I'm 36 and live in Sheffield. I'm married to Nick and we have a son, Callum, who's 6 and obsessed w...
I'm 36 and live in Sheffield. I'm married to Nick and we have a son, Callum, who's 6 and obsessed with Star Wars! I work part-time as a PA at Sheffield University Students' Union. I love reading, going to concerts, watching TV, music and Westlife!
Member since:11.01.2001
Reviews:87
Members who trust:8
I'm updating the original review I did of this pub (see below), as the venue has now changed. From it's original location on West Street, the pub has recently moved to the old Millionaires bar site on Carver Street. It's a huge place, much bigger than the original pub, with three separate bars and a big dancefloor.
I must admit, I didn't think it would do as well in the new site. Because it's just one genre of music, I didn't think there'd be enough interest in it - or at least not enough to warrant moving to such a huge sized pub - but I'm glad to say I was wrong. The couple of times I've been in since it moved have both been packed, so it's obviously been a good move for the owners.
With the re-emergence of the 70's music and clothes in the last few years, I knew it wouldn't be long before a bar sprang up in Sheffield dedicated to that era. And lo and behold, in the place that used to be called the West Street Hotel (funnily enough, on West Street), Flares opened (now moved to Carver Street).
Walking in in the middle of the day is quite strange. The bar is decorated in psychadelic, swirling colours - quite hard on the eye in the harsh light of day. But at night, it comes alive.
No surprise that they play 70's tunes non-stop - not just the ones that are done to death, like Abba, Village People and the like - but also some old classics, that you'd forgotten you knew the words to. There's a really good atmosphere in the pub - as soon as you walk in, you know its not like lots of "posey" bars that you get in Sheffield. People are friendly, sing-a-long to the songs and even have a bop. It puts you in a good mood, especially if you're ending up in one of the club nights in Sheffield dedicated to the same era.
It's even better when you're on a night out dressed in the 70's gear - then you feel really at home in the pub! I couldn't stay in there all night - there's not enough mix of music for me - but its a good laugh for a beer or two before or after going to other pubs.
The drinks are slightly more pricey than a "normal" pub, but I think this is because it's classed as a club as it's open until around 2am. Bottles are between £2.50-£3 each, halves of lager are around £1.40 and soft drinks just over a quid. This is probably also because it has moved to be a "town" pub, rather than West Street (pubs in that area have traditionally had cheaper prices to appeal to the student market).
Next door to Flares, a shop has opened (that used to be in the Forum) that is dedicated to all things 70s - especially the clothing of that era - good for a giggle at some of the outfits your parents used to wear!
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From what you have said it makes me wonder why you even say it is the same pub? It is totally different so wouldn't it be true to say that it is a new club? All they have used is the same name! *LOL*
MRSCANADA 21.04.2002 18:02
Nice reading about a Pub I know nothing about..I enjoyed this review..LL
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