Pub of the week: Greystones, Sheffield

THE Greystones is named after the road it’s on. Turn off Eccleshall Road, go up the hill and near the top you’ll find this pub in the middle of a residential area with fine views over the city from its pleasingly laid-out front patio.

At one time, this was apparently a big venue for folkies and it achieved a kind of fame under a previous name when Billy Connelly mentioned it affectionately in his autobiography.

In more recent times, it took a turn for the worse, but step forward the Bakewell-based Thornbridge Brewery. They have made the pub their flagship and re-opened it after a major makeover last November. They must have done something right because on a midweek night last month, the place was buzzing.

The big windows give the main bar a spacious and relaxed look. Retro furnishings, old photos and a polished wooden floor look very good indeed.

In the Backroom, where they are busily setting out their stall to be considered as a music pub of note again, there seems to be something on every night. It’s quality, too – local hero Richard Hawley plays here.

The unfamiliar beers were judged flavoursome by our party. Definitely worth another try. There’s an impressive variety including New World Brown Ale at 4.2 per cent abv and strong Imperial Russian stout at 7.7 per cent.

The food menu is a bit hit-and-miss. On our night, they served a decent ham sandwich with salad and chips. A pork pie arrived baldly on the plate. It was a good pie however.

The bill for two just nudged over £13.

The Greystones, Greystones Road, Sheffield S11 7BS. 01629 641000.

THE VERDICT

Welcome ****

Drinks selection ****

Atmosphere ****

Food **

Prices ***