Public in Sheffield

Called this evening before 7.00 pm. First time visitors, unfortunately they were not very welcoming. We sat at the bar but were asked to move along to the end incase someone else came in (as if we wouldn't accommodate). A booth was also available , but we couldn't sit there either.

Great drinks and a great vibe. The world needs more little bars like this.

Excellent drinks and service. Nice atmosphere too. Fully enjoyed some unique cocktails particularly as they cater to those of us who don't sell sweet drinks.

Great experience. Menu was really impressive, took a few reads to make a decision!!! Sunny Disposition.....blooming lovely!!!! 😍

The bar manager Daniel was really friendly and the drinks were amazing and original amazing vibe thanks queen xxx

Always enjoyed this venue however music has become too loud, would be better with softer more intimate music for the cosy cocktail bar that it is rather than loud R&B that was on. Also felt very rushed and short staffed which made the experience less enjoyable, twenty minute wait on drinks twice, the booking is only for one hour fifteen minutes so it doesn’t give you long.

Super cool vibe, friendly welcoming staff. Recommended drinks, brought a water jug and glasses. Tastey amazingly crafted cocktails, pride taken in their work. Highly recommend, excited to visit again.

Fantastic cocktail bar, a vast menu with a lot of thought and effort put into it. The staff clearly know their cocktails. It’s London vibes in Sheffield - much needed for the city more venues like this. I can’t recommend it enough. If your visiting Sheffield it is well worth a visit

Spent 2 very enjoyable hours at the bar with my friends. Then ordered 2 fabulous Sunday Lunches that were delivered at home, bang on time, and superbly presented, hot and very tasty. We'll done 5 STARS

This quirky cocktail bar is located downstairs in what was a gentleman‘s toilet. We enjoyed two generous size glasses of prosecco before our dinner in a good atmosphere with pleasant staff.

Wasn’t sure if it was open or not until I got to the bottom of the stairs as there is no clear signage to say it’s open. Went inside and nothing to shout about. The bar man spoke very fast and unclear but I could see what was available which was restricted. I did offer a drink to the staff one accepted and at £6 a pint I would have thought would have been happy with a half but no a pint was taken but I can’t be certain it was rung in as he asked is it cash or card which I replied cash but no visible till. The Guinness wasn’t great nor the unfiltered Stella had the one and left. Felt taken advantage of but not impressed. Ohara’s bar so will swing wide in future

We have come to the Public 3x so far and we are never disappointed, it is a real experience. The cocktails are delicious and sought-after, the concept is unique, the employees are passionate and offer unparalleled service. Even the toilets are original. Only good comments about this place, a great discovery!!!

Fabulous cocktails but quite expensive. Good bar tenders who know their stuff. There was a strange smell, possibly from with the one toilet which ruined it slightly.

We were so looking forward to going to Public. We made a reservation for 17:45 but due to unforeseen circumstances we got there at 6 . We were given a booth by the bar and a very complicated drink menu. We ordered a cocktail which came half full in a champagne flute. (See photo) We were abruptly told we only had 20 minutes left, then 10 minutes left, then the guy with the flat cap came and put the bill on the table then he rudely came and waved the card reader to pay. A couple sat across in a booth were ousted from their seats as the table was reserved for the next guests! Then we were told our time was up . We had been in the bar 45 minutes, and had spent nigh on 40 quid on drinks. I just feel it wasn’t very j welcoming and the customer service/experience was really poor. There was nothing on the reservation form to say you only had a table for an hour. I would not go back there ever.. wish we had stayed in All Bar One! They do know how to treat their patrons!

Great experience, a bit expensive but good atmosphere.

Really enjoyed our visit to Public yesterday. It's a tiny bar, housed in a former public toilet in Sheffield city centre. The atmosphere and playlist were great and the team are super friendly and welcoming. The cocktails were very good, with unusual flavours and quality spirits. We tried two cocktails each and really enjoyed both. We'll be back!

Quite disappointing, vibe was good, drinks were OK, I was pretty excited to try all the different weird flavours they had on offer. But unfortunately we were told to leave our booked table after 50 minutes as they had another booking, meaning we only got the opportunity to order one drink each. I could be wrong, but the information that the bookings are only for an hour is not online.

Excellent cocktails in a cool, intimate space.

Cocktails were good. The smell of the place was like it was still a public toilet. I was expecting a hidden gem, disappointed with the decor could be so much more instead it just looks cheap and dirty.

A public toilet (conversion) with The Best cocktails. Book, do not hope to just turn up; there just isn't space. Loved it!

