Park restaurant to reopen as ‘value for money’ bar

The Dam House, in Crookes Valley Park, has had a series of owners in recent years – including former Sheffield Wednesday player Carlton Palmer – but closed down in 2010.

It was then bought by new owners for Kamalijit Singh Sangha and Simrun Badh for £60,000 in November 2011, and the duo have now been given the go-ahead to reopen the venue as a bar offering cheap drinks promotions for both families and the area’s large student population.

The plans also include screening live sports, holding karaoke nights and staging video game tournaments on 60in screens at the bar, which was formerly a popular venue for wedding receptions.

Despite receiving a total of 20 letters of objection from bodies including The Friends of Crookesmoor Parks, Harcourt Community Action and the Green Party, Sheffield Council’s licensing board has granted a licence to Mr Singh Sangha and Mr Badh to allow the student bar to open.

This is under a number of conditions, such as closing the terrace doors at 10.30pm and not allowing any amplified sound unless it goes through the in-house sound system.

Manager James Travis said yesterday: “I think some local residents have misconstrued what our plans are.

“The Dam House has been overpriced in the past, and that’s why I believe it’s failed, but this time we know that times are tough.

“It’s not that we want to fill students full of cheap alcohol, it’s just that we want to offer value for money.

“It’s going to be a family-friendly environment. It’s a great venue in lovely surroundings.”

Mr Travis added that a free barbecue will be held each day over the forthcoming Easter bank holidays to attract new customers.

Prior to the licence being granted, neighbours had objected to the plans on various grounds.

Opponents said the new-look Dam House could lead to an increased amount of litter in the area; lead to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour or affect wildlife and the landscape of Crookes Valley Park.

It is set to open its doors for the first time tonight.