Fagans

While entering into Sheffield on holiday from Canada I stopped for a red light 69 Broad Lane. My car suddenly stopped and there my spouse and 4 children sat "stranded" Sunday afternoon, 1 hour to the university or lose the rental.

Tom came out and saw my dilemma, "asking if I had friends I could call." I explained being from Canada I knew no one and as of that moment he was my only friend. No worries he responded, come into the pub we'll have a cup of tea and we met with Barb and his daughter.

He transported us to the university, called his friend who fixed my clutch fork in the car. Paid the bill when the mechanic brought back the car, while all I did was enjoy his kindness.

Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought of you Tom and Barb. Your favourite song Carrigfergus I sing around the yard but I changed the words... I wish I was "in Fagan's pub". I still remember the Morristown dancers coming for a pint, the boys from the police station, and best was the sing along in the back.

My deepest thanks still... Lea.

A proper old fashioned pub. Only two real ales on, but worth a visit if you are nostalgic.

When the curtains are closed and night has folded in, to spend an evening in Fagans is to be transported back to a Sheffield long gone. Years of nicotine have stained the ceiling dirty yellow; the wood-panelled walls would be considered ironic in certain po-faced quarters and the accumulated clutter behind the bar is a wonder to behold. Yet those pitiful souls unacquainted with this gem must not mistake Fagans for some dive. On a Friday and Saturday night it heaves with life, a joyous commixture of working-class intellectuals, musicians and authors. In the corner discussing Wednesday is a voice from the BBC, Richard Hawley holds court in the snug, behind the bar landlord Tom is a mine of knowledge, wife Barbara always rapid with withering wit and the backroom overflows with the sound of drums and plucked string.

A Saturday lunchtime spent devouring Tom's staggeringly good home-made dishes with a pint or two of Moonshine is a treat. Sunday lunches need to be ordered in advance such is the demand, but there is always the choice of a cow-pie so vast even Dan himself would struggle in vain, or maybe an ocean of stew in a bowl from the impressively composed menu for the less organised.

One day fortune will vomit on our eiderdown and a desiccated soul with Microsoft Excel in their veins will decree Fagans must make way for another executive living development, or maybe Tom and Barbara will retire and the books and the thumbed copies of Private Eye and the postcards and the chewed pens and the dust and wonky picture of a Spitfire will be replaced by a facsimile of authenticity. An "Oirish" slogan will be painted on the wall, next to a small wheelbarrow nailed there for no apparent reason and everything that made Fagans special will be lost forever.

We should treasure it whilst we can.

Permission for a 7-storey apartment block has been granted next to Fagan's pub on Broad Lane in Sheffield city centre. The landlord of the pub had objected to the proposal on the grounds that if future residents were to object to noise from the pub his licence may face restrictions.

Members of the Sheffield & District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale have voted Fagans in Sheffield city centre their June Pub Of The Month award winner, and the certificate presentation was recently made at the pub by branch Chairman Dave Williams.

The Pub Of The Month awards are designed to highlight those pubs across Sheffield serving good real ale in friendly and comfortable surroundings. Fagans scores will on all points, with beer quality always top notch and a good atmosphere.

More about the pub is contained in the short pub of the month article from Beer Matters reproduced below:

Tucked away just off West Street and home to probably the best pint of Tetley Bitter in the area it is safe to say that, although it is well known by any self respecting Sheffielder, Fagan's is one of the finest hidden gems in the city centre.

Tom and Barbara Boulding have been running Fagan's for many a year now and can still be seen at either side of the bar keeping their customers entertained with wistful insights and anecdotes.

As well as the Tetley Bitter, Abbeydale Moonshine is also available. Just like the former this is always kept in tip-top condition. This may have something to do with the 'Guild of Master Cellarmen' award which can be seen close to the bar.

Some of the finest home cooked food comes from the kitchen. Not only is it value for money but you definitely wouldn't leave hungry (try the all day breakfast if you dare!)

In the back room regular traditional folk music can be heard almost every night and adorning the walls are some of the establishments better known customers. But whether you host your own hootenanny or produced one of the best albums of last year you are sure to be given a warm welcome!