I've fallen in love with Sheffield and now call it home

Emily Bush grew up in Benfleet, Essex, before moving to Sheffield in 2013 to study at Sheffield Hallam University.She is now a fundraiser at South Yorkshire’s youth homeless charity, Roundabout.
Emily Bush outside the Lyceum and Crucible Theatres in SheffieldEmily Bush outside the Lyceum and Crucible Theatres in Sheffield
Emily Bush outside the Lyceum and Crucible Theatres in Sheffield

During her time in Sheffield, Emily has fallen in love with the city she now calls home. Its proximity to the Peak District, coupled with her love of the outdoors, has been a strong draw for Emily to put down roots, which is reflected in her favourite things about the city.

The Longshaw Estate

I love walking through the Longshaw Estate, it's beautiful in every season; whether you're splashing about in the cool stream after a summer's walk or wrapping your scarf tighter in an uphill battle against the wind to reach stunning viewpoints. Following a day in the fresh air I love to pop over The Fox House pub for some of the best grub I've ever eaten. I also had one of my very first dates there with my partner so it holds an extra special place in my heart.

Sheffield Canoe Club operates on a section of the the River Don at Oughtibridge, and  is perfect for beginners and those wanting to refine skills.Sheffield Canoe Club operates on a section of the the River Don at Oughtibridge, and  is perfect for beginners and those wanting to refine skills.
Sheffield Canoe Club operates on a section of the the River Don at Oughtibridge, and is perfect for beginners and those wanting to refine skills.

The Railway Hotel Pub, Bramall Lane

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What a little gem! While we avoid The Railway on Sheffield United match days, it's a completely different vibe during the week. They host a pub quiz every Tuesday with a changing theme - I'm still proud that my team got every single answer right on the Friends quiz! The pub is quite small but has a pool table, beer garden and well-behaved dogs are allowed. The staff are friendly and we love playing the video games that are in the tables.

Sheffield Theatres

Growing up I had a keen interest in musical theatre and joined a drama club at age seven. I continued attending until I was 18 and completed my LAMDA exams, as well as being a part of lots of shows. When I went to University in Sheffield I didn’t join the Drama Society thinking I wasn’t good enough, but it's something I've missed. However, once I discovered how accessible Sheffield Theatres are for young people I have attended as many shows as I can. I recently saw Life of Pi, which was absolutely incredible! I love the fact that Sheffield encourages the arts and thinks that they should be open to all. Being able to go to the theatre has reignited my imagination and I have been able to share my love of musical theatre, ballet, drama and comedy with my friends and family.

Oughtibridge

At University I joined the Kayaking Club and made some friends for life there. I went on several trips with them including Wales, Scotland and Slovenia. There aren’t many places to kayak in Sheffield and unfortunately there are a lot of access issues in the Peak District so we have to travel further afield. However, Sheffield Canoe Club operates on a section of the River Don at Oughtibridge and it's perfect for beginners and those wanting to refine skills. Sometimes it's nice to go out there to support newcomers to the sport with their development and reminisce about all the fantastic times I've had on the water with people I've met in Sheffield.

92 Burton Rd

Kelham Island is a great asset to Sheffield. I love how its raw industrial feel, which is at the heart of the city, combines with modern meeting spaces and events for everyone to enjoy. I love going to Peddler Market at 92 Burton Rd, they use the space so well and I love how the food vendors and entertainment changes each time to keep it fresh. You never know what you are going to have when

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you are there and I love the community atmosphere of the event, it feels just like going to a festival. I'm really excited about an event Roundabout is hosting there on November 8 this year - our annual Sleep Out fundraiser. It will be the third year we’ve held the event there. Participants raise money through sponsorship to come and sleep on the warehouse floor for a night to help us raise funds to support young people at risk of homelessness. Sleep Out is always such a special evening, particularly listening to speeches by young people who have been supported by the charity and enjoy entertainment in the evening before lights out at midnight when the real challenge begins!