beres have been part of the Sheffield landscape for almost 60 years,” Catherin from Beres told us. “We are proud to explore new ways of reaching our customers with local delivery partner Citygrab!One of the first to join a rapidly expanding venture, it has been a real pleasure working with the Citygrab team!”
Getting you there, safely. Your safety is our priority, which is why we have taken special measures to ensure safer travel for Sheffield students. Order a vehicle with a screen partition. Contactless payments on the app.
local food to your door Download the citygrab app for delivery to your Uni halls.
Give it a Go
Dyson Place Bringing together an exciting combination of independents and modern living space in an inviting courtyard setting, the Dyson Place development is fast-becoming a popular hangout spot for shoppers and foodies in the Steel City. Take a turn off Sharrow Vale Road and head up the short walkway between The Mediterranean Restaurant and JH Mann to locate the spot, tucked away nicely from the nearby hustle and bustle with plenty of open socially distanced space available. Dyson Place was a labour of love for our team over the last decade, site manager Dan Flowers told us.” We see it as an opportunity to bring something entirely different to the Sharrow Vale and Ecclesall shopping and hospitality area, which is built up along main roads. We love the feeling that you could be anywhere in the world when you’re in the courtyard when it takes you away from the noise of the streets. We had big plans for pop-up beaches and cinemas before lockdown, but we are still pressing on with some great pop-up partnerships - like one coming up with famous Sheffield artist Joe Scarborough. The development has been great for allowing our independent businesses to reopen during and after lockdown while providing a safe space for visitors.” A growing number of businesses have taken up residence since its summer opening. Vietnamese kitchen Năm Sông and innovative small plates specialists Tonco have been a popular draw for merrymakers, with the latter venue situating their evening diners in the historic Mission Hall, an atmospheric red-brick building going back to 1901 where it served as a parish hall for the Sharrow area. In the Artisan Yard you’ll also find Olive and Joy serving up vegan treats and coffee (the froconuts are a must-try), handmade children’s clothing label Bear & Babe, quirky interior and lighting shop Inco, eco-friendly hair salon The Nook, integrative women’s health clinic Life + Lemons, and popular barbers Rapscallions are on-hand for any male grooming needs. Subject to government safety guidelines, there’ll be a number of autumn and winter markets promoting local producers ands brands. Head to the website www.dysonplace.co.uk for the latest details and procedures.
Dyson Place sharrow vale rd S11 8XX dysonplace.co.uk 16 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 17
OLD IS GOLD
TM
SERVING SHEFFIELD SINCE 1967 #ReytGoodCurreh RESERVE ONLINE AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE WWW.ASHOKA1967.COM 18 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
factory floor
industrial revelation
p p
From the team behind Peddler Market comes Factory Floor, a new bar occupying a former spring factory in Neepsend. The venue, which opened at the beginning of last month, is described as the first bar in the UK which brings together drip infusion, tank beer and cutting-edge acoustics. Inside the fittingly industrial setting you’ll find an impressive system of apparatus towering over the bar area. This is where the drip infusion comes in: spirits dripping down onto separate levels and slowly being infused with flavour and nuance throughout the day. All garnishes on site are provided by the Leaf & Shoot aquaponic farm in the basement of 92 Burton Road, delivering fresh micro herbs to the Factory Floor Bioponic walls. These herbs are used to infuse spirits, garnish drinks and create housemate sodas. The beer on offer is brewed on-site by Neepsend Brew Co and pumped directly into chilled tanks on each side of the bar, while the acoustics are provided by Danley Audio sound – one of the most innovative loudspeaker designers in the biz. ‘Area 2’ is currently hidden away behind a curtain, but will soon launch and be made available for private hire. Expect limited edition cocktails, masterclasses on wine and cocktails, incoming small plate food menu, and more fittings harking back to the history of the site. factoryfloor.bar www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 19
Pre-booking required. Plus, the table is yours all night!
ADMISSION & RACECARD*
3 COURSE À LA CARTE MEAL
Plus waiting service, Tote runner & up to 4 hours of live Greyhound racing
TUES £13pp
FRI £19pp
SAT £25pp
ADMISSION & RACECARD*
CHICKEN IN A BASKET MEAL
1 X £1 BET & 1 X JACKPOT BET
FREE DRINK**
+ GUARANTEED SEATING! TUES £7pp
*Terms & Conditions apply.
FRI £10pp
SAT £12pp
owlertonstadium.co.uk 0114 234 3074 Penistone Road, Sheffield S6 2DE † Must be reserved 24 hours before the day of the event. ** Choose from a bottle of Coors Light, 125ml glass of house wine or a soft drink.
GET TOGETHER
Taking place at Sheffield University Students’ Union, Get Together is an exciting and positive new event that celebrates the best in music and food and drink over the course of the first May bank holiday in 2021. A press release issued for the event said: “In a year that has forced us to stay apart, and the majority of venues and festivals have had to shut their doors, Get Together looks forward to a time when music fans are once again able to share the joy of being in the same space and sharing the excitement of live music.” On top of an abundance of brilliant music from a lineup featuring the likes of Self Esteem, The Murder Capital, Working Men’s Club, The Orielles and more, there will also be the annual beer and cider festival taking place within the grounds of the garden of the Students’ Union, bringing together an eclectic host of craft beers, real ales, pilsners, cider and gin to the weekend. Alongside this will also be an enticing array of independent street food traders offering a wide selection of grub from across the world with vendors being announced nearer to the event. Tickets go on sale Friday 2nd October, available from seetickets.com / shefftickets. com / lunatickets.co.uk. FIRST LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT SATURDAY 1 MAY 2021 The Murder Capital Working Men’s Club Tim Burgess Pillow Queens Bdrmm TV Priest Odd Morris Walt Disco Coach Party
SUNDAY 2 MAY 2021 Self Esteem The Orielles Ibibio Sound Machine Billy Nomates Happyness Martha Hill Baba Ali Lynks Ailbhe Ready
Plus many more to be announced, so keep your eyes on @ gettogetherfest for the latest updates.
it’s time to GET TOGETHER
p p Picture: Charlotte Patmore
Looking for some positive news re: live music? How about a brand new festival in Sheff to look forward to next year featuring some of the finest talent from the UK music scene?
Picture: Cat Stevens
get together festival
22 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 23
Jim Connolly
Made of Steel Jim Connolly is an illustrator from Sheffield, currently residing in the outskirts of Manchester. You might have been drawn to a pint of delectably dark Night Rider stout in your local pub thanks to his work designing logos for Kelham Island Brewery, or perhaps you’ve seen his collection of Steel City prints in which Sheffield is brilliantly re-imagined through a comic book lens. Words: Tamsin Crowther
It is this unique style, often humorous and with a dark edge, that Connolly has become best known for. His latest project, however, a comic book called Made of Steel is something with a distinctly lighter tone. “I didn’t want to make something that only appealed to fringedwelling weirdos like me,” he jokes. “I wanted to make something with a broader appeal, something that mums can read to their daughters.” Last month I spoke to Jim about his new project, the influences on his work from films to family, and how he has fared creatively during lockdown. Hi Jim! Can you tell us a bit about how you started out as an artist and started developing your distinct style? After doing my degree in Illustration and Animation at Manchester Met, I was working in E-Learning. But as I played in bands, I ended up doing a lot of work for bands on the side, alongside other more creative stuff. I didn’t think I could make a living out of it at first. But then I started making art prints about Sheffield. That sort of stuff has become quite popular now, but it was pretty new at the time with the likes of myself, Kid Acne, and Jonathan Wilkinson starting out. As I did more freelance work, I gravitated more and more towards the comic book style as that’s what I enjoyed the most. There is a recognisable darkness to some of your work and you describe your style as “primary, fun and eyecatching, but also edgy”. What are your influences? I grew up in the 80s reading DC comics and although I liked Marvel too, DC was the darker brand and I enjoyed that. Then there were comics like 2000 AD, which felt like a horror movie you were allowed to buy as a kid. I’ve also been influenced by genre films. I like Frank Miller’s style [Sin City] and the darker Batman stuff, but I’m also into sci-fi and horror – super stylish films, Tim Burton’s stuff is also great. Any director who gets a great palette into a film. Ultimately, I like things that have a vintage look, that’s what I go for, a less-is-more style. You’ve got a new comic book in the making called Made of Steel, which is launching on Kickstarter October 1st. What can you tell us about the story? It’s about a girl, Roisin Sharman, who uncovers a scroll in a Sheffield park when she’s out with her dog. Reading the scroll, she summons Vulcan, aka ‘Hephaestus’ (God of the Forge). He’s the figure who dons Sheffield City’s crest and seemed like the perfect mentor figure for Roisin. He trains her up as Steel Bolt, a hero and protector of Steel City (an alt-universe version of Sheffield). She’s learning the ropes and fighting low-level crime until derby day, when she must face two titans from the Steel Talons and the Crimson Cutlasses in a stand-off battle to protect the city. Like the first Star Wars film, I wanted to capture a story that was joyful and full of hope, but with threats 24 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
that felt real. I also wanted to capture the average day in Sheffield and imagine her amongst regular people and how they would react. Sheffield features heavily in the story. When the titan figures come down from the sky, one takes out the Hendo’s factory and the other hits Kelham Island Brewery. But don’t worry! I also resurrect old places like Tinsley Towers. I love that your hero is a teenage girl, and she has a refreshing look with her short, red hair and punky style. You describe her as “fearless, with sharp wit”, and “too cool to stick on some stupid leotard/bikini”. Who or what inspired this female superhero? A couple of years ago I went to see, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, with my daughter Roisin (Steel Bolt is partially named after her). It really felt like a modern comic book film for all ages, and my daughter loved Spider-Gwen, the female spiderman character who I think really stole the film. She was a strong female superhero, like Captain Marvel later, who was almost like a badass biker girl. I was influenced by those sorts of characters, but Steel Bolt is also based partly on the Elastica guitarist Donna Mathews and the cool girls down at the Leadmill in my Sheffield clubbing days. Then the latter part of her name was chosen after Sheffield astronaut Helen Sharman. She really got some stick at one point as it was written that Tim Peake was the first British astronaut in space, but he wasn’t; it was Helen Sharman. There is an emphasis on narrative and storytelling with all art, but comic book art in particular. Do you consider yourself a storyteller as well as a visual artist? Yes, I think I do consider myself a storyteller. With the book, I wanted to keep the narrative fun and not overly complicated, but what I’m really interested in is how an image can tell a whole story. Like with my art prints, for example, the one I did of John Cooper Clarke, I tried to tell the story of his career in one image. I’m really proud of it, it’s one I look back on down the line and still really like.
