Pub of the week

THE MUSEUM, SHEFFIELD

The Museum is at the City Hall end of Sheffield. It’s part of a modern and fairly new shopping complex, though part of the frontage looks as if it could date back a century or more.

In fact, it’s a rather clever arrangement which disguises the contemporary architecture. It is the inside that matters, for it really does transport you back several decades to a warm and cosy ambience. And it’s clear that locals love the place, because they were greeted by name by the staff when they came in.

It’s out-of-the-ordinary and fun. The decorations include keys, books on shelves, butterflies in cases and stuffed birds, all reflecting a sort of museum-cum-library theme. There’s one long main bar and several levels to negotiate, should you wish. But the disabled access is right on the main area, which is a sensible gesture. There is background music, but it doesn’t blare at you.

There is a row of real ale choices – and one of the firm favourites has to be the Stancil Blonde. The menu presents a good selection for most tastes and inclinations, and the beef and ale pie takes a bit of beating, generous in size and full of tender meat. It really hit the spot on a chilly day.

You can book a table in advance. There are, perhaps, two drawbacks. The first is that there is no outdoor seating, and the second is that the car parking (notoriously difficult to find in central Sheffield) is on the street. Nevertheless, here we have a good old-fashioned and calm oasis in a city centre location. It takes a bit of beating.

■ The Museum, 25, Orchard Square, Sheffield, S1 2GX. Tel: 0114 2755016.