After moving to Sheffield from Norway 11 years ago I have been delighted to witness the positive development of Sheffield with increasing number of restaurants and cafes opening throughout the city centre as well as in surrounding areas.

I have with particular anticipation been observing the transformation of Leopold Square, which promised to become a charming square of restaurants, resembling something one might discover in between narrow streets in more southern cosmopolitan cities in Europe. Finally, here we would get a longed for plaza with restaurants where we could go for a pleasant meal out and be proud to take visitors on other occasions.

Sadly not, it seems after reading about the proposed arrival of the Hooters beach-themed establishment. I would expect that vivacious scantily-dressed waitresses combined with juke box music and sports on television will attract a distinctly different clientele from that of the more upmarket restaurants already established in the square.

Although separate entities, the clientele in one establishment will influence the whole area as Leopold Square is a small intimate place.
Smoking restrictions indoors will surely lead to a spill-out of noisy lads and ladettes which will undeniably reduce the dining experience for guests in surrounding restaurants, especially in the summer months when diners are trying to enjoy their meal in the open air.

I reluctantly accept that there probably is a market for this type of establishment for people of a certain age or with a certain (lack of) taste, but surely this is not the place for it.

I suspect the current restaurants in the square will suffer if this comes into fruition. If 'Hooters' move in I think many like me will move out – to restaurants that can offer excellent surroundings as well as excellent food.

So this is supposed to be Leopold's latest "offering" – funny, in Norwegian the word "offer" means sacrifice…