The Fat Cat
Sheffield's original real ale haven in Kelham Island, pouring cask classics, hearty pies, and community spirit since 1981.
The Fat Cat is Sheffield's pioneering real ale pub, opened in 1981 in the vibrant Kelham Island district. Renowned for its vast selection of cask ales from local breweries like neighboring Kelham Island Brewery, it offers hearty pub grub including pies, alongside a welcoming atmosphere, beer garden, and live music. Inexpensive prices make it a staple for ale enthusiasts and locals alike, with vegan-friendly options and a traditional, unpretentious vibe.
A brief summary to The Fat Cat
- 23 Alma St, Sheffield, S3 8SA, GB
- +441142494803
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-12:30 am
- Saturday 12 pm-12:30 am
- Sunday 12 pm-11:30 pm
Local tips
- Ask the staff for today's ale recommendations; they pour flights to sample rare local brews.
- Opt for a pie with mash and peas—classic British comfort at unbeatable value.
- Head to the rear beer garden for outdoor seating on warm days.
- Check for live music or events, especially weekends.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Restrooms
The Fat Cat location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Fat Cat
Birth of a Real Ale Legend
Opened in 1981, The Fat Cat holds the distinction of being Sheffield's first dedicated real ale pub. Nestled on Alma Street in the industrial heart of Kelham Island, it emerged during a renaissance of British cask beer culture. Founders championed unpasteurized, naturally conditioned ales, drawing from the area's brewing heritage tied to the nearby River Don and historic mills. This commitment transformed a modest Victorian-era building into a beacon for beer lovers, fostering a space where conversation flows as freely as the pints.Kelham Island's Industrial Pulse
Kelham Island, Sheffield's creative quarter, surrounds The Fat Cat with a tapestry of repurposed factories and warehouses. The pub sits amid this evolving landscape, where the hum of past steelworks echoes in cobbled streets and canal-side walks. Its exterior belies the lively interior, with worn wooden floors and a no-frills bar that evoke the district's working-class roots. Proximity to Kelham Island Brewery ensures fresh pours, linking the pub directly to Sheffield's craft beer scene.Cask Ales and Hearty Grub
The Fat Cat boasts an ever-rotating lineup of up to a dozen real ales, many from local and microbreweries, served at cellar temperature through hand pumps. Pale ales, bitters, and stouts dominate, with tasting notes shared by knowledgeable staff. Food mirrors this authenticity: steaming pies filled with steak and ale or mushroom and tarragon, served with mash, peas, and gravy for around £5. Vegan and vegetarian choices, like bean stews or crumbles, cater to diverse palates, all prepared in-house with simple, flavorful British staples.Atmosphere and Hidden Corners
Step inside to find two cozy rooms divided by the bar, dimly lit for intimate chats, with a snug feel amplified by crackling fires in winter. The rear beer garden offers al fresco seating amid urban greenery, perfect for summer evenings. Live music sessions and occasional events add rhythm, while the unpretentious decor—think mismatched stools and chalkboard menus—invites lingering. It's a place where strangers become mates over shared flights of beer.Traditions and Modern Twists
Beyond pints, The Fat Cat hosts philosophy nights and room hire for gatherings, blending community spirit with its ale focus. Its resilience through decades underscores Sheffield's pub culture, resisting gentrification while embracing inclusivity with marked vegan options and wheelchair access. Whether sampling a rare brew or savoring a pudding with custard, visitors tap into a timeless ritual of British hospitality.Lasting Legacy in Sheffield
As Kelham Island buzzes with street art and food markets, The Fat Cat remains an anchor of authenticity. Its influence ripples through Sheffield's beer trail, inspiring pub crawls and brewery tours. Open daily from noon, it closes late on weekends, ensuring night owls can cap evenings with a final toast to this enduring icon.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Chimney House
0.1 km
Award-winning industrial-chic venue in Kelham Island offering intimate events with exceptional food and warm hospitality in Sheffield.
Iron Bridge
0.3 km
Explore Sheffield’s iconic Iron Bridge, a stunning early 20th-century iron landmark offering rich industrial heritage and scenic riverside views.
Crucible Stack
0.7 km
Explore Sheffield’s iconic Crucible Stack, a rare industrial landmark embodying the city’s pioneering steelmaking heritage and architectural resilience.
Wicker Arches
0.7 km
A dramatic Victorian railway viaduct running beneath Sheffield city centre, now home to workshops, bars and street art in a gritty, atmospheric urban space.
The Museum
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere at The Museum, Sheffield's beloved pub and restaurant, where local flavors meet a lively social scene.
Green Police Box
0.9 km
Sheffield’s unique green and white police box, a charming relic of early 20th-century policing, stands proudly outside the Town Hall as a symbol of local heritage.