Jim Connolly You are clearly very inspired by place, and Sheffield in particular. You live in Manchester now, so why the creative pull towards Sheffield? I suppose I see Sheffield through rosetinted glasses. I grew up here, but I also travel here a lot for fun, work-related stuff now. My band is also Sheffield-based, so I come back here to pretend to be a rock star for the afternoon. Sheffield will always hold a special place in my heart. What about music, are you influenced by it? I noticed a couple of references to Kurt Cobain in your work. Music is massive for me. As a teenager in the 90s, Nirvana were a big deal. They really celebrated the underdog. They were also at the forefront of that DIY aesthetic, not just in their style but in their ethos. I suppose I was influenced by that DIY mentality, the idea that you can be your own publisher, or put out your own music. There’s a band I’m into at the moment called The Lovely Eggs, their doing a lot of that. Speaking of DIY, you are using Kickstarter, a crowd-funding platform, for Made of Steel. What made you chose that platform? Of course there’s the financial element, and this is a way of doing things minus ‘the man’. But it also seemed like a great way to reach a wide audience. I like the idea of involving people in the process. For instance, I want to get people’s faces in the comic. I had the idea that someone could be drawn into the comic scoring the winning goal on derby day. I also think it’s a good platform for introverted types, it feels really supportive. How has lockdown affected your creativity? A lot of artists and creatives find their work to be an outlet in difficult times, would you say that has been true for you during the pandemic? It has been a rough year. There’s been the pandemic and less work coming in, but I also lost a sister earlier in the year. The comic was a great outlet, it’s given me something to throw myself into, something positive. I remember years ago when my dad died, a band Jarvis Cocker was in ended up using some of my work and it felt really special, it was really uplifting at the time. Creativity has always helped me get through crap times. It gives you a purpose, you know? It gives you hope. Jim Connolly has one month from October 1st to reach his financial goal on Kickstarter and bring Made of Steel to life. If you want to support him and find out how Steel Bolt fares in battle, visit www.jimcportfolio.co.uk and click on the Made of Steel poster.
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Exposed speaks to Sheffield-based writer Akeem Balogun about his debut collection, The Storm, which is to be released on independent publisher Okapi Books this month. Can you tell us about your your background and how you first got into writing? I’m from Brixton and moved to Sheffield in 2003, when I was about 11-years-old. I went to Myrtle Springs school, which at the time wasn’t a great school, and there were a lot of people in class who didn’t really want to learn. However, English was something I was quite good at, right from Year 7 when I read a story in front of the class and the teachers and my friends loved it. So, shoutout to my teachers because they always said I was good! That story matters because in 2011 when I was on a gap year – basically playing a lot of Playstation, to be honest – my brother was doing art and animation and I thought I should do something creative like him. I knew I was a good at English, so I went to the local library for inspiration and just couldn’t find a good book. I thought to myself, if I like reading and can’t find a book that interests me, I can see why my mates at school were put off. So I went home and started writing some stories, the kind of stuff my mates from school might actually read and think was cool. I continued writing from then. You started up your own publishing house called Okapi Books. Can you tell us a bit about the ethos behind it? We are about getting those infrequent readers. We want to show that reading is just another form of entertainment – the same as Netflix, video games, music. I’m part of the press with Brett, Nathan, and Jane. I met Brett in 2011 at university and we were talking then about how our friends didn’t rate reading; they did sports, were into music and gaming, but just did everything except reading. We wanted to make something our friends would be into. When I finished this book in 2018/2019 I spoke to people in the industry, and they mentioned small publishers who backed short story collections. I knew of them, I’d read books from them, but the amount they produce and sell can be quite small. I submitted to one or two, got some rejections, but then I updated the story and got accepted by a press in London. I thought of all the things we originally wanted to do with books and getting our mates into reading: the specific style, getting musicians to do the audiobooks, getting artists we liked to do the design, doing the marketing the way we wanted. Realistically, a small press wouldn’t put that money behind it. So I thought, you know what, I’ve had my stuff in magazines, I’ve won some small prizes, I’m confident with the standard of the writing, so we may as well put our money where our mouth is and do the things we have always wanted to do. So the stories are interlinked by a destructive storm taking place in the background, often throwing the characters into intense situations or causing them to act in unprecedented ways. Straightaway, and particularly in the title story, you can draw instant comparisons with the Coronavirus outbreak. Yeah, extraordinary people in extreme crisis. But that wasn’t intentional, just a complete 28 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
coincidence. I started on this in 2015, some stories even earlier, then by 2017 the stories were done. The next two years were largely spent just tweaking. It hit me how similar our current predicament was to what some of the characters were experiencing, in terms of facing up and reacting to extreme situations in the best way we can. Yeah, and I wanted people to respond in a way where they just like got on with it. I think it’s a British thing for people to do, just carrying on, acting like things are normal when they’re not. With other counties, like Greece and Italy, the outbreak felt a bit more real, but the British just wanted to plough through.
in the introduction you see that she has come to visit for a second time. I wanted to play with the idea of reality, too: is this real? Has this person come from heaven? Is it all artificial? I like putting those questions in there.
Soulmate is the shortest one. I re-read it a few times. I thought at first it could be a reference to civil war, but then you look into it and it feels more like a relationship break-up, and the effects it has on other people, namely children. I thought at first it needed to be huge, but I think it works as a short piece. I was thinking about why people break up and why humans fight. It might be dressed up in a big problem but deep down, even with countries, it can be a miniscule problem with people that leads to a massive reaction. In the story you might think it is religion, or I feel like those countries are on the whole better at expressing and dealing with emotion national disaster; but if you boil it down, perhaps it’s about a group of individuals who are unhappy than we are. because they can’t do the most basic things, but Absolutely, it even comes down to language. A lot of languages are more emotive than ours; ours it becomes huge and devastating. It’s interesting is designed almost as if to get to a point. Not that how simple things can be at the heart of conflict. English isn’t a wonderful language with obvious How are things looking going forward for benefits, but other languages can be far more expressive when it comes to emotion, and this is Okapi Books? We’re going to be doing everything possible to often reflected in the culture of the people. get this book in the hands of people and get all the coverage we can. But outside of book promo, In the cover story, the main character is there is the audiobook, and we’ve got poet and battling against the storm to find a stranded family member. What was going through your dub artist Rider Shafique to do it. My brother is also doing an animated short film for one of the head when you wrote it? I wanted to flex my creative muscle. One of my stories. Animation is big amongst my mates too, and again, that could help get people into the favourite authors, Richard Ford, his work has crime elements, hints of sci-fi, action, drama; but book. I call this book the sacrificial lamb because it’s still really literary. I wanted to bring all these we are going to try everything possible on it and elements in and not feel gimmicky by doing so. see what works and what doesn’t, then apply what works to the next one. If the book pops, I wanted a cool driving scene, but not like in amazing, but we are trying to preach to people an action movie, something cool and layered. I want to do something different, like the Marc that aren’t converted. I think the promo with independent music labels is doing it best, always Populaire story. thinking of the wickedest ways to market, doing really creative things. I feel like independent That’s the story told solely using voicemail writers and publishers don’t have the same kind messages, a surprisingly effective tool! Yeah, I wanted to tell a story in an unusual way. of prestige. In music, it’s cool to be with the I’ve told them in a text message, in a radio inter- independent label; people don’t want to sell out view, I love doing that. I wanted to tell a story in to the big labels. But with book publishing, it’s a way that hadn’t been done before. I didn’t want like everyone wants to be with the big publishers, the character to actually show up. I think it helps so shoutout to the small independent publishers out there. I want to see a similar framework build the tension better that way. within fiction, one which isn’t about trying to Eden is another story I really enjoyed, set in a win big awards and worrying about the literature hotel where customers pay vast sums of money industry, but is more about making cool books. I want people to just see literature as another to go and reconnect with lost loved ones. There’s plenty of scope for soul-searching with form of entertainment. Some of my mates view reading as a bit challenging and not as relaxing that one. Yeah, I was thinking if people have the option to as watching a show, for example; but interestsee people who’d died, even if they were charged ingly research shows that reading can be even more relaxing. If you read something you like, a ridiculous amount of money to do so, would it’s not a chore. Nine out of ten times, the reason they? somebody doesn’t like reading is because you’ve not liked what you’ve been reading. It subverts the idea that everyone is equal in death, no matter how rich or poor, because this story imagines a world where the rich have The Storm will be released on 19 Oct benefits even in death. Absolutely. The girl in the story has done it twice;
Image: Drew King
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Photography by Marc Barker
Thinking Outside The BOX Exposed visits Steelyard Kelham Shipping container retail parks, or ‘box parks’ to keep it simple, have been springing up across the UK ever since Shoreditch paved the way with the first in 2011. Since then, a number of these vibrant hubs for independent businesses have opened with considerable success in cities such as Manchester, Bristol, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh. So, naturally, it wasn’t going to be too long before Sheffield got in on the action. Of course, location is key to the viability of such projects, and the outskirts of Sheffield’s bustling Kelham Island district serves as the perfect locale for the Steelyard complex, situated just a stones’ throw from the nearby bars and foodie spots. The development fits in nicely with Kelham’s spirit of urban renewal, transforming what was essentially an empty car park into an exciting social destination and retail spot, with a large nod towards the area’s proud industrial heritage in its design.
