Kelham Island Tavern
Quick info
About Kelham Island Tavern
On Russell St, Kelham Island Tavern is a pub built around a carved wooden bar and tiled floors, with a beer garden that includes some covered seating. Handpumps line the bar, with reviewers counting anywhere from six to twelve or more casks on offer, and the pub features regularly in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. Canned and bottled drinks can run low, though the cask lines stay well stocked. The bar area draws a crowd, while a quieter back room offers an alternative, and neither space carries music or televisions. On the fourth Sunday evening of each month, the pub hosts folk singing. It operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations taken.
Good to know
“Pub with carved wooden bar, tiled floors, leafy beer garden and renowned range of real ales.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cask ale selection, outdoor beer garden, friendly bar staff and handpump real ales.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cask ale selection, outdoor beer garden, friendly bar staff and handpump real ales.
Customer Review Summary
Cask ale is the clear draw at Kelham Island Tavern, with reviewers repeatedly praising the range on handpump, from twelve taps including a porter, a stout and a mild on one visit to thirteen real ale taps on another, with the beer consistently described as well kept and in excellent or top condition. Close behind is the setting: a secluded, leafy beer garden with covered outdoor seating draws frequent mention, alongside a quieter back room away from the busy bar. Several call it an old-fashioned pub with no music or TVs, and friendly bar staff come up repeatedly. One reviewer notes it can run out of basic bottled or canned drinks, and another finds the pub cold at times. A German reviewer also objects to prominent Warsteiner advertising, calling the beer poor quality. On the fourth Sunday evening of the month, one reviewer mentions folk singing in the pub.
Customer Review Summary
Cask ale is the clear draw at Kelham Island Tavern, with reviewers repeatedly praising the range on handpump, from twelve taps including a porter, a stout and a mild on one visit to thirteen real ale taps on another, with the beer consistently described as well kept and in excellent or top condition. Close behind is the setting: a secluded, leafy beer garden with covered outdoor seating draws frequent mention, alongside a quieter back room away from the busy bar. Several call it an old-fashioned pub with no music or TVs, and friendly bar staff come up repeatedly. One reviewer notes it can run out of basic bottled or canned drinks, and another finds the pub cold at times. A German reviewer also objects to prominent Warsteiner advertising, calling the beer poor quality. On the fourth Sunday evening of the month, one reviewer mentions folk singing in the pub.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“I was actually on my way home when I stumbled across this little gem and decided to stop in for a pint. Safe to say, I'm glad I did! From the outside, I expected Kelham Island Tavern to be quite small, but I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was inside. I ordered one of the beers on tap (I really need to start remembering the names of these pints! 😅), and the staff were incredibly friendly, even pointing me towards the outdoor beer garden. The weather was great, so I spent some time outside relaxing and unwinding with my drink. It had a really welcoming atmosphere, and I can definitely see why it's so well regarded. I'd happily recommend Kelham Island Tavern to anyone visiting the area, and I'll certainly be back myself.”
- Google user
“Didn't have food, but a cracking little real ale pub I found while having a wonder, 13 real ale taps, friendly bar staff... What's not to like.”
- Google user
“This pub is regularly quoted and voted as one of the best pubs in the UK, nevermind Sheffield. It's fab, but for me I just think there's better. Anyway, beer is perfect, I just find the pub cold from time to time”
- Google user
“Decent tap beers, can run out of other basic drinks, those from cans or bottles. Great folk singing 4th Sun eve of the month”
- Google user
“Fab pub, great service, lots of beers on tap. Lovely outdoors beer garden.”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near Kelham Island Tavern
- The Masons Arms4.31341.1 mi
snooker table, pool table, dart board
- Broomhill Tavern4.54501.4 mi
monday and tuesday quiz nights, real ales, friendly staff
- The York4.41,1451.4 miWheelchair accessible
masala dosa, onion bhajis, samosa chat
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelham Island TavernWheelchair accessible | 4.61,426 | — | cask ale selection, outdoor beer garden, friendly bar staff |
| The Masons Arms | 4.3134 | 1.1 mi | snooker table, pool table, dart board |
| Broomhill Tavern | 4.5450 | 1.4 mi | monday and tuesday quiz nights, real ales, friendly staff |
| The YorkWheelchair accessible | 4.41,145 | 1.4 mi | masala dosa, onion bhajis, samosa chat |
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