Wouldn't visit again over priced, one table available on entry but we were asked to move because they were saving it IN CASE a larger group came in. It was empty the duration of our visit. Two customers who will never return is the outcome of this policy.

The perfect place to go for quality cocktails without the bad hangover. I came to celebrate my friend’s birthday. We tried a fair amount of the drinks but my favourite was Yellow Brick Road. Greenlight Over The Bay is a close second as it was easy to drink for a martini. Service also deserves a mention as the whole team was welcoming and knowledgeable. Thank you, Niamh!

Amazing cocktails with a story and ethically sourced. Not cheap but worth it. Service was great and the atmosphere on an early Thursday evening was really cool. Chatting when needed but also leaving customers to themselves when needed as well. Toilet is excellent also!!

Easily the best cocktail bar in Sheffield.

If you like real cocktails in an intimate and stylish atmosphere then this is the place.

Quirky and unique bar being a former public toilet. Lots of variety on the menu and there was a real focus on the drinks being what they should be, high quality alcohol

Amazing place. Really friendly staff & incredible cocktails. The picklebacks are 10/10, trust me.

Been a couple of times now and the cocktails are expensive but amazing, really well balanced and a group of very knowledgeable staff. The first time we went last year the staff were very attentive for the first hour. Unfortunately someone arrived that the server seemed to know which resulted in us and the seemingly everyone else in the venue getting ignored, making it take nearly an hour to get served. When visiting last week the venue looks tired and has a rather unpleasant smell, something similar to corp or west street live. The menus desperately need changing as many are worn and very grim. One in particular on our table seemed to have been vomited on the wiped clean but had a repulsive smell. Although not resulting in a pleasant atmosphere especially as somewhere marketing itself as high end. Unfortunately I will be avoiding this place and not recommending it till a refresh has been done. This is a real shame as the cocktails are outstanding.

Amazing cocktail bar in a really unique setting. The drinks are all made with care and formulated with imagination and knowledge. V popular so best to book your table!

Just a huge shout out to both Joe and Amber - we had some friends visit from Oxford as we transitioned from 2023 to 2024 and we had such a great experience. I come here fairly often and have done so occasionally since it opened, but the complimentary new years bits as well as the conversations we had on the thoughts behind the menu items were brilliant and left a lasting impression on our guests. Super candid and above and beyond what you'd normally expect - the staff really do care about what they do and it shines through in any conversation you have with them. I came again for a quick visit recently and we were given stellar recommendations by Amber. Looking forward to the new menu, all the best and please keep it up, Sheffield feels so strong right now!!

It's worth a visit just to see it and experience it but can take a strangely long time to get served (20 mins) despite only being allowed to have about 20 customers in at once. The drinks are quite expensive but seem pretty unique. Couldn't read most of the drinks menu, though, because it's written with white text on pink pages in a dimly lit environment worth it for a stop-off but you probably wouldn't want to spend a few hours there.

Popped in for cocktails as part of birthday celebrations.. small place .. large atmosphere and menu!

Bit of an odd experience really. We hadn't booked and were told it was fully booked, despite each table being empty. Told to pop back which we did. Came back later to be told the same again. A couple who were leaving to catch a train gave us their table in the end. The staff didnt seem best pleased about this. Cocktails were nice but very small and very expensive. The toilets were in fact how you would expect a public toilet to be, smelly and full of tissue and bodily fluids.

Unfortunately, I was very disappointed and upset. The staff made my friend and I feel incredibly unwelcome and looked down upon. Additionally, ironically the toilets were in such bad condition some of the customers and my friend couldn’t use them. We are both nurses by profession and therefore are very used bodily fluids/matter, so they really must have been bad! When we entered we had not booked a table, yet there were many empty seats. We were told to come back at a set time which we did and the empty booths were still unoccupied but we were told we couldn’t come in or stand near the bar. A couple offered us their table as they were leaving to get a train and the staff treated us as if we had kicked them out. We were told we only had 20 minutes on the table and then we would need to leave. Yet whilst we were there the staff then accepted some other walk in customers and giving them a table. The drink was nice but we were made to feel very unworthy and insignificant. Personally, that is not how I like to drink my cocktails and I’ve been left with a very bad taste in my mouth.