Sheffield War Memorial
0.9 km
A solemn and iconic Grade II* listed cenotaph in Sheffield city centre, honoring the city's wartime sacrifices with striking sculptures and historic symbolism.
Godfrey Sykes Memorial
1.4 km
Victorian design genius immortalised in terracotta—Sheffield's tribute to a master craftsman.
Friesday Belgian Fries
2.2 km
Savor authentic Belgian fries in a cozy diner atmosphere at Friesday Belgian Fries, the perfect quick bite in Sheffield.
Norfolk Heritage Park
2.6 km
Discover the beauty of Norfolk Heritage Park, a serene urban oasis in Sheffield featuring lush gardens, scenic views, and endless recreational opportunities.
Lost & Found Sheffield
2.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Lost & Found Sheffield, a charming bar and pub with creative cocktails, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sheffield Manor Lodge
2.9 km
Experience the historical charm and scenic beauty of Sheffield Manor Lodge, a premier events venue and heritage site in Sheffield.
The Well Sheffield
2.9 km
Explore The Well Sheffield, a vibrant Baptist church in Sharrow, blending rich community spirit with stunning architecture and cultural events.
The Endcliffe Campus
2.9 km
A vibrant student village blending modern living, social hubs, and green spaces at the University of Sheffield’s Endcliffe Campus.
Hillsborough Park Walled Garden
2.9 km
Explore the enchanting Hillsborough Park Walled Garden in Sheffield, a serene retreat filled with vibrant flora and rich history, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Steel City Chapel Ltd
0.1 km
Experience Sheffield’s ultimate neon-lit, Vegas-inspired wedding chapel—where electric energy meets unforgettable celebrations.
Kelham Island Walks
0.1 km
Discover Kelham Island, Sheffield’s historic industrial heart reborn as a vibrant hub of culture, craft beer, and urban charm by the River Don.
Kelham Island Museum
0.1 km
Explore Sheffield’s industrial heart on a historic island with interactive galleries, mighty steam engines, and rich steelmaking heritage.
The River Don Engine
0.1 km
Experience the power and history of Europe’s mightiest steam engine, a symbol of Sheffield’s steel heritage at Kelham Island Museum.
National Emergency Services Museum
0.3 km
Explore the heroic history of emergency services in Sheffield’s stunning Victorian police, fire, and ambulance station museum.
Sheffield Cathedral
0.6 km
Discover over 1,000 years of history, faith, and art in Sheffield’s oldest building, a welcoming cathedral at the city’s heart.
Sheffield Maker's Emporium
0.6 km
Discover Sheffield’s vibrant local craftsmanship with unique, handcrafted fashion and accessories at the heart of the city centre.
The National Videogame Museum
0.7 km
The UK’s only museum dedicated to videogames, where you can play over 100 games, explore gaming history, and even make your own – in the heart of Sheffield.
Cutlers' Hall Hospitality
0.7 km
Victorian grandeur meets modern event excellence in Sheffield's most prestigious banquet hall.
Sheffield Christmas Markets
0.7 km
Sheffield's festive celebration of local traders, alpine charm, and seasonal magic across the city centre.
Fronteer Gallery
0.8 km
Independent artist-led gallery showcasing thought-provoking contemporary art in Sheffield City Centre.
Fargate
0.8 km
Sheffield’s vibrant pedestrian precinct blending historic charm, lively markets, and modern urban culture in the city centre.
Orchard Square
0.8 km
A vibrant open-air shopping and leisure destination in Sheffield, blending retail, culture, and community in a historic city-centre setting.
King Edward VII Statue
0.8 km
Discover the King Edward VII Statue in Sheffield, a stunning historical landmark celebrating British heritage amidst the vibrant city life.
Victoria Hall
0.8 km
Historic Methodist landmark and vibrant events venue at Sheffield city centre’s cultural heart on Norfolk Street.
Essential places to dine
Isabellas bar & restaurant
0.0 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and stylish dining in Sheffield’s vibrant Kelham Island at Isabellas Bar & Restaurant.
SYN Restaurant and Bar
0.0 km
A vibrant modern restaurant and bar in Sheffield city centre, blending contemporary dining with a lively social atmosphere.
Craft & Dough Kelham Island
0.1 km
Artisan pizzas and craft beers in Sheffield’s vibrant Kelham Island, blending industrial charm with a lively, friendly atmosphere.
Chop Shop Bar & Grill
0.1 km
Discover delicious grilled specialties at Chop Shop Bar & Grill in Sheffield – where every meal is a celebration of flavor!
Domo Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic Sardinian cuisine and warm hospitality in Sheffield’s historic Kelham Island at Domo Restaurant.
