THE CROWN, HEELEY

A place called Heeley Bottom sounds like a tiny hamlet nestled in the Howardian Hills. In fact, it’s a suburb of Sheffield, once home to the workers of nearby factories and steelworks.

The exterior does not look prepossessing from first sighting, but you’d be foolish to pass on by. Inside, the first thing to catch your eye is a sofa re-upholstered in such a bright style that it would cheer up the greyest of days. The Crown has been made over,butina way that is both sympathetic to the pub, and also curiously inviting. There’s a beautifully tended beer garden that has won Pubs in Bloom awards, and a sign that tells customers that this is an “adult crèche”, and that those under the age of 14 years are not welcomed. And it is also dogfriendly.

There are now two rooms, with an eclectic mix of mirrors and small framed pictures of Heeley’s yesterdays on the walls, and one bar serves both. By the time that this column appears, speciality pies will be available throughout the day, but at the time of thisvisit,itwascrisps–ornowt.

To add to the joy, there is a “Ginstitute”, where lovers of that spirit can enjoy fourteen of them. Ale tipplers will be cheered at the discount for Camra members, and by the wide range from guest breweries such as Butcombe (spot on and delicious) and Bradfield.

We are not many yards from the city’s Antiques Quarter, so here’s an ideal stop after you have rooted out your bargain buy. The Crown, in short, is a real gem.

The Crown Inn, 2, Albert Road, Heeley Bottom, Sheffield, S8 9QW. 0114 418 1224.