Unfortunately, I was very disappointed and upset. The staff made my friend and I feel incredibly unwelcome and looked down upon. Additionally, ironically the toilets were in such bad condition some of the customers and my friend couldn’t use them. We are both nurses by profession and therefore are very used bodily fluids/matter, so they really must have been bad! When we entered we had not booked a table, yet there were many empty seats. We were told to come back at a set time which we did and the empty booths were still unoccupied but we were told we couldn’t come in or stand near the bar. A couple offered us their table as they were leaving to get a train and the staff treated us as if we had kicked them out. We were told we only had 20 minutes on the table and then we would need to leave. Yet whilst we were there the staff then accepted some other walk in customers and giving them a table. The drink was nice but we were made to feel very unworthy and insignificant. Personally, that is not how I like to drink my cocktails and I’ve been left with a very bad taste in my mouth.

I recently visited this bar and had an amazing experience! The menu offers a wide variety of delicious cocktails, and the staff was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend checking it out!"

Small, but great drinks. A bit slow on next rounds though! Million dollar bounty is the mutts nutts.

Pretentious and Rude. Ordered two drinks for myself and my partner from the book-like menu that sounded vaguely decent but they were not to our taste, so left half of them and after about 15/20 minutes asked for the bill to which we overheard the bartender slagging us off behind the bar. Absolutely would not go here again.

Recommend this place, lovely cocktails and great features inside. Will go again.

What a fantastic little place, honestly - we initially walked past it as didn't realise it was downstairs but such a great atmosphere and awesome staff

This is the most brilliant place ever. Cocktails out of this world. Staff so knowledgeable. Do not miss if in Sheffield.

Smelt like feet, which is a shame as the bar is quite nice

Went here for a couple of cocktails, quite a nice range of non traditional cocktails and local ingredients. Nice aesthetic, I would say booking essential for a booth. Good service, nice not minor quibble would be acoustics, the neighbouring booth sounded like a hen party & drowned out any conversation we had, but is it a brick & concrete structure.

Unique and gorgeous bar, been wanting to try this place for a while and finally gave it a go and no regrets. The mixologists cocktail knowledge is second to none for both of us, one drinking no alcohol. Lovely atmosphere and cannot wait to come back

Marvelous place with fabulous cocktails A must visit !

Delightful cocktails and a lovely place to sit. Enjoyable albeit expensive experience overall. Staff friendly and helpful - happy to go through the menu and make any recommendations. Cocktails are twists on well known classics and all the ones we had were exactly that as well as being fantastic quality. Expensive yes but you get what you pay for!

Amazing bar in an old public toilet. Small and intimate. Cocktail choice was extensive and really interesting, and there'll definitely be something you haven't tried before. Bartenders are very welcome and happy to talk you through your choices. 100% recommend

Very small very smelly overpriced

An underground bar, hidden away. It’s quite small with only a few booths but it’s like a lounge atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed evening. They have a good variety of cocktails, wines, whiskies etc.. the staff were charming and very knowledgable about the wines they had in (it varies every so often) and despite probably having to book on a weekend, we were ‘walk- ins’ in the week and they were super happy to accommodate for us.

Lovely little cocktail bar situated underground on a quiet street. Whole bar could probably seat 20-30 people at a push, so definitely recommend reserving in advance. The menu is interestingly presented with many unique and creative options for drinks. Staff were super friendly, and the atmosphere was really casual and enjoyable. Cocktails are absolutely worth their price, but be prepared that they aren't cheap! Would absolutely recommend public and hope to come again

Really really expensive. Table for a booking but nobody was there while we were there. They made us sit at uncomfortable seating at the bar. When we left nobody had still arrived. Still empty table

I love the cocktails here, they taste stronger and more unique than most other cocktail bars around in my opinion. The only shame was that we’d booked for an hour at 6ish on a Saturday and that turned out to only be enough time to order and drink one drink each when we were keen to try 1 or 2 more.

Small little cocktail bar that is worth the visit. The staff member that took our order and assisted in picking the cocktails was spot on. Cannot be faulted. Definitely recommend visiting here for a cocktail or two.

Had been meaning to visit Public for a long time and finally got round to paying a visit for some dinner cocktails - so glad we tried it Firstly the staff were excellent, very informative and engaging about the different cocktails they offer despite being busy and great all round service. You sensed how passionate they are about their cocktails and ethos for ingredients used. Great choice of cocktails on the menu and the rationale behind the ingredients used to make them / the combinations used We had 4 different ones between us - possibly the best martini I have ever had and some very different cocktail options tried Sets the bar high for cocktails in our opinion

Best cocktail bar in Sheffield!

Cool place .. I was visiting from NY and the music was on point

Excellent cocktails - I could absolutely feel that each drink was made with much care and precision. I loved my drink a lot, it tasted like buttered popcorn! Very creative flavours and the moulded ice cube was a lovely touch. Cozy ambiance and good service too. Would definitely go back on special nights :)

Went for a flying visit (time cut short by bad weather and congestion!) but… the bar is stand out with its design, it’s cocktails and fantastic service. It’s well worth a visit, the cocktail menu is as good as I have seen, this place is a real gem.