5Tara Sheffield - Kelham Island
0.2 km
Authentic Punjabi street food with fresh flavours and warm hospitality in the heart of Kelham Island, Sheffield.
Riverside Kelham
0.2 km
Riverside Kelham: Where Kelham Island's River Don meets craft ales, hearty pies, and beer garden magic in Sheffield's craft beer heart.
JORO Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience Sheffield’s cutting-edge modern European dining with JÖRO’s inventive tasting menus and theatrical live-fire cooking.
Kelham Kitchen & Wine Bar
0.4 km
Contemporary dining and vibrant wine bar in Sheffield’s Neepsend, perfect for sharing plates, cocktails, and lively social evenings.
Church - Temple of Fun
0.6 km
Experience Sheffield's lively vegan bar scene at the Temple of Fun - where delicious plant-based dishes meet vibrant entertainment.
Caffe Piazza
0.7 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and Mediterranean dishes served fresh daily in Sheffield’s vibrant city centre cafe.
La Bottega
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian craftsmanship and artisanal flavors in the heart of Sheffield City Centre at La Bottega.
Grazie
0.7 km
Experience authentic Southern Italian flavors with fresh handmade pasta and warm hospitality in the heart of Sheffield City Centre.
Zizzi - Sheffield Leopold Square
0.8 km
Modern Italian dining with vibrant atmosphere, vegan-friendly options, and stylish setting in Sheffield’s bustling Leopold Square.
wagamama sheffield city centre
0.8 km
Discover fresh, bold Asian flavours and a welcoming communal vibe at Wagamama in Sheffield’s vibrant Leopold Square.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Kelham Island Books + Music
0.2 km
An intimate second‑hand book and vinyl shop on Shalesmoor, full of eclectic titles, records, posters and locally minded finds.
The WareHouse
0.4 km
Discover timeless treasures in a restored Victorian warehouse at Sheffield's creative heart, where industrial history meets eclectic antiques and artistic vibes.
Kelham Arcade
0.5 km
Discover indie shops, craft brews, and street food vibes in Sheffield's repurposed industrial arcade—a creative heart of Neepsend.
The Outpost
0.8 km
Sheffield's ultimate model shop and gaming outpost: scale kits, miniatures, paints, and tables for Warhammer warriors and hobby builders in historic Neepsend.
The Kelham Flea House Clearance
0.8 km
Dive into Sheffield's treasure trove of vintage finds and house clearance gems at this riverside emporium in gritty Neepsend.
Bird’s Yard Sheffield
0.8 km
A compact, owner-curated Aladdin’s cave of local makers and quirky design-led gifts in the heart of Sheffield.
Ryan Vintage
0.8 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion treasures at Ryan Vintage, Sheffield’s premier vintage clothing boutique in the city centre.
skytrend
0.8 km
Explore Sheffield's Skytrend Jewellery Store for exquisite craftsmanship and unique pieces that capture the essence of elegance.
Sheffield Convenience Store
0.9 km
Your go-to convenience store in Sheffield City Centre for snacks, drinks, and travel essentials, open late night for all your needs.
Sheffield Makers
1.0 km
Discover Sheffield's handmade soul in the Winter Garden: unique gifts from local makers, blending craft heritage with fresh creativity.
Glass Onion Sheffield
1.0 km
Explore Sheffield’s premier vintage clothing store blending sustainable fashion with stylish, curated collections in a unique urban setting.
Preloved Kilo
1.0 km
Discover vintage treasures priced by weight at Preloved Kilo, Sheffield’s vibrant hub for sustainable and stylish pre-loved clothing.
Mint (New name coming soon)
1.0 km
Discover Sheffield City Centre’s eclectic boutique blending fashion, jewelry, and unique local treasures on vibrant Division Street.
Rocky Horrors
1.0 km
Discover bold rock-inspired boots and shoes at Rocky Horrors, Sheffield’s iconic alternative footwear shop in the city centre.
The Alternative Store
1.1 km
Sheffield's fiercely independent hub for unique streetwear, hats, and jewellery since 1992—quality alternative fashion with local flair and eco-conscious craft.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Fat Cat
0.0 km
Sheffield's original real ale haven in Kelham Island, pouring cask classics, hearty pies, and community spirit since 1981.
Kelham Island Tavern
0.1 km
Sheffield's CAMRA-acclaimed real ale haven with 13 cask pumps, cozy rooms, beer garden, quizzes, and folk nights in historic Kelham Island.
The Millowners Arms
0.1 km
Cozy Kelham Island pub pouring craft lagers beside the museum, with burgers, outdoor seats, and laidback tunes in Sheffield's industrial enclave.
