Iconic Sheffield Pub Shuts for £245,000 Refurbishment

A historic Sheffield pub dating back to 1825 is closing for a major refurbishment that will help preserve it as one of the last remaining traditional pubs in the city centre.

The investment in The Red Deer on Pitt Street is being carried out by HEINEKEN-owned Star Pubs. The refurbishment will sympathetically enhance the much-loved pub, reintroduce food and create a stunning courtyard garden at the rear.

Work starts on 20th July, and The Red Deer is expected to reopen in late August with new operator Karl Seery at the helm, creating six new jobs.

The Red Deer is the only remaining Georgian building on Pitt Street. The exterior will be carefully restored in keeping with its historic architecture, with the building repainted, classic red glazed metro tiles installed and new signage added, while preserving its well-known mural, which was created as part of Sheffield's 2016 Street Art Festival. A derelict area behind the pub will be transformed into an attractive courtyard garden featuring parasols, barrel tables and chairs, new planters, festoon lighting and a striking foliage wall.

Inside, the refurbishment will breathe new life into the pub while retaining its character and original features, including the wooden bar and real fire. The new design will incorporate heritage colours, brand-new soft furnishings, traditional dark wood furniture, deep button-back leather banquette seating, and decorative wallpaper and lighting. Other improvements include a fully refurbished kitchen and a complete cellar upgrade with state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints.

Customers can also look forward to the return of food at The Red Deer. The extensive menu will cater for a wide range of tastes, from lighter dishes such as gyros, salads and sandwiches to burgers, pizzas and pub favourites including steak and ale pie and fish and chips. Behind the bar, The Red Deer will continue its reputation for excellent cask ale, with eight handpulls featuring beers from Yorkshire breweries alongside a wide selection of premium lagers, cocktails and quality coffee.

A new programme of events will accompany the refurbishment, supported by the installation of a halo-lit darts area and a high-specification sound system. Plans include a regular quiz night, games evenings and vinyl nights. Reflecting The Red Deer's role as a community pub, its first-floor function room will also be available for meetings, gatherings and private parties.

Karl has worked in hospitality since leaving school and has spent the past decade managing pubs in Sheffield.

Karl says: "The Red Deer was one of the first pubs I visited on a night out after moving to Sheffield. As soon as I walked through the doors, I knew it was somewhere I'd love to run one day. Ten years later, that dream is becoming a reality, and it genuinely feels like it was meant to be. This refurbishment is exactly what's needed to give The Red Deer a new lease of life."

Star Pubs Investment Manager Len Jackson adds: "This is the fourth pub refurbishment we've carried out in Sheffield this year, and we're delighted to be investing even more in the city's pubs. Our aim is to restore The Red Deer to its former glory as a high-quality traditional pub, renowned for its cask ales and great food. We're giving it plenty of care and attention, ensuring it retains all its original character while becoming even more comfortable and welcoming. We're working flat out to reopen in time for the August bank holiday weekend."