Secret cocktail place. I recommend the Roswell 1947 to sup whilst looking around what used to be a public toilet under the town hall... Quite novel!

We had a blast, the atmosphere and the service was perfect. It was our first time there, and everyone was so friendly and drink recommendation was spot on.

My husband and I visited for drinks on a recent weekend away. We booked a table for the afternoon and were very well looked after by a the friendly and knowledgeable waiting staff. Each cocktail we had was delicious and beautifully presented - we would 100% go back!

Awesome place. Cocktails are amazing and good selection to choose from. The staff really make the experience too and talking you through the menu and whole approach. Inside there are still hints to the history of the place (old public toilets). It's not the biggest of bars so can be difficult to get a table, definitely worth booking ahead of the visit.

I'm not going to tell you how awesome 'Public' is. If I did, I could never get in again!! I will say it's not just the drinks that are marvelous, the staff are and I want to become best friends with all of them!

A gem of a place and excellent staff

Bad experience overall. Power cut, sat in darkness for nearly 40 minutes. Fair enough it was out of your hands but you could have at least apologised or gave a free drink. When blokes from power grid came in and said it would be another 30 minutes, staff should have used their intuition and took hold of the situation. Insted the waiter asked if I still wanted to order another round which I politely declined. For a £50 bill for 4 drinks and no apology, it left a whiskey sour taste in my mouth.

A fantastic night at Public. There was a power cut and far from spoiling our evening, the candle light only amplified the intimate speakeasy vibe. Thoroughly enjoyable, please consider having a low lit no music night on purpose in future! Very much recommended.

My favourite bolt hole in Sheffield Intimate, with uber trendy vibes The light bites are great to nibble on whilst enjoying your drinks Of course, the drinks are the star of the show. The menu is incredibly original, accounting for seasonal variation and the latest trends in sustainability Service is friendly, but it's also clear that the staff have a real passion for what they serve Update April '23: still bloody brilliant

Disappointed. Initially great, very friendly and welcoming and drinks brought to us in a timely manner by Sam. Then things took an extremely negative turn, following 30 minutes of waiting to be served a power cut happened. Nothing was offered to make the experience more comfortable, we were sat in pitch black and did not feel safe. We asked for the bill where Evie was extremely rude. She gave us the card machine, did not apologise, did not say thank you, simply turned her back and walked away when we did not add a tip.Will not return. A surreal and negative experience overall.

A quaint quirky cocktail bar in a former public toilet. The cocktail menu is completely different to any other bar you will experience with some unusual concoctions that really work. The menu is explained to you by knowledgeable staff that is a reminder of the customer service Sheffielders experienced when they shopped in Cole Brothers.

Really cool bar with cosy intimate seating. The cocktail menu is fun and vibrant

What a place. Only stayed for one. But the menu the feel of the place. The bartenders knew what they were doing. The placement. In an old public toilet. Real speakeasy feel to it. The second I’m back in Sheffield it’ll be the second place I go.

Amazing cocktails and service!!

Booked a table in the afternoon. Me and friends came for cocktails. The cocktails were delicious! But sooo small. And really expensive. We were here for maybe am hour and spent about £40 each. The drinks took ages to be made even though the place was mostly empty. The bartender making our drinks was mostly talking/flirting with a couple of women sat at the bar, so kept stopping and starting the drinks. Doubt I will go back again

An absolute gem of a place with amazing staff and cocktails. I genuinely would put this top of my list as one of the best bars I’ve been to and I’ll definitely be back when I’m next in Sheffield.

Finally managed to get a table in here after trying unsuccessfully for ages. We'll worth it. Very quirky place and the staff are extremely helpful and attentive, also very knowledgeable on the ingredients in the cocktails.

Very nice, really lovely staff who seem passionate about cocktails

Gorgeous place and gorgeous cocktails! Really lovely and helpful waiters! Would recommend Winter Sun

One of a kind. Inventive drinks, lovely service and good music. Even being underground works, no distracting views, just relax and enjoy!

You could easily walk pass this place if you didn't know where you were going, very different that's for sure...not cheap I'm afraid, however they certainly do have a mixed range of different cocktails, staff great

This has been my partner and I's favorite cocktail bar in Sheffield for years and this morning we realised we have never left a review! So, this awesome little bar uses loads of sustainably sourced, often local, ingredients to mix some of the beat cocktails we have ever had. There is a creative flair to the menu, which changes (often seasonally) and is built on the creativity and knowledge of the staff who really know there stuff. The food menu is awesome. It also changes regularly and is best done as a full tasting menu which really shows off the chefs skills. Also, during covid, they sold cocktails delivered to your door in bottles so you could fix your itch for fine flavour even during the close season. We love this place. Thanks for being there guys.