Bar Kelham
0.2 km
Sizzling grills, craft cocktails, and sports action in Sheffield's coolest industrial island hideaway – your go-to for flavor-packed hangs.
SALT Sheffield
0.2 km
Hop-forward craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and lively vibes in Sheffield's Kelham Island—SALT Sheffield crafts unforgettable evenings for beer aficionados and casual crowds alike.
Graffiti Kelham
0.3 km
Vibrant graffiti-clad cocktail haven in Sheffield's Kelham Island, where street art fuels inventive drinks and electric nights.
The Old Workshop
0.4 km
Quirky industrial bar in Sheffield's Neepsend, pouring craft beers, smashing burgers, and pintxos in a dog-friendly workshop hideaway with board games and beams.
The Three Tuns, S1
0.5 km
A vibrant traditional pub in Sheffield City Centre, famed for excellent ales, hearty food, and lively karaoke and comedy nights.
The Parrot Club
0.6 km
A small tropical-inspired cocktail bar in Kelham Island where rum cocktails, colourful décor and pulsing weekend parties meet Sheffield’s industrial edge.
The Dove & Rainbow
0.7 km
Sheffield’s vibrant rock pub with live music, cold ales, and an inclusive atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
All Bar One Sheffield
0.7 km
Stylish Sheffield wine bar on Leopold Street for tapas, cocktails, brunch, and urban vibes near theatres and shops.
Kuckoo Sheffield
0.8 km
Inventive cocktails and pulsating beats define this Leopold Square gem, where Sheffield's nightlife ignites in a whirlwind of creativity and energy.
Bamboo Door
0.8 km
A vibrant tiki-themed cocktail bar in Sheffield City Centre, famed for exotic rum drinks and lively late-night vibes.
Cheap Dates
0.8 km
Affordable cocktails and lively vibes await at Sheffield’s beloved dive bar, Cheap Dates, in the heart of Orchard Square.
Trippets Lounge Bar
0.8 km
Sheffield's intimate jazz lounge where live music, gins, and tapas-style plates create an unforgettable evening retreat in the city centre.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Night Kitchen
0.3 km
Dive into Sheffield's industrial heartbeat at The Night Kitchen, where former cutlery factory walls pulse with electronic beats until dawn in a raw, inclusive nightlife haven.
Al Ahsa Night Club
0.5 km
Dance the night away at Al Ahsa Night Club, Sheffield's premier disco destination for unforgettable nightlife experiences.
Plot 22
0.8 km
Immerse in Sheffield's underground beats at Plot 22: no phones, pure rave energy, techno to jungle in an intimate 120-cap haven.
ONYX Nightclub Sheffield
0.8 km
Dive into Sheffield's raucous nightlife at ONYX, where neon quirks, bass-heavy beats, and cheap thrills fuel epic nights till dawn in the city centre.
Fez Sheffield
0.9 km
Dive into Sheffield’s vibrant electronic dance scene at Fez, the city centre’s intimate nightclub with pulsating beats and dazzling laser shows.
Popworld - Sheffield
0.9 km
A vibrant nightclub in Sheffield city centre, Popworld offers lively pop beats, affordable drinks, and a welcoming party atmosphere every weekend.
The Viper Rooms
0.9 km
Sheffield's stylish split-level nightclub: upscale cocktails on the terrace lounge, eclectic beats on the dancefloor—dress sharp for urban nights that pulse till dawn.
Tank
1.0 km
A gritty, late‑night underground club on Arundel Gate — loud sound, house and techno nights, and a compact, rave‑style dancefloor.
Corporation
1.3 km
Sheffield’s iconic nightclub with non-stop dance beats and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
Code Sheffield
1.3 km
Sheffield's ultimate nightclub: massive dance floor, six bars, LED lights, and epic nights till 6am—student favorites and global DJs collide in city-centre chaos.
The Leadmill
1.5 km
Sheffield's 40-year heartbeat of live music, club nights, and comedy in a gritty, immersive venue near the station—where crowds roar and nights ignite.
Dempseys Bar and Club
1.6 km
Sheffield's enduring gay bar and club: two floors of drinks, dances, karaoke, and late-night energy from noon till dawn in the city centre.
Temple Sheffield
1.9 km
Dive into Sheffield's underground heartbeat at Temple Nightclub, where beats thump till 6am, drinks flow affordably, and nights ignite with raw energy.
Waikiki Beach Bar
17.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Waikiki Beach Bar, Derbyshire's go-to destination for dancing, drinks, and unforgettable memories.
Volt Nightclub
18.1 km
Experience Barnsley's vibrant nightlife at Volt Nightclub, where lively music, dazzling lights, and affordable drinks create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly