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The Dark Horse Bar, Ecclesall Road

Ecclesall Road’s compact, characterful bar for craft drinks, burgers and a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere open daily.

4.8

A lively, locally loved bar on Ecclesall Road in Sheffield, The Dark Horse Bar blends a cosy pub feel with craft-driven cocktails, an extensive beer and wine list and a popular casual food menu featuring burgers and brunch options. Open daily from late morning to late evening, it draws a mixed crowd for daytime coffees, evening drinks and weekend social nights in a compact, characterful space.

A brief summary to The Dark Horse Bar

  • 928 Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield, S11 8TR, GB
  • +447561858268
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 11 am-11:30 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-11:30 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-11:30 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-11:30 pm
  • Friday 11 am-11:30 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-11:30 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-11:30 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early at peak times—especially weekend evenings—to secure seating in the compact interior.
  • Try a burger with a local beer or house cocktail for a representative Dark Horse pairing.
  • If you prefer a quieter visit, midweek afternoons are calmer than weekend evenings.
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The Dark Horse Bar location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about The Dark Horse Bar

Neighbourhood character and first impressions

The Dark Horse sits on a busy stretch of Ecclesall Road, its frontage offering a reassuringly familiar pub silhouette that hints at both neighbourhood comfort and a sharper, contemporary bar programme. Inside, timber and warm lighting combine with tight seating and a long bar to create an intimate atmosphere where the hum of conversation is constant and the staff presence is energetic.

Drinks, food and what to expect at the bar

The drinks list balances a solid selection of draught and bottled beers with a curated wine list and cocktails crafted to pair with casual pub cooking. Burgers and brunch items feature prominently on the menu, and the kitchen timetable supports both daytime coffee-and-cake trade and evening food service. The place is well suited to single drinks at the bar, small groups sharing plates, or a relaxed brunch ritual.

Design details and sensory notes

Look for exposed wood, vintage-leaning fixtures and a scatter of framed prints that give the interior a worn-in friendliness rather than slick formality. Sound is part of the experience: music and conversation blend into a lively backdrop, while the aromas of grilled food and fresh coffee punctuate the air. Lighting is warm and forgiving, making the venue approachable at any hour after it opens.

Local role and atmosphere throughout the day

Daytimes here feel casual and community-oriented — people dropping in for brunch or a midday drink — while evenings become busier and more animated, with staff moving briskly behind the bar to keep service flowing. Weekends carry a fuller energy with extended social groups and an emphasis on comfort food and drinks rather than formal dining.

Practical features and nearby context

The Dark Horse operates on a straightforward daily schedule with late-morning openings and close to midnight closing times, making it convenient for both daytime and evening visits. Its compact footprint means seating is at a premium during busier periods, and the bar’s layout encourages a sociable, informal encounter rather than a secluded dining experience.

Why it matters to a Sheffield visit

As an urban neighbourhood bar, The Dark Horse offers a slice of local life: familiar pub hospitality with a contemporary drinks and food selection aimed at a broad audience. It’s a practical, characterful stop for anyone exploring Ecclesall Road — a place to linger over coffee, gather for a casual dinner or settle in for an evening of drinks amid friendly, attentive service.

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