Updated on 12th September 2024
Written on Shopping Updated on 12th September 2024

We went down to check out Leah’s Yard, an indie shopping haven set in a Grade II-listed courtyard.

Hidden down one of Sheffield’s busiest streets and through a beautiful red-bricked facade is one of the city’s newest retail destinations, Leah’s Yard. Packed with 33 different independent businesses, it’s a vibrant new addition to the city – so how did it come to be?

“In the 1800s it was a series of workshops, where you’d find knife sharpeners and things like that,” director James O’Hara told us. “Over the years it fell into disrepair to the point where it was on the Heritage at Risk register, so we made the decision to try and bring it back into use.”

And so, James and his business partner Tom Wolfenden applied to revitalise the place back in 2020. Over the last four years, a brilliant and hardworking team have been working behind the scenes to restore the building to its former glory, resulting in the opening of Leah’s Yard just two weeks ago.

The sign for Leah's Yard

© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2024

The courtyard feels like an oasis among the hustle and bustle of the city centre. James and Tom have tried their best to retain as many original features as possible – all of the individual windows were made in Sheffield and the sign at the front is a direct recreation of the original one. It’s a stunning blend of history and modern flair.

Sheffield is a place known for its thriving independent scene, and the traders at Leah’s Yard represent the very best of the city. What’s special is the personal touch you get while shopping here – when you walk in, you can get to know the person who actually owns the shop instead of visiting a faceless, homogenised business.

McKee Art Gallery at Leah's Yard

© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2024

The downstairs units cover retail, food and beverage. You’ve got dreamy produce at Mesters’ Market, streetwear brand Atelier (Billie Eilish has even been seen in owner Morgan’s creations), specialty beer shop Hop Hideout, book and magazine aficionados La Biblioteka and so many more.

One of our favourites had to be Pete McKee’s gallery – revered in the Steel City, he moved his gallery of 13 years from Sharrow Vale Road to a hot spot in Leah’s Yard. Elsewhere, we loved Roots & Bloom. Filled with lush flowers at every corner, all of their products are grown in Sheffield or sourced from other British growers.

The outside of La Biblioteka at Leah's Yard

© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2024

On the top floor of the courtyard is where you’ll find all kinds of workspaces and businesses. From a podcast production studio and a product design agency to a branding and packaging company, it’s an eclectic bunch, creating the community that we’re sure Leah’s Yard is bound to be well-known for.

“There’s a lot of narrative about how retail is dying within city centres”, James told us. “I think what we’re showing here is that independent businesses can take a real foothold on the high street – it doesn’t have to be big chains, it can be about these places having a real local feel.” Next time you’re in Sheffield, make sure Leah’s Yard is at the top of your list.

Leah’s Yard, 22 Cambridge Street, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4HP.

Cover image © Copyright Yorkshire-List 2024
Ella Aldridge Writer

Ella has lived in Yorkshire for the last 6 years. She’s an experienced writer and an avid explorer who loves nothing more than discovering a new favourite pub or pottering around a quaint Yorkshire village, so while she lives in Leeds, her experience runs far past the city’s borders.

More from Ella Aldridge