Sheffield is a City that has transformed itself in the last decade but one thing that will never change is the fact that it is built around seven hills and five rivers. These rivers include the Sheaf, from where the City derives its name, but also the River Don, which is generally recognised as being the first River in Britain to be used for water power for Industry.
All along the course of the River Don, and the other Rivers is where the Industry that made the City famous established itself. Sadly these days much of that Industry has now gone and these areas are rapidly being flattened and replaced with plush Apartments and Wine Bars. One such example of this is the part of the City that lies to the North of the City Centre, alongside the River Don, and this is where the RiversideCafe Bar can be found.
The Riverside Cafe Bar is not a new building, merely an existing, formerly run down place that has now been totally revamped and refurbished. The Riverside began its life as a Public House called the Brown Cow back in the 1840's, although the building itself pre-dates this date when a license to sell Ale and Liqueur was granted, by a further fifty years during which time it was a residential Hotel without a license to serve alcohol.
The Brown Cow changed its name to the Riverside in 1995 following a major refurbishment which was in line with similar refurbishment work in the area. The choice of name was an obvious one since the building occupies an enviable, elevated position overlooking the River, which has undergone a major transformation of this own.
These days the River Don is clean and fast flowing, a far cry from its dark, dirty days when the Industry was around. Now there are Ducks, Geese and Swans to watch as you enjoy your Drink and if you are lucky you might even see a Kingfisher too. In the last couple of years Salmon and Otter have also been spotted here, less than a mile from the City Centre.
From the front of the building the Riverside looks nothing special, partly obscured by the vast amount of construction work that is happening around here, but stepping inside, the place is unrecognisable from its days as the Brown Cow.
This is a bright, open plan, roomy place with stained glass windows and an expensive timber floor and panelling on the walls and ceiling. The stained glass panels are actually an original feature but the most striking feature is definitely the patio area outside, clearly visible even from the doorway.
The patio has plenty of good quality tables and chairs that all overlook the River. Sitting here it is hard to believe that you are in an area that not so long ago was so run down. It is also hard to believe that you are also within walking distance of the City Centre.
Back inside the Pub, the Bar is to be found down the left hand side of the wall, with wooden tables and chairs throughout the single, open plan room. The decor is simple but effective and there is modern Art on the walls. There is even an open fire and an area of the building in the corner set aside as a chill out area with comfortable armchairs.
This place has built up quite a reputation in recent months as a good place to eat and there is an extensive menu available daily. One could quite easily be fooled into thinking that this would be an expensive place to eat and drink, but in fact the prices here are actually quite reasonable.
The bar has a good selection of standard beers and lagers and even a few hand pulled real ales too.
I have visited here quite a few times for Sunday Lunch which comes in the form a Carvery and costs £5.75. The choice of meat is always the same: Pork, Beef or Lamb which is served onto your plate by the chef. Everything else you help yourself too. I can especially recommend their roasted parsnips. There is also a vegetarian option available on a Sunday but the main menu that is served from Monday through to Saturday is not available.
The main downsides of the Riverside Cafe Bar apart from its location which is rapidly improving, is the fact that parking nearby is difficult as the front entrance is right on the edge of the road and there is no car park. It is therefore necessary to park further down the road and walk.
Walking to the pub may not be a problem if you are fit and healthy and able bodied but obviously for the infirm this place is pretty much out of bounds. The toilets are also located upstairs with the means of access via a steep set of stairs, again impossible for the disabled or infirm.
The Riverside is located at the address below:
The Riverside Cafe Bar 1 Mowbray St Sheffield S3 8EN
Telephone: 0114 281 3621 Fax: 0114 2813622
The opening hours are Monday through to Sunday from Midday until 3pm, and from 4pm until 8pm.
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Feb 19th, 2007
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