Why Steam Yard is the best coffee shop in Sheffield

Caffeine will always be an essential component in the daily life of the sleep deprived, however this doesn’t mean your caffeine fix shouldn’t be an enjoyable experience. This is where Sheffield’s coolest coffee house comes in. Situated in Aberdeen court, just of Division Street, is Steam Yard. Despite being relatively young, opening its doors in 2014, the store has proved a hit with Sheffield’s residents and visitors to the Steel City, providing authentic coffee and delicious donuts.

With a small intimate atmosphere, Steam Yard is a great place to meet friends for a catch-up, a change of scenery when working, or somewhere to show your parents and prove that your university experience is more than falling asleep in lectures and dingy takeaways.

Using London based coffee roasters Square mile coffee, Steam Yard provides a large variety for coffee lovers, offering cappuccinos, mochas, and lattes. With an irresistible £3 coffee and donut deal, it is clear to see why the place is a regular fixture on ‘best coffee house’ lists.

The donuts, which have certainly helped make Steam Yard famous, are undoubtedly what dreams are made of, freshly baked and delivered locally. Scroll through any Instagram feed of someone who has visited or living in Sheffield and you will almost certainly see one. With a range of flavours including: Oreo, peanut butter, strawberry, and vanilla, these will make a beautiful edition to anyone’s mid-morning coffee. However Steam Yard’s most famous treat is probably the ‘cro-nut’, an American doughnut/croissant hybrid, filled with flavoured cream and topped with chocolate, honeycomb, popcorn fruit and cream.

There are also s’mores donuts (containing peanut butter, Nutella and marshmallow), beautifully decorated macaroons, divine cheesecake brownies and mestizos to choose from, all in a wide variety of flavours. Available to eat in or takeaway, Steam Yard can always cater for treat day.

For those looking for something savoury, there is a selection of delicious toasties and bagels for anyone wanting a light lunch. Selections include: grilled cheese toasties and a pastrami, mozzarella and pesto flatbread, swiss cheese and American mustard bagel.

Not just one for the taste buds, Steam Yard is also a beautifully decorated shop. Filled with prints created by local Sheffield artists, assortment of books, leather jackets, motorbike helmets, it has inevitably become a haven for the seekers of the perfect Instagram post. With minimalist decor, retro furniture and even a cactus wearing a “you are beautiful” sticker, you will probably find yourself tempted to take a cheeky snap of your visit as a reminder.

Don’t fret about being a cliché and posting a photo of your Steam Yard trip online, it is almost an injustice not doing it when you have a donut that looks just so good. Also, if you didn’t Instagram it, did you even go?

As an independent business, providing a welcome break to chain cafes and stores which increasingly dominate our high-streets and city centres, it is one of many small businesses in helping to hold onto Sheffield’s unique vibe. The Division Street location means that Steam Yard is nestled amongst a hub of independent record stores and quirky vintage fashion spots.

The shop can feel slightly too cosy, especially around peak times. But once you’ve been once, you’ll find yourself dreaming about your next trip and what you’ll order. For anyone looking to experience a part of Sheffield outside of student dominated areas or even just a quick coffee break, Steam Yard is a must visit place.

Not all coffee and donuts were created equal and Steam Yard’s selection of treats are exceptional and should not be missed.

Treat yourself.