Cross Scythes Pub

There is a big sign outside saying "No.1 Gastro Pub Sheffield". Well the person who wrote that needs to get out more. They could even go around the corner to the Cricket Inn.

What dire food. We had the catch sharing plate, which was described as good for four but ample for two.

One half-slice brown bread, four undercooked frozen prawns, big pile overdone old whitebait - rank, eight mussels, one small soft shell crab, fritters we assumed were polenta, and one 2cm-squared bit of cauliflower.

Now assume there are four of you. You are obviously going to fight over the piece of cauliflower. Also you will fight after tasting them over who will have to eat the whitebait.

There were only two of us. We went home hungry but laughing about the half-slice of bread on the sharing plate.

Do not go here it is awful.

We have recently eaten here twice now. The first time was with family, and it was excellent food and service, and again last week at the bank holiday. And again excellent food and service.

We shall eat here again for sure. The food is lovely and home-made, which is what you want for pub grub.

Went for a birthday meal and we had to send our food back. Microwaved veggies, leather chips, no content to the coconut curry... I could go on. I never complain but our night was ruined.

Quality throughout. The new refit has transformed the Cross Scythes at Totley and the new management are doing a fine job creating a great atmosphere in the place.

The food we had was excellent. I can recommend the pork belly with black pudding mashed potatoes. The service was better than most restaurants and overall better value for money than other gastro-pubs around Sheffield. Just what we needed.

One of Sheffield's most historic pubs, the Cross Scythes in Totley, is set to reopen in March 2025 following a significant refurbishment. The venue, which closed in January 2025 for the extensive renovation, will soon welcome patrons back with a refreshed look and an enhanced dining experience.

The Cross Scythes, located on Baslow Road, has been a staple of the community for more than 200 years, having first opened in 1818 by local farmer and scythe maker Samuel Hopkinson. Now, under the stewardship of The Northern Collective, the pub is undergoing a transformation aimed at balancing contemporary aesthetics with its rich historical heritage.

The Northern Collective, a group known for running successful venues such as The Dore Bar and Grill, and The Bank House, is leading the refurbishment. According to the group, the Cross Scythes will feature a "reimagined contemporary interior that reflects the heritage of the building."

Despite the modernisation, The Northern Collective is committed to honouring the pub's historic roots. This includes strong partnerships with local farmers, brewers, and suppliers, ensuring that the Cross Scythes remains an integral part of the local economy and culinary scene.

Once reopened, the Cross Scythes will offer what its operators describe as "elevated pub-dining." The seasonal menu will highlight the finest produce from the Peak District and Sheffield, complemented by a selection of premium draught keg and local cask ales. Additionally, patrons can enjoy an array of wines, cocktails, and locally roasted coffee from the sister venue, Castleton Coffee Co.

The upcoming relaunch of the Cross Scythes marks an exciting new chapter for the historic establishment. Sam Bell, owner of The Northern Collective, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Adding a venue like The Cross Scythes to our hospitality family is a natural next step for us. As a venue, there is so much potential; there is lots of space, four huge rooms, and it is in a great location at the heart of the beautiful suburb of Totley, the gateway to the Peaks."

Bell also highlighted the personal significance of the reopening for the general manager, who began her career in hospitality at the Cross Scythes and is now returning to lead the venue. "It will be a full-circle moment for her," he noted.

The pub's reopening comes less than two years after a previous significant refurbishment, which cost £450,000. While a specific reopening date has not yet been announced, excitement is building among locals eager to see the results of the latest transformation.