This isn't just a place to drink, it's an experience, and something to tell people about. Saying that, the cocktails I have tried here are excellent, some very clever twists on the classics that just seem to work. Everyone should go at least once!

Weird and wonderful cocktails. Engaging staff

So cold, servers so miserable, was charged £2.30 for half a can of Diet Coke. Would except the price from a glass bottle but not a shop bought can! Asked for makers mark 46, clearly run out and served markers mark, wouldn’t bother me but was charged the higher rate. The first order we was given it incorrectly when asked for this to be changed we was stared at and not spoken to again. Decided to leave, just a really rubbish experience. Disgusting prices and worse service.

excellent service and superbly welcoming staff. the cocktail menu is worth taking the time to look through. Beautiful spot for any occasion!

Great little bar. The bar staff were brilliant. There is a good selection of drinks which are good quality. The only slight downside is that it's quite pricey.

Nice place, good cocktails and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

By chance managed to walk in and get seated, something I’m told is almost impossible! They turned so many away in the two hours we were there! AND WHY….. because it’s amazing!!! Lovely staff, amazing unique cocktails and the building is just superb! Love it love it. Had a lovely evening chatting at the bar with people we didn’t know and left knowing we’d be back. See you Saturday !!

By chance managed to walk in and get seated, something I’m told is almost impossible! They turned so many away in the two hours we were there! AND WHY….. because it’s amazing!!! Lovely staff, amazing unique cocktails and the building is just superb! Love it love it. Had a lovely evening chatting at the bar with people we didn’t know and left knowing we’d be back. See you Saturday !!

Great drinks and fantastic charcuterie! Perfect service!

Had a wonderful time at Public for date night. Had heard about the bar for some tome and really wanted to check it out. Loved the vibe inside with mix of original lavatory fittings with modern and comfortable bar seating. Music choice was great too. Amber and Sam were friendly, helpful and very knowledgable of their cocktail menu. Their “Weekend Away” was a great take on an Aperol Spritz, and my wife enjoyed the porridge notes of “Oat So Simple”. Unfortunately food menu limited by supply chain but nice bread and olives available. I imagine we’ll be coming back again!

Absolutely love this place! Unusual setting in a former public toilet (the venue preserves the historic charme, but not the smell - dont worry!)! Cocktails and charcuterie boards are delicious, and presentation amazing. They've just got a new menu with really interesting newly-developed cocktails for all tastes, and staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and happy to help if you can't decide. Booking ahead is definitely recommended when taking a larger group.

Staff are super friendly and took the time to explain their new menu. The cocktails are delicious and very creative!

The kitchen just serves snackettes now, but the cocktails remain first class and, goodness knows we need more, conceived and mixed by peeps passionate about their craft.

Nice vibe , small venue so would recommend booking a table first

We booked a table weeks ago for this bar. We received email day before to confirm we were coming. Having travelled to Sheffield mainly for this bar, when we arrived to be told we are not opening no sorry or explanation. I told them we had a booking and they said oh yes there wasn’t a phone number! But you had my email to contact me. Absolutely shocking customer service. Won’t be going back

We love this place. Great atmosphere, delicious drinks and friendly staff. However, we recently visited and found the bottles of Prosecco have increased by £10. I understand prices have to increase, but 40% seems extortionate and has honestly put us off coming here.

Went for the 1st time last night, forget other reviews, this place is a one of a kind, great cocktails lovely atmosphere , shout out to Evie our server who was very attentive, knowledgeable and just really really nice, proud we have something so individual in the heart of Sheffield

Amazing bar, great staff great service even better drinks

Went for a few drinks here tonight, and I’ve got to say it is one of the most amazing bars I’ve been to! A really really great atmosphere in the small, intimate & cosy space. Joe and josh were behind the bar and were very welcoming, very informative when recommending which drinks (as the menu is incredibly varied, spoiling us for choice) The drinks were Ten out of ten, a very reasonable price for what you get and when I was stuck for choice Josh made me an exclusive drink which was the nicest cocktail I’d ever had, bravo to this establishment and we will definitely be returning!

Secret underground cocktail bar in heart of Sheffield. Great vibe for some exclusive and creative cocktails Definitely recommending booking to secure a spot. Cocktails ~£10 with mix of classics and their own Public mixology twist. Perfect date location.