Clair Jarvis, works in Sheffield, here is her: “My daily Sheffield ‘fix’ reminds me that ‘where ever I lay my hat, Sheffield will always be ‘home’”

1.  My Favourite restaurant is…

Marco@Milano, Archer Road, Millhouses, Sheffield S8 0LA  T: 0114 235 3080

This gastronomic delight is located slightly out of the city centre but it’s definitely worth the visit.     It’s housed in an old police station – with all the quirky bits that brings – and overlooking Millhouses Park.  It’s the kind of place you might want to get a bit dressed up for as Marco@Milano is part of the see and be seen scene.   For me, it’s THE place to go for a gastronomic Italian treat.

2.  If you’re on a budget the best advice for my city is….

Walk, walk and walk – you’ll find lots to see as you wander around the city.  Look up above the first level on buildings and you’ll find some fabulous architectural features.  For instance, the frieze above the entrance of the Town Hall tells the story of Sheffield’s industrial past, the workers and the worked for.  When you can’t walk any more, use the public transport system – a full day ticket for unlimited use of the tram system is £3.70.

3.  If you want to splurge I would visit Meadowhall…

There are more than 250 shops to browse around so finding something to splash out on isn’t going to be a problem.   If you start to get weary, there are loads of restaurants and cafes to indulge yourself in a little bit more (or rest your feet ‘til you’re ready to shop some more)

4.  My city could be described in one word as….

Surprising.    It’s full of surprises – always something to see, always something happening.   Loads of people come to Sheffield and are ‘surprised’ at what a great place it is.  What do they expect?

5.  I would describe the people of my city as….

Friendly.    Sheffield people speak to anyone, they call you ‘love’ even when they don’t know you, they’ll start a conversation with you if you’re in a queue, they’ll help you if you look lost (even if you’re not actually lost, they’ll help you!).

6.  If you have half a day in my city, I would suggest you….

Visit the Graves Gallery and the Millennium Gallery – they’re across the road from each other so really easy to do both.   Graves has a collection of fine art and sculpture, Millennium Gallery has a fantastic collection of Metal Work.  It includes things from Sheffield’s past as well as contemporary silverware that is still being made here today.     You’ll also be able to see the Winter Garden and the Peace Gardens – right in the centre of Sheffield.   The Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glass houses in Europe.

7.  If you came to my city and wanted to live like a local, I would suggest you read…

The Sheffield Telegraph.    Its published on each Thursday with a weekly round up of news but it also includes so reviews from local people as well as a list of EVERYTHING that is happening during the week.  So if you want to find out about vintage clothes fairs or vintage wine tasting, jumble sales or jazz music, live theatre or local guided walks you’ll find it all listed.    It also includes a property guide so you can have a sneaky look at those houses you just wish you could afford.

8.  For the best night out I would go…

To Leopold Square

Because…there are loads of places to choose from to eat or have a drink.  There’s always a great atmosphere – it’s like a piazza that you find in continental cities.

9.  To escape the crowds I go to…

Sheffield's Botanical Gardens

Sheffield Botanical Gardens. 

There are 19acres of gardens and it’s only 10 minutes from the city centre.   The gardens have now been fully restored so they are always planted beautifully and the pavilion glass houses (which are Grade II*) are full of exotic and rare plants.   It’s a great oasis, close to Ecclesall Road which is buzzing with independent shops and restaurants, and there’s no admission charge.

10.  I would like to stay at

Rutland Hotel  if I came to visit because it’s located in a great part of the city – slightly out of the centre but easy to get to.  From the outside the hotel looks like a Victorian mansion (it was) but inside it’s been refurbished in a really cool style.  The suites are fantastic – there’s even a TV in the bath (which is big enough to have a party in).   The staff at the hotel are also really good – nothing is too much trouble.