Sheffield’s worst date spots that people somehow still use

The words “dating in Sheffield” will trigger different thoughts and feelings for different people. The dating scene at university will offer experiences ranging from forgettable first dates to sticky situationships so make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. For anyone who is actively dating, seeking a first date or just daydreaming about where you would stage your romantic meet-up, please treat this article as a self help guide on places you should swerve without a second thought.

Whether you’ve met your date on Hinge, campus, or god forbid in ROAR, any student will be keen to avoid these hellish date locations. Please also be aware of excessive exaggeration, controversial takes and harsh judgements in this piece. We will be counting down the five worst date spots from undesirable to unforgivable, giving pros and cons for each location as well as critical score out of ten. 

The Grindstone on a Tuesday: 5.5/10

Kicking things off at number five is the Grindstone. A pub known for its stocks night, other midweek discounts and a generally good atmosphere, making it popular amongst students. This might seem like a good idea on paper but please think twice. Usually very busy and for second years and beyond, this place should be avoided unless you want to bump into everyone you’ve met since freshers week.

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This rule especially applies on a Tuesday when pledge card discounts are in effect and you could easily spend more time queuing for the bar than at the table with your date. Far from intimate and romantic, your date will probably turn into drinks with mates who you did not plan on spending the night with. Save this homely pub for friendly outings.

Meadowhall: 4/10

Next up is Meadowhall, and what better way to kick off a first date than with an awkward 30 minute tram journey? Travel time is the first issue, which can be mitigated if at least one person on the date can drive but even that can feel like more of a shopping trip your parents have dragged you along to. 

Upon arrival you will be confronted by a wide range of fast food outlets which don’t exactly add the sense of class you were hoping for. Alternatively you can go clothes shopping, but this is budget dependent. Opt for Primark or Sports Direct and you will feel like you’re doing a back to school shop on 1st September, or you can go for the higher end designer/jewellery outlets which will leave your student loan in tatters. Choose wisely. 

The IC/ or any study spot: 2/10

Coming in at number three we have the study-holic’s safe haven, the IC, which is often too busy for you to find a seat let alone a cosy spot for you and your date. Some people may find comfort in the quiet environment so perhaps consider this spot if looking for a peaceful location. Anyone who is nervous on a first date may be keen to bury their face behind a crib sheet but this will not end well. It’s difficult to flirt when discussing how to submit your coursework on Blackboard.

If you find yourself spending time with your date in the IC or worse, the Diamond, then expect to have an audience of hundreds of other students who are probably side-eying your awkward affair as a way of procrastinating from their own work. If you are particularly stuck for words then why not just head down to Western Bank and sit with your date in silence. This spot is a one way ticket to the friend zone unfortunately. 

Goodwin Gym: 0.5/10

At number two is Goodwin Gym, and this terrible idea for a date has only just been spared the dreaded number one spot. I would hope no one is foolish enough to suggest a cheeky gym sesh as a way of getting to know your date. Rammed full from open till close, Goodwin is a difficult place for even the gym addicts to enjoy themselves.

Cramped, sweaty and pressed for time, you will find it almost impossible not to get the ick from watching your date trying to show off on the bench press or run out of breath after two minutes on the rowing machine. This environment will leave little room for engaging conversation unless you are both fascinated by good form, muscle growth and calorie deficits. There are other sports facilities of course, but expect similar problems. Save the winter arc for another time and avoid Goodwin if it’s the last thing you do.

Mini golf: 0/10

We’ve saved the worst till last, and perhaps the most controversial too, of course it’s a mini golf course. Count your lucky stars if you have never been lured here as an excuse for a first date. The last resort option that somehow gets called into action time and time again. Who over the age of 10 actually enjoys mini golf?

In Sheffield, Golf Fang is the main culprit. Imagine a glorified drinks date, except you have to focus on swinging a club while you try to flirt with your date partner. I can’t tell if my date would be more put off if I was awful at mini golf, or if I was actually good at it. There is nothing to be gained at this bottom tier spot.

Feel free to breathe a sigh of cringe as we conclude the bottom five. If you’ve found yourself on a date in two or more of these places then feel free to speak out or look for support, there are probably other survivors. Exaggeration aside, a visit to the Grindstone wouldn’t be the end of the world and Meadowhall might just not be my cup of tea. With that said, if you’re relying on a textbook, treadmill or golf club to fill the conversation gap then maybe it’s best to stay friends.