Perfectly assembled

hen Laura Helliwell left her position as manager of The Plough in Low Bradfield to take up an equivalent role at The Schoolrooms, she probably didn’t envision having to wear a hard hat and hi-vis vest on her first day of work. She’d joined at the time the Victorian venue was undergoing its biggest refurbishment since opening in 2011 and Laura wanted to be there every step of the way; she’s not afraid of getting her hands dirty.

“I’ve learned so much throughout the whole process and have had to deal with plumbers, electricians, joiners you name it,” she said.

Low Bradfield School closed its doors to pupils in 1985 and after standing derelict for a number years, was bought by the Hague family almost 30 years ago. They slowly and lovingly restored the Victorian building, finally opening it as The Schoolrooms in 2011, a farm shop and cafe with an adjoining house next door.

It quickly became a popular spot for locals and visitors to the area, particularly when you could take full advantage of the extensive indoor and outdoor seating and indulge in a range of breakfast and lunch dishes as well as tasty coffee and cakes. In summer months, the playground and bouncy castle have always been popular with younger visitors too.

This latest transformation, which took three months, has seen the two-storey building completely overhauled with an additional kitchen built on the ground floor to double its capability. The biggest change, though, is in the neighbouring house which has been converted into a bar and bistro, now called Assembly.

Rachel Woodhouse-Hague was charged with project management and interior design of the venue and has created a modern, welcoming space with a colour palette of cream and duck egg blue. Tan leather seating complements aged wooden tables and industrial-style lighting adds further contemporary touches throughout the cafe. Assembly is split over multiple levels with two distinct dining areas; The Library and Caretaker’s as well as a spacious bar, mezzanine and tap room and has more distinct design elements to create an exciting atmosphere for the evening crowd.

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It’s been an incredible turnaround, and our hard-working team managed to keep the cafe open throughout the whole of the renovations,” said Charlotte Hague. “Everyone has been amazing and we’d like to say a big thank you to our contractors MHH Contracting, Mark Bowen Joinery, New Phase Electricals, Upholstery by Richard Hardy, Broadfield Signs, MGP Jerrico Works, Elite Sprayers, ProTec, Ambi-Heat, Ancor Ventilation, Natural Granite and Layers for making all this possible.”

New staff have been recruited to complement the existing team; Debbie Congreave will continue to work in the cafe side of the operation, aided by chef Alison Tarn, whilst a new chef teambrothers Todd and Luke Shakespearehave been recruited to run the new bar and bistro. Laura Helliwell will oversee both sides of the business.

“After all the renovations it feels strange to be now starting my ‘proper’ job,” laughed Laura. “But we’re now fully open and are keen to welcome everyone into the cafe and bistro. We’re now dogfriendly downstairs too should you wish to bring your four-legged friends.”

Assembly is the jewel in the Mill Lee Road venue’s crown and turns The Schoolrooms into an all-day venue. The Cafe and Kitchen opens daily until 5pm while the Bistro opens Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm-11 30pm, although the Bar is open for drinks on Sundays too. Together the team have devised an ever-changing à la carte menu that puts a modern twist on traditional British dining and uses seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced from local suppliers.

Stand-out dishes on the current bistro menu include Black Pudding with poached egg, dressed mixed leaves, red onion marmalade and hollandaise; PanFried Seabass with chorizo, red onion, blistered cherry tomatoes, sautéed potatoes and lemon caper beurre blanc and Sticky Toffee Pudding with salted caramel sauce, pecans and vanilla ice cream.

In the cafe you’ll find familiar breakfast and lunch dishes, including sandwiches, salads and ‘hot dinners’ and a new brunch menu will be launching soon. Afternoon tea, starting from £18 per person, is also available but must be pre-booked.

The new venue can also be booked for your special events, from small, intimate private dining experiences to birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations of life and even weddings.

“We can pretty much cater for every eventuality and occasion,” added Laura.

“Our aim is to turn The Schoolrooms and Assembly into a destination venue. We want people to come to Bradfield specifically to visit us but of course you can't forget the glorious north Sheffield countryside we have on our doorstep. Whatever time of day you’re visiting, make sure you stop by and say hello.”

The Schoolrooms Café & Kitchen & Assembly Bar & Bistro

Mill Lee Road, Low Bradfield, Sheffield, S6 6LB

Tel: 0114 285 1920 www.theschoolrooms.co.uk

Brand new to Low Bradfield

Assembly is our late night, neighbourhood Bar & Bistro, now open next door to The Schoolrooms! Providing a superb dining experience for all occasions, putting a modern twist on traditional British dining.

Treat yourself to a delicious cocktail to start the evening, followed by Oak Smoked Salmon, Sirloin Steak or Chicken Supreme, then finish it off with a mouth-watering Molten Chocolate or Sticky Toffee Pudding. Full menu available online.

Open Wednesday to Saturday evenings, 4pm til late. Reservations now available via our website!

Mill Lee Road, Low Bradfield, Sheffield, S6 6LB 0114 2851 920 www.theschoolrooms.co.uk