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When Exposed swung by on a sun-kissed Thursday evening last month, we were unsure what to expect. Footfall can be an issue in the area during the week, especially with a global pandemic hanging over proceedings, which left us wondering whether we’d chosen a quiet evening to schedule in a visit. But we needn’t had worried; the pleasant weather had enticed a healthy throng of post-work revellers out, most of whom were sat (in socially distanced groups, of course) outside the bars and in the suntrap courtyard situated on the second level. After visiting one of the many sanitising stations dotted around, we headed up the stairs to our first port of call, the sleek-looking Bubba Bar and Restaurant, where we spoke with owner John Tompkins while ogling a few of the tasty-looking small plates intermittently winding their way out of the kitchen and into the courtyard – nicely presented dishes of beef teriyaki, meatballs, patatas bravas and calamari doing the rounds. “For a long time now we’ve dreamed of opening a tapas bar,” John told us. “We were inspired by our trips to Spain, especially Fuengirola, where our favourite place was a tapas bar called Bubba Bar. So that’s where the inspiration came from; we wanted to create a relaxed space for casual dining, a nice atmosphere, and small plates done well.” For John, who also owns the Devonshire Arms
Steelyard
Bubba Bar
in Middle Hanley, the Steelyard container concept provided the perfect opportunity to realise a business dream, and when hearing there was also interest from the likes of Urban Pizza Co., Decks Bar, and Workshop Koffee, amongst others, he was certain that the place had the potential to succeed. Bubba Bar opened its doors for August Bank Holiday and has quickly settled into what John say is a tight-knit community of traders. “There’s a great feel to the place. I love it. We’ve got a nice mixture of people coming in – a real blend of age groups and we’ve received fantastic feedback. We all collaborate nicely; I don’t mind if someone gets a pizza from Urban Pizza downstairs and comes to sit up here with it. We’re all supporting each other at the end of the day.” That tangible sense of community is something that
Bubba Bar’s next-door neighbours Indie-Go also enjoy about being at Steelyard. The bar was the brainchild of pals and indie music fans Andy, Faz, Brooky, Tom and Roy, who’ve turned their unit into something of a shrine to indie legends with assistance from local artist Paul Staveley. An impressive mural to one of the city’s finest musical exports, PULP, immediately grabs your attention, while you’ll find a few more rock ‘n’ roll icons and references on show throughout the venue. In a city known for its guitar music, the lads wanted to recreate the sort of place they would choose for a night out. “We spoke about the brilliant nights we had at places like Casbah and Green Room, and now they’re gone we think there’s a bit of a niche there for it,” said Andy. “Weekends have been great since opening, and we’ve recently launched a couple of events during the week to get people in.” Those events include Steel Jam – an open mic event every Wednesday, 6-10pm; and a live comedy night, That’s Entertainment, which will take place on the final Thursday of each month. On the weekends it’s a more straightforward case of grabbing yourself a beer or perusing the “rocktails” list and unwinding with the lovingly curated playlists on offer.
Indie-Go
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From indie bangers to chilled house sets, completing the trio of bar offerings on the upper level is Decks – a little slice of Ibiza terrace paradise brought into the heart of Sheffield. Decks opens out nicely onto the picturesque courtyard spot, where drinkers were taking in the golden hour sunshine while the DJ soundtracked the evening with some deep lounge house beats. Original plans of garden parties and a bring your own vinyl policy had to be revised due to Covid-19, but owner Adie Garcia-Marshall says they’ve still managed to create a good vibes spot with bags of potential for the future. “We’ve had some fantastic support from the community,” Adie told us. “This is my first experience in opening a bar, so we’re learning and growing, and that goes for the whole development too; we have new businesses arriving all the time and it just feels exciting.” Keen to showcase local talent, Decks are committed to programming Sheffield DJs, they keep things fresh with seasonal drinks menus – negronis appeared popular on this particular evening – and for the colder months there will be a canopy, heaters, rugs, and warm JD and honey cocktails to create a toasty setting. “We’re building a community,” says Adie. “We’re all independent businesses who help each other out, and the different types of food and music on offer all comes together and brings in a great crowd.”
On ground level you’ll find the heart of Steelyard’s foodie offerings, and no street food haven is complete without a solid pizza joint. Thankfully, in Urban Pizza Co they’ve got one of Sheffield’s most innovative dough specialists, knocking out specials like their Chicken Tikka Pizza to the Mexican-inspired El Mariachi, where everything, right down the base sauce, is made fresh and in house. Urban Pizza sits nicely alongside their Urban Entertainment brand, which specialises in outdoor cinema and events. Plans are underway for cinema nights in the yard in the not too distant future, and MD Michael Hayes told us that so far, even with challenges posed by a pandemic, the reception for the pizzeria has been fantastic and they’re already looking forward to taking the next step. “We’re excited to utilise the yard space, and you can sense the place is going to grow even more in terms of businesses coming in, but right now we’re focusing on our pizzas and brand new dessert menu we’ve launched. We’ve got an incredible Torta Della Nonna, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Panna Cotta arriving on the menu which people can now come and try.” It’s amazing what you can do with a storage container in terms of interior design, as each unit at Steelyard has its own distinctive look and feel; none more so than Icarus & Apollo, purveyors of internationally inspired vegan and vegetarian eats. After sampling various cuisines on their travels around the globe, owners Holly and Campbell returned and set up the business as a food vendor focusing on providing an exciting, sustainable menu – with many ingredients grown and sourced right here in Sheffield. Inside there’s a homage to the retro caravan they started their business out of, travelling up and down the UK, slinging out everything from Buddha bowls and curries to quesadillas and wraps.
Icarus & Apollo
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Steelyard
Workshop Koffee
Fuelling proceedings are Icarus & Apollo’s recently arrived neighbours,Workshop Koffee, owned by best friends Leanne and Lynsey and open seven days a week for your breakfast, brunching and lunching needs. There’s even an afternoon tea offer that you can take advantage of (pre-bookings only), and if you’re looking for a spot to hunker down and get some work done, there’s free wi-fi and charging points on-hand. Not to mention a constant supply of superb coffee to keep you going. Lynsey told us it was the potential of the area and seeing the development underway which convinced them to get involved. “We came down to have a look right back in the early days, when they were just starting to work on Bubba Bar, so we saw all of that underway combined with the location being in a part of Kelham Island which could work nicely and just thought, this could be really good. There’s a nice eclectic mix of traders and the clientele coming in have been superb.”
After finishing our brews, stomachs were beginning to rumble, so we headed back across the yard and ordered gyros wraps from Greek Gods’ Cuisine, who serve up a mouthwatering menu of authentic Greek street food from their van. Heading back upstairs to sit outside Bubba Bar with a drink, our food arrived a few minutes later, just as the sun was beginning to set behind the Bardswell Road development. Sheffield’s first box park gets a big thumbs up from us, and with the need to support independent traders now more important than ever, we’d strongly recommend popping down to sample the atmosphere and tasty delights on offer when you get the chance.
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This Must Be The Place Leaving the white tablecloths and eye-watering final bills behind, Luke’s Place is a new dining concept bringing high-end small dishes served in an intimate setting to Infirmary Road. We caught up with owner Luke Reynolds last month to see how it’s all ticking along… What’s the story behind Luke’s Place? Having my own place has been in the plans for years, but it came to reality about a year and a half ago. That’s when I started looking for locations and developing the concepts and ideas. I’d worked in restaurants around Manchester and the Peak District for years before going freelance at the start of this year, later doing a few supper clubs around Manchester to get a feel for things. People liked the style: open, intimate, plating up and cooking in front of people. I started to look for space where the kitchen and restaurant were as one, rather than just an open kitchen.
three months, so I think with the value and new dishes you can keep those regular customers coming back. It’s not a place you just go to celebrate on rare occasions; it’s a place you can come back to every few months. A couple last weekend had booked in again before they even left – and that’s what I want. Not a place where it’s luxury, where you pay for the building or for all the staff too; it’s a small place, just me, which means I can afford to do that menu at that price and that’s the selling point. How does the booking system work? At the moment it sits eight, but I’m getting a bar in next year to take it up to sixteen. So I open Wednesday to Saturday and do four sittings a day: 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm. I know exactly who is coming in and at what time, so no mistakes are made and there is no miscommunication. I have all the prep ready and it makes service a breeze.
