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Public

Quirky underground cocktail haven in a repurposed Victorian toilet—creative drinks, intimate vibes, and Sheffield's inventive spirit in every sip.

4.5

Hidden beneath Sheffield's bustling city centre, Public occupies a former underground public toilet transformed into an intimate cocktail bar. Forest green walls, velvet seating, and book-like menus set the scene for inventive drinks and small plates in a subterranean speakeasy vibe. Open evenings with extended weekend hours, it draws cocktail enthusiasts to its quirky, character-packed space.

A brief summary to Public

  • 23-55 Surrey St, Sheffield, Sheffield City Centre, S1 2LG, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 4 pm-12 am
  • Wednesday 4 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 4 pm-12 am
  • Friday 4 pm-2 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-2 am
  • Sunday 4 pm-12 am

Local tips

  • Book ahead, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, as the small space fills quickly and walk-ins often turn away.
  • Ask staff for pairings between cocktails and small plates; their knowledge elevates the experience.
  • Explore themed menu sections like 'Public Holiday' for story-driven drinks with global flavours.
  • Opt for bar seating to watch bartenders craft intricate serves up close.
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Public location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather

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Discover more about Public

From Victorian Relic to Modern Speakeasy

Tucked away on Surrey Street in Sheffield's heart, Public began life as a utilitarian public toilet from the Victorian era, a common sight in industrial British cities. Repurposed in 2017, this underground spot sheds its practical origins for a sophisticated hideaway. The conversion preserves the compact, cavernous feel while introducing lush forest green panelling and plush velvet banquettes, evoking a luxury train carriage from a bygone era. Dim lighting casts a moody glow, turning what was once overlooked infrastructure into a coveted nightlife gem.

Cocktail Books That Tell Stories

Public's menus resemble hefty coffee table tomes, spanning over 25 pages of curated concoctions. Each section weaves a narrative—'Public Holiday' evokes exotic escapes with refreshing profiles like thyme liqueur and apricot accents in the Weekend Away. Local nods appear in drinks like Yellow Brick Road, blending burnt corn caramel and smoked salt with tequila for a Sheffield-inspired twist. Bartenders craft with precision, using techniques like brown butter-washing and single-ice serves to balance bold flavours without dilution.

Seasonal Small Plates with Creative Flair

Complementing the drinks, the kitchen delivers compact dishes highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients. Savoury porcini porridge with squash stands out as a weekly special, while beetroot carpaccio and creative takes on classics like pigs in blankets showcase inventive simplicity. Plates arrive at thoughtful intervals, pairing seamlessly with cocktails—think nutty rums cutting through pineapple sourness or light fizzes enhancing citrus foams. The focus remains on quality over quantity in this snug setting.

Intimate Ambiance and Rhythmic Pulse

The bar's subterranean layout fosters closeness, with horseshoe booths and bar stools encouraging lingering chats. A soundtrack of subtle beats underscores the lively yet relaxed energy, perfect for evenings unwinding after city exploration. Staff navigate the tight space with expertise, offering insights into drink origins and pairings. On busier nights, the atmosphere hums with anticipation, the air scented with citrus peels and herbal infusions.

Sheffield's Quirky Nightlife Anchor

Public embodies Sheffield's knack for reinventing its industrial past into vibrant present-day draws. Its unassuming entrance belies the polished experience within, making it a rite for locals and visitors seeking uniqueness. Open from late afternoon into the early hours, especially lively on weekends, it captures the city's blend of grit and glamour. Whether sipping a Dr Pepper-like rum fantasy or savouring a special porridge, the venue delivers memorable moments in an utterly distinctive shell.

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