Shopping in Sheffield: Part Two

For the love of shopping… I have more recommendations. Purses and hearts at the ready! 

If you’ve clicked onto this article, I’ll politely inform you that there is a part one with more visit worthy independent shops in my wonderful home of Sheffield. You’re so welcome.

As I said last week, I had a large list for Annie Judes and I'd like to catch you up, and express that I did in fact get everything and even an added item that I wasn’t expecting… a beautifully captured drawn movie poster from Fantastic Mr Fox – one of my favourite comfort films, that I return too on a monthly basis due to its intricacy of capturing nature… and Jarvis Cocker's riddle. As soon as I saw it whilst delving into the poster selection, my heart lit with flames, it's by Spilt Milk Press, who have seized the same glint in Mr Fox’s eye as the animated film… GLORIOUS! 

Once again, just to preface these aren’t the only wonderful shops in Sheffield, there’s many others surrounding the ones I recommend, but I can only speak from ones I’ve visited myself- I shall endeavour to visit more to add to this list, especially the new one just opened this May in Orchard Square! 

Mookau

Location: Ecclesall Road 

Travel: Jump off the tram at the Sheffield University stop and walk down towards the large roundabout (via the Blue or Yellow tram), and you can enter Eccy road via that side. As its one of the most bustling roads in Sheffield for bars, restaurants, cafes and shops-plenty of buses pass down the same way or there is a lot of road car parking (at a fee), but these spaces are mixed with permits so do double check – on weekends these spaces can  be few and far between. However, there are some small paying car parks dotted down the road too. 

Now, this is a whimsical heaven. A fabulous mix of products from jewellery, hair accessories, candles, cards and stationery- not just any stationary, BEAUTIFUL pieces that make you want to write and make lists for everything. Their window display is just as enticing as stepping inside – so girly, so fun. If you’re a HUGE pride & prejudice fan, like me, then they have a lil Jane Austen section with gorgeous hardbacked editions of Austen’s classics- and wonderful P&P nik naks (such as the book vase) that they sell at Chatsworth. I must give a shout out to their scrunchies – handmade beauties, I have a whole drawer full of them already but every time I step into this shop, I do exit with more to add. Ones you’ll probably never find anyone else wearing! 

Spiral

Location: Ecclesall Road (one the same side as Mookau)

Travel: Jump off the tram at the Sheffield University stop and walk down towards the large roundabout (via the Blue or Yellow tram), and you can enter Eccy road via that side. As its one of the most bustling roads in Sheffield for bars, restaurants, cafes and shops-plenty of buses pass down the same way or there is a lot of road car parking (at a fee), but these spaces are mixed with permits so do double check – on weekends these spaces can  be few and far between. However, there are some small paying car parks dotted down the road too. 

What I do love about Eccy road is how delightfully close some of these independent shops are, makes for the perfect afternoon trip, with a coffee or bite to eat on the way around. Spirals is a great selection of unique children’s toys, cards, stationary, little gifts and artwork. The staff are also incredibly friendly and kind. I always love their collection of dusky pink cat featured kitchen ware, including matching egg cups, which sit pride of place in my home. A lot of their wonderful items are nature centred, with many lovely bird hangings and ornaments that makes any space feel cosy and peaceful. Upstairs is the artwork floor, which isn’t something to miss, even if you’re not on the look out for new pieces – they’re worth your gaze. When I last visited in March they had a wonderful 3-piece coordinating set of vibrant animals, a cow, sheep and chicken. The chicken did actually catch my eye downstairs as it's on a card as you enter the shop- so seeing it in bigger print, along with its artwork siblings made me sing with glee (not actually sing, luckily for the shopkeeper) such original pieces that would brighten and make any house a home. Love, love and LOVE! 

Leah’s Yard

Location: Cambridge Street (next to Cambridge Street Collective), City Centre

Travel: Jump off the tram at West Street or Cathedral and walk straight or past the peace gardens (via the Blue or Yellow tram), plenty of buses pass the same way or there is some on road parking nearby and as its town, plenty of overpriced NCP’s. 

This is a great square of independent shops, including a book shop, wine bar, ceramic shop, clothing shop, stylish homeware, Pete Mckee’s gallery, tasting restaurant, chocolate bar (yes, it's bloody delicious) and more is apparently being added to this great independent hub. I do love how convenient they’ve made it to support local Sheffield independent shops; all hugged into the heart of Sheffield. You can easily spend a good day here wandering from shop to shop, broken up with a yummy taster menu, take a break with a glass of good wine, and finish the day off with a trip to the chocolate bar – if heaven is real, it must be that exactly. I love having a good parade around here, especially The Gravel Pit and La Biblioteka, wonderful products and staff who are just as friendly and passionate about their products. If you have anyone visiting you in Sheffield, I’d say this is a great idea for a chilled yet lively trip into the city centre, they’ll fall in deep love with Sheffield, I’ll be sure of it. 

Written by, Jessie Bellamy