Sheffield Pub Heritage Talk (Sheffield Beer Week 2026)

This event is a history/pub heritage talk which will concentrate on the Little Chicago area of Sheffield, taking you from the early part of 19th century up to the current day. We will explore both the pub heritage aspects of the area plus the streets which feature in the book, ‘Sheffield 1925: Gang Wars and Wembley Glory.’ The narrative will explain how Sheffield briefly became the most turbulent city in Britain due to an escalating gang war involving the Park Brigade, Mooney Gang, the Gas Tank Gang and many others.

The talk will also explore the beer, social and Industrial heritage of the area, examining the myths and reality of a tumultuous year in Sheffield history. Mention will be made of the 1884 'Sheffield Drinks Map,' the establishment of a coacing inn, George Orwell and the Sheffield pub with the most local CAMRA awards.

The talk will be led by local historian and writer, John Stocks and ‘Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs’ editor, Dave Pickersgill. The talk will last for up to 60 minutes, followed by post-talk drink and discussion.

Includes:

· illustrated historical talk (one hour, including questions)

· the opportunity to purchase copies of Sheffield Pub Heritage walk booklets (A5, 32 pages, rrp £2.99) at the reduced price of £2.50 each (cash only).

· the opportunity to purchase copies of ‘Sheffield 1925: Gang Wars and Wembley Glory’ (second edition) at the reduced price of £10.00 each (cash only).

Date: Friday 13 March 2026 - 19:45

Venue: The University Arms (upstairs function room), 197 Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HG

Please note: the function room is up a flight of stairs and is not disabled friendly

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Dave Pickersgill