Tell us about the menu and the inspirations behind it. Is there an added sense of pressure for you You are usually limited to what the cooking right in front of the customers? restaurant wants as a chef. Even when I was Perhaps at the start, but now I’m doing a head chef, you have your own ideas but dishes every day, four times a day, so it’s are limited to what a manager or owner just become second nature really. It means wants. Whereas now its 100 percent what I can interact with the guests, explain what comes out of my own head. I can do food I’m doing and keep that friendly, relaxed that inspires me, food I want to cook, I vibe going. want to eat, that makes me excited. It can be anything I want it to be, but obviously it has to make sense. Inspiration comes from That’s a huge part of the ethos here – high-end food but in an informal setting. any country and any place and I’ll add some twists. It’s a simple concept: chilled Yeah, that’s important. I wanted to strip out, but high-end. Stripped back of all the away the uncomfortable part of high-end pretentiousness, and it won’t cost you a dining – it can be easy to feel a bit intimismall fortune either. dated in some places. I offer great value at £30 pounds for a seven-course Luke’s Place meal. I don’t do wine; I do beers 132 Infirmary Rd and cocktails, so that’s different S6 3DH to the normal fine dining thing, but it’s just my take on it, my restaurantlukesplace.com version. My menu changes every
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Courtyard sessions Even a global pandemic can’t keep Sheffield’s soundsystem culture down. Last month saw the second of the ‘Courtyard Sessions’ series at Dryad Works in Neepsend The aim is simple: keep the underground nightlife scene alive in the city and provide a platform for local artists in these troubling times. The 120-capacity outside space is fully covered and great efforts are made to ensure each event is fully compliant with the latest Covid-19 regulations. Joe Taylor of Dryad Works said of the events so far: “We were one of the first venues to host these types of events, so we worked closely with the council and provided feedback to support their decisions on future TENs applications for our venue and the many others in Sheffield. We’re proud to provide a safe spot for people who are longing for some socialisation and interaction after many months locked down. They plan on hosting the courtyard sessions each Saturday of the month, with the next one on 4th October with Peach – the first house and techno event in Sheffield for around six months. Street food vendors will be on-hand with pizza specialists Dough Girls fuelling proceedings.
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the student issue
Louisa Harrison-Walker
home, sweet home! know how to have a good time. But we’re a friendly bunch who look out for each other, which is good to know as a student, because you’ve got your university, the city, and all the locals trying to do their best for everyone even in these tough times. So please keep following advice and instructions from your university or college and the city council. It’s really important for us all that the things you will find to love about this city can stay open for everyone to enjoy and for people to work in. If you want to keep updated on how we’re managing Covid-19 then I really recommend following our amazing Director of Public Health, Greg Fell. You can find him @felly500. He knows his stuff and is super approachable. We really do want you to make yourself at home here. We hope you have an amazing time and that you can contribute to a city we think is so special. Maybe you’ll even stick around afterwards and be your own success story in one of our businesses in tech, digital, health, sport, advanced manufacturing… or maybe you’ll be the innovator doing something none of us ever foresaw. Whatever it is, we’d love for you to be part of our future because our businesses value your brains, ability and vision. So let’s all support each other by doing the right things, right now, that keep our people well and our economy functioning.
Image: Sam McQueen
A massive hello to you from Sheffield! And importantly, thanks for coming. Our home is what it is because of people like you adding to our culture, our way of life, and ultimately our businesses. Speaking of which, our cafes, shops, pubs and arts venues are really glad to see you too. I’m heavily involved in our business community and I know how many of them rely on our students getting out and experiencing the city. Sheffield City Council has been working closely with as many of our independents as possible to make everyone feel safe and comfortable whilst still enjoying life in this great city, and it’s really easy to do thanks to all the systems in place. Don’t forget though you’re also in The Outdoor City. 61% of this city is green space and the Peak District is literally on the doorstep, so enjoying life is pretty easy in that respect in Sheffield (just invest in some waterproofs!). Plus you can still access loads of amazing cultural stuff online thanks to digital offerings like Web/ Site by Site Gallery and brilliant events like the Festival of the Mind and Off The Shelf – as well as Doc/Fest coming soon. In that vein, keep in touch with the Make Yourself At Home initiative to find out about local happenings right now. That’s easiest by following @visitSheffield and #SheffieldMakes. You’ll also like @ourfaveplaces who run a fab local guide to culture. You’ll soon see we’re not as in your face as some other cities, and that we know how to relax as much as we
Louisa founded and runs the recruitment firm Benchmark, is a Director at the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, as well as chairperson of the City Growth Board and Trustee with St Luke’s Hospice. You can follow her @LouisaBenchmark. www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 43
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the student issue
yet, but ay be some time off es here m rs oo efl nc da d and crowde le experienc Large-scale events which you can enjoy some incredib spitality industry in s ho there are still way d with a global pandemic, the local res to keep ce instil safety measu d an t ap in the Steel City. Fa ad e ly us rs to continuo ng, soaking up som has worked wonde when it comes to eating and drinki in s ot st sp d you’re in one of be , rs oo td things moving, an ou t ea gr exploring the culture, or simply the country. onth, but to get t’s going on each m st stick to the ha w ith w op lo e s. Ju l in th We’ll keep you wel here are a few of our Sheff must-do . ly yt ce re ni be you started off elines and you’ll latest safety guid
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Image: Harrison
the full monty
the student issue
try henderson’s relish
During your time here you might hear it referred to as “Hendo’s”, “Hendie’s”, “Henderson’s” or just plan “relish”. But this famous sauce had been made in Sheff since the 1880s and is a very important part of local culinary culture; it’s even inspired poems, artwork, songs, and more than a few questionable tattoos. Gluten-free, vegetarian/veganfriendly and rated so much by Sean Bean that he’d get it delivered around the world when filming for long periods abroad. Your Sheffield experience isn’t complete until you’ve given it a go.
ENJOY THE GREEN SPACE Sheff is one of the greenest cities in the UK, with around 250 parks, woodlands and garden spaces. During stressful times nature can provide a positive impact on both mood and health, allowing for a bit of respite from the hustle and bustle of university life – not to mention a way to take a break from the onslaught of negative news arriving daily on our timelines. The Botanical Gardens, Devonshire Green and Endcliffe Park are three popular student hangouts to get you started with.
DAY OUT IN THE PEAKS A mere 20-minutes drive (or train journey) from the city centre will find you entering the Peak District – the first ever national park in the United Kingdom and covering a space of almost 1,500km2. Expect plenty of quaint villages to explore, while some of the best scenic walking routes in the whole country are available to find at visitpeakdistrict.co.uk. DO THE IRISH TRIANGLE Three pubs: The Grapes, The Dog & Partridge and Fagan’s. Three of the best pints of Guinness you’ll find within these seven hills. The winner? You decide.
Image: Michael Cummins
image: Shane Rounce
MAKE AN ESCAPE The ‘Escape Room’ phenomenon has taken the UK by force and Sheffield has become a prime spot to partake in it, offering a selection of themed challenges to pit your wits against. Maybe you want to test friendships or properly evaluate your new flatmates? Either way, the Great Escape Game demands cooperation, teamwork and logical reasoning for success. Book your slot at thegreatescapegame.co.uk.
HAVE A BREW AT STEAMYARD Nestled away in a picturesque courtyard off Division Street, this popular café is a charming spot serving up some of the best coffee and doughnuts you’ll find up north. It’s that good people love to shout about it, and in 2019 it became the most instagrammed independent coffee shop in the UK. We’d also highly recommend Albies, The Grind, Tamper, Marmadukes and Bragazzis for your caffeinated kicks too.
Live the island life Odds are you’ll hear a lot about Kelham Island during your stay in Sheffield, and that’s because this former industrial area is today one of the city’s most exciting suburbs. Full of decent beer gardens, real ale pubs, quirky bars and an array of cafes and restaurants, it’s well worth a visit – whether you’re after a pint by the river at The Riverside or tasty vegan food and cocktails at Church - House of Fun, it’s a part of the city well worth acquainting yourself with.
have a laugh at the leadmill The iconic Sheffield venue has recently started up again with events and its popular Comedy Club nights, where you can safely experience some of the best stand-up talent on the UK circuits with banging street food and drinks options brought to your table. Tickets limited due to social distancing guidelines, so get in there nice and early at leadmill.co.uk! EXPLORE Don’t stay hidden in the Student Union all term – explore! Even though the village-like feel of the city centre may give the impression of this being a fairly compact place, there are plenty of brilliant areas dotted around, only a short walk or taxi journey away – Ecclesall Road, Abbeydale Road, Heeley, Broomhill, Crookes, Sharrow Vale Road – all boasting their own selection of pubs, bars, restaurants, shops and parks. A short trip out to find places like The Picture House Social or take in the sunset with a pint at the Brother’s Arms in Heeley is well worth it.
Image: Tom Kahler
BRUNCH AT TAMPER A strong café scene means brunch spots are aplenty around here, but Arundel Street’s Tamper Coffee is something of a Steel City Mecca for early munching – that good, in fact, it’s been lauded as one of the best breakfast spots in country by the Guardian and Waitrose Good Food Magazine. There’s also a picturesque courtyard for some al fresco action on sunny days.
hail the ale With 4.7 times more breweries per capita than London, Sheffield can claim to be a major force on the British brewing scene. From your traditional real ale stalwarts such as The Fat Cat, Shakespeares and Kelham Island Tavern, to your craft beer havens such as The Beer Engine, Dead Donkey and Triple Point Brewery, you’re more than well catered for when the time calls for an interesting pint or two.
VISIT A FOOD HALL Situated in the up-and-coming Castlegate area of the city, Kommune is home to mouthwatering variety of food traders serving throughout the day and into the evening. There’s also an art gallery, retail traders and a well-stocked bar to keep you entertained. Whereas, over in the Neepsend part of the city, you’ve got Cutlery Works to whet your appetite – one of the largest foodhalls in the north of England serving a range of cuisines from sushi to poutine. Spread across two floors, it’s a popular social destination for a bite to eat or a night out with pals.
Images: Marc Barker
image: joe horner
support indies A haven for independent businesses, on Sharrowvale Road you’ll find the likes of Pete McKee’s art shop, Seven Hills Bakery and some great Sheffield pubs such as the Porter Cottage down here, not to mention much-loved eateries like the Greedy Greek Deli and Porter Pizza. Tucked behind this stretch of road you’ll also find Dyson Place, another inviting hub of local businesses. For a comprehensive list of our many wonderful independents and where to find them, head to independent-sheffield.co.uk.
the student issue
image: Andy Brown
Millennium Gallery Based in the heart of the city and free for all, this popular spot offers a rotating selection of exhibitions showcasing art, craft and design. site Gallery Sheffield’s international contemporary art space is a cultural sanctuary in the centre of town. The space prides itself in connecting people to art and inspiring new thinking and debate. graves Gallery The top floor of Sheffield Central library is home to the likes of Cezanne, Turner and Auerbach alongside modern artists such as Grayson Perry. Notably, it features a large Damien Hirst piece donated by none other than Sheffield legend Jarvis Cocker. S1 Artspace S1 Artspace is a non-profit artist-led art space that presents an annual programme of exhibitions and events. While you’re there, you can take in the Sheffield staple that is the recently renovated Park Hill estate.
image: Reuben Brown
image: Will Roberts
Sheffield has a thriving arts scene and is home to a number of superb museums and art galleries. Here a few of our favourites dotted in and around the city centre....
Image: adrian richardson
SOAK UP SOME CULTURE
SAMPLE A PEDDLER One of the biggest events on the city’s social calendar is Peddler Night Market. The event takes place on the first weekend of every month at 92 Burton Road – an events space bang in the middle of Kelham Island. Naturally, they’ve had to adapt considerably to stay in line with Covid-19 safety guidelines, but you can still enjoy live music, art, cocktails and a truly enviable selection of street food from around the world.
GO VINTAGE If you’re looking for new threads at affordable prices, you’ll find some of the finest vintage clothing stores up north in town centre. Within a short walk of each other you’ll find Freshman’s (Carver Street), Cow (West Street), Mooch (Division Street), and R.A.G Vintage (Charles Street) – head down for a browse and you might find something special.
HIT THE STREETS Dotted in and around the city centre you’ll find some incredible street art from renowned artists such as Pleghm, Kid Acne, Faunographic, Pete McKee and many, many more. In fact, there are literally hundreds dotted around. Luckily, streetartsheffield.com have done a good job of mapping over 250 locations and allowing you to browse each one by area. God bless ‘em.
National Videogame Museum Console enthusiasts can bone up on some gaming history at the NVM – The UK’s national cultural centre for videogames. Play games from yesteryear right through to exploring the cutting edge technology seen in the industry today. Weston Park Museum The largest museum in Sheffield is set within the stunning grounds of Weston Park. Find out more about the social history of the city alongside a number of permanent exhibitions. It’s free entry but donations are encouraged!
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grab a view As your calves will soon discover, Sheff is a city of many, many hills. As well as developing the cardiovascular endurance of an Olympic athlete in no time, another benefit to the undulating terrain means your spoilt for view spots. Grab a few pals, maybe a couple of tinnies (be sure to recycle), and admire it in all its glory from the Ampitheatre behind the station, Norfolk Heritage, Meersbrook Park or Parkwood Springs.
BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER IN THE HEART OF BROOMHILL
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501A GLOSSOP ROAD, BROOMHILL, SHEFFIELD, S10 2QE
#SheffieldMakes for a great home
Please #PlayYourPart in keeping Sheffield safe. Go to Sheffield.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest local guidance and public health information.
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For stories, information and inspiration on supporting your local economy and culture, go to welcometoSheffield.co.uk/makeyourselfathome and follow @visitSheffield Together we share this city‌ just slightly apart from each other for now.
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Image: William Navarro
the student issue
H is for Henderson’s Relish
Sheffield folk are fiercely proud of the Spicy Yorkshire Sauce made here since the 1880s, as displayed back in 2014 when Labour MP Jim Dowd unwittingly suggested the sauce was an imitation of Lea & Perrins, leading to a swift retraction and apology to the people of Sheffield. Lesson: DO NOT diss the sauce. DO, however, pour it on your pies, chips, stews, spag bol... or owt else that needs a bit of a ‘kick’.
I is for Independent A is for Ale
And plenty of it too! You, dear student, have arrived in the ale capital of the UK. Yes, it’s all hail the ale around these parts – just ask the New York Times who listed Kelham Island, the popular real ale area of the city, above The Vatican in the publication’s ‘52 places to go’ feature a couple of years ago. They know the score.
B is for Bessemer
The chap responsible for Sheffield’s worldwide reputation as a manufacturing city. In 1856 Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer process – a method of converting iron into steel – which saw steel production soar to an output of 10,000 tonnes a week by the 1880s. You can actually head down to Kelham Island and take in the sight of an old converter stood outside the museum, if that’s your idea of fun.
C is for Crucible
The home of world snooker since 1977, the Crucible Theatre brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city each year – many who arrive between April and May to soak up the snooker-loopy atmosphere. It’s also home to the revered Sheffield Theatres group, who’ve recently announced plans for socially distanced performances to take place this year.
D is for Division Street
Situated in the heart of the Devonshire quarter, this lively street boasts a mix of small independent shops, bars, pubs and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and students alike.
The indie scene in the city has thrived over the last decade or so; home-grown shops, cafés and bars are in abundance around the city centre, with many more to be found on Abbeydale Road and Ecclesall Road respectively. They need your support now more than ever, so keep picking up your month Exposed Mag to find out the latest news from local businesses.
J is for Joe and Jarv
Two legendary Cockers hail from this city: Joe Cocker (RIP) and PULP lead singer Jarvis Cocker. John Robert ‘Joe’ Cocker was born in Crookes, 1961, and worked as a gas fitter before hitting the big time with songs such as ‘Up Where We Belong’, Beatles cover ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’ and ‘You Are So Beautiful’. Jarvis grew up in the Intake area of the city, going on to ride the crest of the UK Britpop wave with Pulp before the band went on a nine-year hiatus in 2002. There’s no relation between the two, other than being two local leg-ends well deserving of their spots on the Sheffield Walk of Fame.
K is for knives
Aye, we’ve built up quite the international repute for quality cutlery making, going all the way back to the 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer referenced a Sheffield ‘Thwitel’ (knife) in The Canterbury Tales. Even today the ‘Made in Sheffield’ logo remains a globally recognised symbol of quality craftsmanship.
L is for the Leadmill
The ‘new wave’ era of the 1980s was born up ‘ere, with the likes of synth-toting legends Cabaret Voltaire, Human League, Heaven 17 and ABC all hailing from the Steel City.
This venue is known throughout the UK for its championing of live music. None other than Ringo Starr wrote to the owners in 1992 to thank them for the support offered to young musicians, while Franz Ferdinand have described playing the venue as a “rite of passage for UK bands worth their salt”. They’ve recently announced the return of events at the venue, just head to leadmill.co.uk for this month’s rundown.
F is for football
M is for Moonshine
E is for electronic music
As home to Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest association football club; Hallam FC’s Sandygate, the world’s oldest football ground; and Bramall Lane, the world’s oldest professional football stadium, it will come as little surprise to learn that this place is footy mad. The Steel City derby between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday remains one of the most fiercely contested matches in the game, and there’s never much love lost between Blades and Owls supporters.
G is for green space
A third of Sheff lies in the Peak District, the only UK city to include a national park within its boundary. Totting it all up, there are 150 woodlands and 50 parks, making it one of the greenest cities in Europe.
Brewed locally by Abbeydale Brewery, Moonshine is an award-winning 4.3% beer available at most selfrespecting ale joints. Grab yoursen a pint at any selfrespecting alehouse and see why it was once named the Champion Beer of Yorkshire.
N is for niche
Never mind your guitar bands, this city was bouncing to the sound of bassline during the early to midnoughties. The infamous Niche nightclub gave birth to Sheffield’s own interpretation of the genre and the likes of Jamie Duggan, DJ Q and Shaun ‘Banger’ Scott would often grace the decks before the venue’s controversial closure in 2005.
the student issue
U is for Uke
O is for Olympians
We’re reyt proud of some of the incredible athletes we’ve produced here. Gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill is a local lass, and IAAF president Seb Coe found his knack for track & field while attending high school here.
P is for Park Hill Flats
Built between 1957 and 1961, this Grade II listed building – the largest of its kind in Europe – has been the source of much debate. The 1,000-flat structure, built to rehouse the local community from a back-toback housing slum, was originally seen as a beacon of community spirit. However, as local industry suffered, unemployment rose and crime became rife on the estate, Park Hill swiftly became a ‘no-go area’. Some called for the buildings to be pulled down, while others argued that the structure is an important part of Sheffield’s heritage and should remain. In 2007 regeneration company Urban Splash started work to turn the building into business units and new flats, with the project currently in its phase 3 stage.
Q is for quarters
Since 1994 the city centre has been divided into 11 quarters – Kelham Island Quarter, Riverside, Castlegate, Sheaf Valley, Cultural Industries Quarter, The Moor Quarter, Devonshire Quarter, St Georges Quarter, St Vincent Quarter, Cathedral Quarter and the Heart of the City.
R is for Republic
During the 1980s the left-wing policies of the Sheffield Council led by David Blunkett – many made deliberately to show opposition to Margaret Thatcher’s (boo, hiss) government of the day – earned the city the title of ‘The People’s Republic of South Yorkshire’.
S is for Stones (“Stoowens”)
In 1868 William Stones purchased the famous Cannon Brewery on Rutland Road, Neepsend, and worked brewing beer for the good folk of Sheffield until his death in 1894. William Stones LTD started brewing Stones Bitter in 1948, which quickly became a huge hit with the steelworkers of the city. The old brewery closed in 1999 and the beer has recently been rebrewed by True North Brew Co using the original recipe, yet Sheffielders are still partial to a pint of the gold stuff. Tread carefully though as too much can give you unholy guts the next day – don’t say you haven’t been warned!
T is for Tramlines
Sheffield’s very own Glasto! Tramlines Festival started here in 2009 with bar owners and venue promoters looking for a way to keep the city centre busy when the students go home. The first festival attracted 35,000 visitors with the likes of Toddla T, Reverend & The Makers, The XX and Example on the bill. Since then the event has gone from strength to strength, swiftly becoming a Sheffield institution. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for its return next year!
Northern Uke, to be precise. Yup, we have our very own ukulele-toting Sheffield cover band: The Everly Pregnant Brothers. The Brothers manage to draw huge crowds whenever they play their home city and their success has seen them play festivals and gigs all over the country. Oh, and they also have their own boozer in Heeley – The Brothers Arms – which boasts one of the best beer garden views in the city.
V is for Varsity
Beginning back in 1997, the Sheffield Varsity tournament Hallam University and University of Sheffield is one of the biggest of its kind in the country. With 1,500 students playing 35 sports in 20 different locations, it’s bloody huge and there’s plenty of pride at stake for both sides. UoS ended a decade of Hallam domination by winning the last four tournaments.
W is for Warp (Records & Films)
Warp Records was founded here in 1989 by Steve Beckett and Rob Mitchell, going on to become one of the most influential labels in electronic music with a roster boasting the likes of Aphex Twin, Hudson Mowhawke and LFO. Warp Films began as a sideproject, but after Beckett teamed up with film producer Steve Herbert in 2001 the company grew, going on to produce the likes of Dead Man’s Shoes, This Is England and Four Lions among many others.
X is for Xylophone
The earliest known example of a modern xylophone was discovered here, dug up decades ago by workers fitting the first tram tracks in front of the Cathedral. Nah, not really – but you try coming up with something for X. Go on…
Y is for Yellow Arch Studios
Today the UK’s first fully-licensed recording studios, this venue in Neepsend has provided rehearsal space to some of the city’s finest musical exports, with the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Tony Christie, Richard Hawley and Bring Me The Horizon all treading the boards there.
Z is for Zambian Sister City
Sheffield has a friendship agreement with Kitwe, the second largest city in Zambia, known for its mining heritage.
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the student issue
Let the Music Play Last month Exposed caught up Al Daw, owner at Sidney & Matilda, to hear about how the venue are trying to keep live music alive in the Steel City during these testing times. Good to see Sidney & Matilda are keeping the gigs coming in Sheffield. How are things looking at the moment? Obviously the legislation has changed and the events have moved inside now. The gigs are in the basement, and after trialling events like exhibitions we knew it worked as a safe venue. We can fit about 50 people in with social distancing measures in place, and the gigs have all been free barring one. We’re definitely going to keep going with these free gigs through October, and of course as an independent grassroots venue we appreciate all the local support we can get. How have the latest guidelines changed things? Obviously with things finishing at 10pm, we’ve had to bring the schedules forward a bit. There’s a lot of adapting involved, it feels almost like it’s constant sometimes, but we’re committed to putting as many gigs on as we can while making sure we adhere to the guidelines and keep it safe. Post-work gigs could be a winner! Yeah, we’ll be doing more daytime stuff, and starting earlier in the week – maybe like 5pm. It could work for students in particular hopefully. What sort of acts can we expect to see? A good mix really with a few acoustic stripped-back sets too. It’s tricky, but we’re doing what we can and trying to push new
artists, particularly those who haven’t played in Sheffield before. We’ve also been putting on a comedy night, The Comedy Hose, where people can come along and enjoy some free stand-up. How does it work? Do people have to get tickets or can they just rock up on the night? People are seated at the gigs; people have to book a table, six to each, and it’s all ticketed but free. No more walk-ins. I have to say that the response overall has been great and we’re going to carry on trying to provide a live music experience for the city, just keep on weathering the storm! If people head over to our Facebook page they’ll be able to keep up to date with the latest event announcements. sidneyandmatilda.com // @sidneyandmatilda
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Keeping sheffield safe
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keeping sheffield safe
An important message from Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield. Firstly, if you are new to our city, welcome to Sheffield! It’s important to acknowledge that we are living in extraordinary times and we continue to take extraordinary measures in order to stay safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. The virus has brought many challenges to our city and, unfortunately, they are challenges we will have to face for some time to come. We are not out of the woods yet, and as such we need to keep playing our part to keep each other safe. We are trying to balance the impact of a dangerous virus with getting back to some form of normal. The virus is very easily transmitted and as we have seen from earlier in the year carries a significant mortality risk. Many are of the view that the virus disproportionately affects the elderly. This is true. But increasingly we are aware of many young people who have mild symptoms but are then affected by what is now known as long-Covid, which are long lasting symptoms and this can be very debilitating and seems to affect anyone. For this reason alone we should all do what we can to protect ourselves. I thank you for your support in continuing to protect each other and our communities by following the safety measures in place. Your continued effort has helped to safeguard our way of life, has allowed each of us to continue to enjoy all Sheffield has to offer and has meant we can still welcome new residents to our city. Acting safely, respectfully and responsibly will help us to fight the spread of infection. As we live in the presence of Covid-19, we continue to ask everyone to act responsibly so we can enjoy all it has to offer. I know and appreciate the frustration and repetitiveness that has surrounded the Covid-19 safety messages out there. However, if we are to keep everyone safe, these messages bear repeating as they are vital in keeping you, our communities and our family and friends safe. Our efforts to slow the spread of the virus locally needs your help. We are doing all we can to prevent any further lockdowns, and the safety of our city and our residents remains our priority, but we cannot do this in isolation. Prevention is a citywide effort. Sheffield City Council is keen to get the city and the lives of those who live in it, back to normal as soon as possible. We, like you, want to see our live music venues open, a return to our thriving entertainment culture and ensure every pub, gym and club is able to be fully open and be enjoyed by the public. But we can’t just yet. We are not going to be in that position for some time and that is why, together we all have a part to play to stop the spread. As this goes to print, the Government has put new curfews in place to restrict the opening of pubs and restaurants and other hospitality venues. I can guide you as best I can, but the best action is what you take; to wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep your distance. Going back to basics is the best way to combat the virus and limit the spread of the disease. If you have Covid-19 symptoms, resist going to the shops or visiting the pub with your friends. At some point we might all be asked to self-isolate because we develop symptoms, or because we are a contact of a case. This is THE most important thing you can do to reduce spread. It does mean isolate. It is worth thinking through a plan in advance around supplies of food, essentials, medicines. Stay at home and book a test as soon as you can. The more contact we have, the more likely the virus will spread. Limiting social contacts is not ideal as we want to see our friends and family, but it is important. Keep your distance, wear a face covering, wash your hands. And if you want to protect others? Isolate and get tested if you get symptoms. It’s vital that we take responsibility for our own safety first if we are to protect others. We must adhere to the guidance, to remind our friends, families and colleagues of why staying safe is so important. If we want to avoid any further lockdowns or further restrictions, if we want to see the return of our city to the cultural centre it has always been, then stick to the safety measures and we will get there in time. It has taken a huge amount of work and effort for Sheffield to remain open. Please, enjoy Sheffield responsibly, and continue to follow the guidelines. Thank you for all you have done and for playing your part to keep our city safe. Together, we can make a difference. www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 61
Heather, Student 62 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
I’m playing my part to keep Sheffield open. Are you? #PlayYourPartSheff
sheffield.gov.uk/coronavirus
bit.ly/sheffcovid19testing
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The Show Goes On
Sisters with transistors
Mark Perkins previews the special Autumn programme announced by Sheffield Doc/Fest It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Actually, no, scrub that, it was just the worst of times. Along with just about everything else, Doc/Fest 2020 bit the dust this year. But, undaunted, they made the best of things, and did what they could in unprecedented circumstances. Films and seminars were moved online for the hard-core documentary addicts among us, but it was never going to fully make up for the fact that our annual international film festival was not being staged in Sheffield. But from the ashes of our disappointment, some members of hope have now appeared. Over four weekends, across the Autumn, Doc/Fest will be screening some of the promised films at the home of DocFest, The Showroom, and will be installing an Alternate Realities, digital art exhibition at the Site Gallery, to try to make up for the lost opportunities. Alongside this, they plan to stage some film industry events live here in Sheffield, and make them available to be viewed online from anywhere in the world. This will include the Channel 4 interview, which is always a highlight of the festival, also being staged here and streamed live. This year DJ and presenter, Yinka Bokinni, will be discussing her new film. They are planning to screen around 40 films in total, spanning 20 different countries and in 17 spoken languages. There will be the usual mix of world/European/UK premieres, and each weekend will in turn be curated to reflect the four core themes of the DocFest programme. The first weekend runs from the 2nd to the 4th October, and then every fortnight after that, until it closes on the 15th November. They are also planning an additional weekend of films, chosen as part of their retrospective theme, screening archive documentaries, on a date yet to be arranged. Below is a quick guide to what’s on, and what we here at Exposed think will be amongst the highlights... Into the World (2 October – 4 October) This weekend focusses on films by essential directors, telling their stories in a variety of ways, about our collective past, present and future. Our first pick is Le Kiosque (The Kiosk), by Alexandra Pianelli, It focusses on a magazine kiosk, where housewives, pensioners and business people all buy their reading materials, but others may just ask directions. It is a humorous and fascinating look at the lives of people on both sides of the newsstand. Our second pick is a film, very much rooted in Sheffield, This Means More by Nicolas Gourault. It uses football crowd computer simulations to illustrate accounts of the Hillsbrough disaster by Liverpool fans recounting what they saw and experienced on that tragic day in 1989. 64 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
Dying Under Your Eyes
Le Kiosque
doc/fest
Image: David Chang
Rhyme and Rhythm (30 October – 1 November) This will be a celebration of cinema as it meets other art forms such as theatre, visual art and, of course, music.
Rebellions (16 October – 18 October) These films try to explain the world we live in, while also trying to effect some sort of change. The short film, Backyard is our first choice. Director Arlin Golden moves into a new house, and enjoys spending time in the garden. So does his neighbour. While filming scenes in his new surroundings, snippets of conversation drift over the fence, and the disembodied voices start to form a picture of what is happening unseen on the other side. Our second choice is a much longer and more disturbing film in The Art of Living With Danger. It begins with the story of director Mina Keshavarz’s grandmother, who was a victim of domestic violence, and whose death has always been shrouded in mystery. The story then shifts to today, and a brave group of women who are campaigning against domestic violence in Iran, and trying to establish legally the basic human right of a woman to be safe in her own home.
King Rocker, by Michael Cumming, really does have a star-studded lineup. Stewart Lee, Frank Skinner, Marc Riley and Robin Askwith, along with archive footage of John Peel, all tell the story of Robert Lloyd and the Nightingales, along with the parallel story of a King Kong sculpture, which once adorned the Birmingham skyline. It was long thought to be lost, but turned up lying prostrate in a garden in the Lake District. Intrigued? Me too. The second pick is a film we’ve featured already in Exposed, when we interviewed Lisa Rovner about Sisters With Transistors, a story og pioneering women in electro nic music. This is a fascinating tale, long overdue in its telling, about how numerous women working totally independently struggled to have their innovative and unique work recognised in a world of music dominated by men. Ghosts and Apparitions (13 – 15 November) This weekend will feature more experimental films, which playing with the form of documentary and showcasing the dismantling of frontiers based on histories and collective memory. Dying Under Your Eyes is an intimate account of the sudden death of Oreet Ashery’s father, Daniel, as witnessed by the artist using his smartphone while documenting the rituals of family devotion and mourning which ensue. For our final choice we’ve chosen Catarina Vasconcelos’ film, The Metamorphosis of Birds. It is a contemplative essay on how we perceive and remember those who have died. Catarina tries to piece together a narrative about her lost mother and grandmother, while also exploring her relationship with her father. Further information along with screening times can be found at the Showroom website, showroomworkstation.org.uk www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 65
fi l m
Film edited by Cal Reid
The Empire Strikes Back
Unhinged The tagline for this dubious-looking thriller reads: Russell Crowe is… Unhinged – as if we didn’t know already! Basically, Crowe (whose output recently has been less than enthralling) plays the tabloid version of himself from around the time he was getting arrested for allegedly throwing phones at hotel staff and instigating altercations in bars over not being recognised. Imagine that Russell Crowe… in a car. That’s Unhinged. Looking a little nuttier and more spherical than usual, Crowe gets into a vocal dispute with a woman travelling with her son. What follows is empty-headed car-smashing nonsense, with Crowe’s accent
trampolining between a hillbilly and Steve Irwin. It’s rubbish, and at best it’s mindlessly entertaining and amusing if you find Russell Crowe as a public figure hilarious in general. Anyone familiar with the South Park episode featuring Crowe will find themselves humming the ‘Fightin’ Round the World’ tune. Unhinged, despite being one of the biggest post-lockdown releases, feels like the kind of thing that should have been released on Netflix or Prime. Not the sort of thing worth waiting to watch on the big screen.
One of the nice things about the reopening of cinemas has been the selection of classic films to draw more people back in. The Dark Knight, Inception, Dirty Dancing and others have been wonderful treats, and Star Wars fans were not left out with the re-screening of what many consider the best of the space-opera film series. The Rise of Skywalker caused such an uproar amongst Star Wars fans at the end of last year, largely because it was a sequel to a film that never existed, and the plot developments felt like they were just made up on the spot with little consideration to previously established events. What Star Wars fans seem to forget is that this was always the case; look no further than the Leia and Luke kiss *shudder*. Empire is often seen as the defining moment of the Star Wars franchise as it expanded the universe and added substance to what was simply George Lucas gluing together a bunch of movies he saw in college and launching it into space. Take the plot of The Hidden Fortress, a shot from The Searchers, the bombing sequences from The Dambusters and 633 Squadron… and you get the original Star Wars (I’m not calling it A New Hope). Empire has never been my favourite and for all the character development it adds, I don’t find it well-paced, and the script is riddled with too much waffle. What is especially annoying is we have to watch the revamped version with all the bullshit CGI shoved in and the original audio redubbed. Having seen the original print, I’ve no interest in seeing the molested version that Lucas shat out for DVD.
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Trailer Chat
No Time to Die
The latest trailer for Daniel Craig’s final Bond film teases an apocalyptic menace, an island headquarters, and more deathdefying stunts. Business as usual. Coming November 2020
must stream
The Batman
Any doubts about Robert Pattinson as The Caped Crusader will be put to rest in 15-seconds, after a cocky thug foolishly asks: ‘Who the hell are you supposed to be?’ Coming 2021
the boys
This superhero-satire has really ramped up the gore, swearing and black humour for the latest series. Anyone not familiar with this Amazon Prime show must rectify that immediately. The show follows a group of misfit outlaws who seek to expose idolised celebrity superheroes and their unscrupulous management company.
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STUDENTS OLD AND NEW “WELCOME TO SHEFFIELD� The Greedy Greek has been serving delicious homemade Greek food for 19 years. Everything from our famous wraps with spit roast Pork, Chicken or Halloumi, to meals like Moussaka or Lamb Kleftiko. See also our delicious Vegan and Vegetarian Menu with dishes like lemon artichokes and stuffed vegetables plus many more. Try our meal deals ideal for students with main and 2 sides. Our Full Menu is available on our website www.thegreedygreekdeli.co.uk or down load our App. We also can be found on Just-Eat. We deliver lunch time and evening, and are open 7 days a week from 11am to 10 pm call in and say hello.
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Sunshine Vegan Deli 989 Penistone Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6 2DH
0114 2853366 www.sunshinedelisheffield.com At Sunshine Vegan Deli we have everything you need. Our family run team of Sarah, Leah and I (Also Sarah) aim to offer you a complete range of meals to suit every situation. Now serving Brunch Menu Saturday & Sunday 11am-3pm Cheeky takeaway? Not a problem. We have Vegan Fried Chicken, amazing Kebabs, Fish and chips and Deep Pan Pizzas! We also offer gluten-free options. Healthy hearty ready meals to get you through the lock down like Plum Vegan Chicken and Singapore Noodles, Mexican Rice and Chimichangas.We also offer lighter lunches.
Desserts Fudge Cake, Oreo Cake, Apricot Slice topped off with your favourite Ice cream and Sauce?
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Eat with us. Bookings only | (Safe distance applied) | Call 0114 2853366 www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 69
gaming
on a budget!
It’s crazy to believe that we are currently living in the golden age of gaming. Video games are a part of life for many of us, and while escaping to other worlds, gunning down your online buddies from across the world, and saving planets from total annihilation is undoubtedly fun, it can be also be an expensive hobby. Fear not, however, as there are means and ways of exploring new video games while not breaking the bank! You just gotta know what to look for… DESTINY 2 If you love a good shooter, like I do, then you need to do yourself a favour and check out Destiny 2 ASAP, as it is currently FREE on Xbox One, PS4 and PC. This isn’t a demo of the game by the way; this is the full tailor-made version of the full game that released back in 2017. Destiny 2 is full of activities and stunning destinations to explore and play with your friends, without ever spending a penny. The action-packed MMO will have you dive into the world of Destiny 2 and experience a cinematic story, challenging co-op missions, and a variety of Player vs Player modes alone or with friends. Customise your guardian, find powerful weapons, and explore a fully realised solar system filled with mystery. SPELLBREAK Ever fancied wielding magic to fight against other mages in a battle royale? Look no further. Spellbreak is the latest game to be added to the battle royale genre. It is a multiplayer action -spellcasting title that will have you unleash powerful spells and abilities against other players across the Hollow Lands. Wield elemental magic such as fireballs, fling giant rocks, cast ice shards, throw corrosive damage, and so much more. You can even combine them to create even more powerful attacks to dominate the battlefield. It is a fantastic experience that will have coming back for more, and, best of all, it’s FREE and can be downloaded on PS4, Xbox One, PC or Nintendo Switch today! 70 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
Our gaming expert Matthew King rounds up some of the best value titles on the market for when the student loan dries up.
gaming
FALL GUYS: ULTIMATE KNOCKOUT Probably one of the most addictive games to release this generation. Fall Guys is a 60-player battle royale party game that has you struggle through round after round of random challenges and escalating chaos until only one victor remains. Customise your contestant and battle through ridiculous obstacles, race through intricate gauntlets, and shove through unruly competitors as you run towards your goal to claim the crown. You will compete in team games and free-for-all challenges as you stumble, bounce, bend, and bash your way through other competitors. It is a fun and challenging good time that will have you laughing with your friends, and keep you coming back for more! Fall Guys is currently only £15.99 on Steam and PS4 with likely releases for Xbox One and Nintendo Switch very soon due to popular demand.
AMONG US Currently one of the best surprises of 2020 and sailing to the top of the charts on Steam, developed and published by Innersloth, Among Us is a 4-10 player online and local party game that requires teamwork. The goal is simple: one random player is the imposter who must sabotage the ship you are all on and kill everybody on board. Everyone else’s task is to complete jobs on board, while maintaining radio silence to maintain anonymity. If a body is discovered, then everyone will openly debate who they think the imposter is. This is a great party title that can probably make or break friendships, and can lead to some tense situations if you are the imposter among your friends. This works across android, IOS and PC and is grand total of only £3.99.
XBOX GAME PASS Easily one of the best deals in the market right now. Xbox Game Pass is a massive library of games that allows you to download and play on Xbox, PC and mobile devices from the cloud. With it you get access to over 100 high-quality titles with new games being added all the time. We are talking about games like the HALO Master Chief Collection, Forza Horizon, Gears of War, Sea of Thieves, Dead By Daylight, Minecraft and so many more to choose from. Many people see it as the Netflix of video games and will only cost you £1 to join! Yep, £1. Talk about a money-saver right there.
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LGBT+ Welcome friends, old and new!
Leadmill Fri 2 Oct: Bang Bang Romeo Sat 3 Oct: Grace Petrie Sat 17 Oct: Hands Off Gretel Sun 25 Oct: Larry Dean: Fudnut Tue 27 Oct: Adore Delano - The Bubble Ball Wed 28 Oct: Jen Brister: Under Privilege. leadmill.co.uk
Well, it’s October already and as we welcome back the students old and new to the Steel City, things are looking a little different this year (as they are everywhere). We are, however, finally seeing a return of some events, albeit in quite different setups to what we are used to – but guaranteed seating and table service everywhere it’s not all bad! And there’s the news many of us have been waiting most of the year for – Dempseys has finally reopened. The old days of falling out at 6am may be behind us for some time, but Sheffield’s longest established LGBT+ venue is now back open as a bar seven days a week, 10am-10pm. Also reinventing themselves as one of the queerest places in the city, Leadmill is back open with an array of LGBT+ gigs. All gigs are seated and kick out at 10pm. First up we have Doncaster’s finest, Bang Bang Romeo (Fri 2 Oct) fresh from touring with P!nk bringing their Beautiful World Tour to Sheffield. This will be followed by another South Yorkshire favourite Grace Petrie (Sat 3 Oct), as Grace Petrie & The Resistance Band take to the stage with their unique takes on life, love, and politics. Grunge babes Hands Off Gretel arrive later in the month (Sat 17) Oct for their tour with 90’s-influenced songs exploring everything from sexism and sexuality to exploitation and feminism. There are more grunge vibes from everyone’s favourite hog-bodied queen Adore Delano (Tue 27 Oct) – the star of RuPaul’s Drag Race with a super spooky drag show. Double Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominee and star of Live At The Apollo, Larry Dean brings us his show Fudnut (Sun 25 Oct) for some confessional storytelling at its funniest, and there will be
more laughs courtesy of Jen Brister’s show Under Privilege (Wed 28 Oct) – an irreverent look at the often controversial subject of privilege. Who has it? Who doesn’t? And why does no one like to admit they have any? There’s more live performance over at The Malin Bridge in with their Halloween Drag Queen Bingo, spread over two nights due to reduced capacities [Fri 23 & Sat 24 Oct] with your hosts Miss Tish Ewe and Electric Blue with Bonkers Bingo, Halloween Audience Games and a cabaret show. While we still have Covid related restrictions in place, many events remain online. LGBT+ charity SAYiT will be hosting two training sessions on LGBT+ Identities and Inclusion (Fri 9 & 16 Oct) for anyone working in domestic abuse, sexual violence housing, homelessness, youth, police, or probation services. Sheffield Sexpression will be hosting a Give It A Go: Teaching Sex Ed session (Wed 14 Oct) – open to existing members, freshers, and those who have always been interested in sex ed but never thought to give it a try before. Come along to hear a bit more about what they do as a society and find out what you can do to empower young people in Sheffield to make healthy decisions about relationships and sex.. Karrie Fransman & Jonathan Plackett will be hosting an illustrated talk, Gender Swapped Fairy Tales (Thu 29 Oct) imagining a world where kings prick their fingers as they sew, wolves wear heels, and princesses race to rescue sleeping princes, Karrie and Jon haven’t rewritten fairy tales, or reimagined endings, or reinvented characters. What they have done is switch all the genders so children can imagine a universe where they are the heroes.
Malin Bridge Inn Fri 23 Oct: Halloween Drag Queen Bingo ONE Sat 24 Oct: Halloween Drag Queen Bingo TWO www.malinbridgeinn.co.uk Online Events Fri 9 Oct: Call It Out Training: Part 1 - LGBT+ Identities 101 Fri 16 Oct: Call It Out Training: Part 2- LGBT+ Inclusion www.sayit.org.uk Sat 10 Oct: A Reyt Queer Night In www.androandeve.com Wed 14 Oct: Sexpression Give It A Go: Teaching Sex Ed www.sexpression.org.uk Thu 29 Oct: Gender Swapped Fairy Tales - Karrie Fransman & Jonathan Plackett www.offtheshelf.org.uk And finally, Andro and Eve are back to launch their new zine CENTRE with a A Reyt Queer Night In (Sat 10 Oct). Bringing the party direct to your front room. Join the team for a ‘party eyes’ all-gender makeup workshop with drag star Christian Adore, to get your glam on. You can also learn some fabulous moves in a Vogue Dance Workshop, with House Mama of Manchester’s House of Ghetto, Darren Pritchard. Finally, Xzan will be spinning a DJ set, ensuring the night will be filled with queer joy! That’s your lot for this month so far! Keep an eye on facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents for updates and announcements on the latest events and venues news.
Until next time,Love and rainbows... www.exposedmagazine.co.uk | 73
movers and makers Photography: Marc Barker // @Marcabarker In this city of makers, we provide a monthly showcase of Sheffield-based creatives at their place of work. For this month’s issue, Tamsin Crowther spoke to Katharine S. Boyd, an artist and designer specialising in stained glass and fine metalwork. Your creative design work began at a young age, working with your father in the production of 3D art for commercial projects. How did that experience impact you? I’ve always liked making things. When I was around 10-years-old, my dad went self-employed. Business was slow to start, but the upshot was that we ended up making things in the garage at home. I liked to keep him company, and I got involved by just helping him out at first. We got asked to make some strange things. There was a fast food franchise called The Golden Egg and each site would fit an egg that involved a unique, decorative feature. We even did a tree in a nightclub once. But I have had my own studio for 23 years now. I started out doing mainly metalwork and now I do a lot with stained glass. I like combining the two, so I make handrisen metal bowls with glass rims. Can you tell us about your process? I have done a lot of windows for private, domestic clients. Usually I meet with the client and then ask to see the environment the glass will be in. This gives me a sense of what appeals to them, and it can spark inspiration. Then I do some drawings and find a design they are happy with. It is not about what I want to do for my ego, it’s about creating something that the customer treasures, a one-off piece. The greatest compliment I have had is a customer referring to a piece I made as their “pride and joy”. 74 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
Is there an artwork that is particularly memorable to you? In the early days, a lady and gentleman brought me some old windows from a church. When they arrived, the glass was in bits. They said they wanted three panels out of it, but they gave me carte blanche with the design. There was enough intact to make a pattern from a rubbing and re-create the missing bits. In the end, I got six complete panels out of it, and with some of the left-over bits, I made them a small light catcher. Then, with the really broken bits, I made myself a lampshade. It still attracts compliments to this day. I probably could have sold it numerous times, but it is special to me, the glass is probably 150 years old. What are you working on at the moment? I have been back in the studio for about eight weeks now, so things are slowly beginning to pick up again. I like to make fun bits and pieces out of glass when coming towards Christmas. I have made Christmas decorations, like glass angels, and they are usually quite popular. A friend of mine commissions one every year, they make for really special gifts. katharinesboyd.co.uk
movers and makers
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culture: artist spotlighT
Alex Ekins Alex Ekins is a Sheffield-based artist combining photojournalism, street art and sculpture. We spoke to him about the inspiration behind his striking Sadhu images, often located around the city’s suburban areas, and his history working with the natural environment as both a mountaineer and photographer. Sheffielders may recognise your Sadhu street art pieces which have intermittently popped up around areas like Kelham Island. What inspired your interest in these unique subjects? I liked the Hindu and Sadhu concept of renouncing material possessions and worldly things; I thought that was really interesting. I had been using a portable, white backdrop at the base of Mount Everest to photograph climbers, so I used that in Nepal to photograph the Sadhu when I was introduced to them. I’ve been back a few times now. As you can see, they are also very colourful people, which makes for striking photographs. What first inspired you to venture into street art? Is there something different that you think can be achieved through it as a platform? Yes, I think so. I didn’t initially envision pasting the photographs up. But the Sadhu looked so stark against the white background, I thought, they need to be life-size. I liked the idea that people would encounter them in places where they feel like they shouldn’t be, and I hoped that would make people challenge their environment. One of the Sadhu street art images ended up having offerings left under it; the Hindu community of Sheffield seemed to have welcomed them. You have had a long and successful career in rock climbing and mountaineering alongside your work as a photographer. Would you say that there is a link, or similarities, between the two practices? There are definitely similarities there. I did rock climbing and mountaineering photography, so the two did literally cross over. But I also think there are similarities between the life of a climber and a Sadhu, in a way. There is a shared rebelliousness, and a connection with nature. Have you found that your subject interests have changed as a photographer due to the pandemic now that you are restricted with travel and exploring different environments? I still work as a mountaineering instructor, which provides a connection to the environment. But I am doing a lot of wood sculpture at the moment, and I think there is some sort of Covid connection to be uncovered there. Working with wood feels primitive somehow, and there is also a connection to nature, the idea of nature carrying on. @alex_ekins 76 | www.exposedmagazine.co.uk
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W H AT ’S O N
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Leaves of the Trees 3 – 29 October FREE Entry For more information visit www.sheffieldcathedral.org Photo credit: Mark Pickthall
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