England When It Sizzles: Sheffield.

This weeks post comes from the lovely Alice at An Alien World, giving you all the secrets of the metropolitan Sheffield.

Sheffield may be best known as the Steel city, but this little guide should hopefully show you another side to the city.

Rare and Racy is a hidden gem, and one my favourite shops situated just off the end of Division Street. It’s a second-hand book shop full to the brim of novels and nostalgia. It’s a place to get lost in and delve in and out of fiction, each room homes a different genre and there’s even a music room tooked away with vinyl and cassette.

Division Street is full of quirky shops and boutiques and always worth a visit, whether its fancy dress or vintage you are after, you’re bound to drop on something pretty unique.

Vintage-wise, Freshman’s will sweep you off your feet; with it’s to die-for florals and 80’s frocks! The mannequins in the window are enough to make your heart sing.

For a more budget and versatile vintage, COW vintage stock all the sought after gems, denim cut-offs in all sizes and variety. And plenty a satchel and brogue to go round.

Entertainment comes in many shapes and forms, Don Valley stadium was the place I was first acquainted with the Spice Girls back in 1999, so call me a little bias, but this is a great outdoor arena to watch live sporting and music events. Similarly Sheffield MotorPoint Arena also hosts the best live acts.

If you’re a shopaholic like me, then Meadowhall is destined to be your paradise. 280 shops under one roof, it’s literally a case of ‘shop till you drop’. With all the major high- street shops, from M&S to Topshop.

For arts and leisure I would strongly recommend the Millennium Galleries, modern and spacious, with the Winter Gardens a stones throw away. The museum hosts a whole variety of exhibitions and urges visitors to make the most out of their visit. The gift shop too is worth a look in.

And if you fancy a bite to eat, the regular names are all here, TGI Friday’s (not just on a Friday), Frankie & Benny’s, Yo Sushi…you name it. But my favourite restaurant to date is La Tasca, the Spanish cuisine is so delicious and the service is always high-quality.

If you think this was good, don't forget to pop on down to An Alien World to read more about Alice's Vintage finds and love for all things retro!

All words by Alice Bailey at An Alien World and images sourced from Google Images.