A healthy woodland stroll serves up a refreshing reward at a super new Sheffield eco-cafe and centre

That is just what Sheffield’s new eco-friendly cafe The Apple Shack is serving up for walkers, cyclists and horse riders in the heart of Blackbrook Wood, in the Rivelin Valley.

The Apple Shack is a new eco-friendly venue for tea, coffee and cake offering a wide selection of vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free tastes to be enjoyed on open-air benches with a mug of reviving tea or freshly-ground coffee.

Owner Lou Huson said: “It’s about open-air living and not just getting in your car and going somewhere but using the lovely countryside on the outskirts of Sheffield and enjoying a new experience.”

The cafe, which is linked to the business’s Flying Horse Lawn open-air activity space, is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 6pm.

It is a perfect place to take a break with a walking group or cycling friends, and bookings are available for larger groups of eight people or more on other days.

The Apple Shack’s rural location means customers can get away from it all by leaving their cars behind and walking or riding out for their well-earned refreshments.

Rivelin Valley is criss-crossed with lots of great walks from Stannington, Crosspool and Lodge Moor and the Apple Shack is a short walk from the X57, 257 and 51 bus routes.

It can be accessed from Redmires Road via the 51 bus, or from Manchester Road and Coppice Lane via the 257 and 57 buses.

The venture’s Flying Horse Lawn open-air activity space is available for those interested in booking events and it is supported by a stretch-tent and a team of partners in catering, education, well-being and team-building.

Ms Huson added: “Special birthdays, micro weddings, children's parties or just a get-together with a different twist. We will make Flying Horse Lawn look magical for your special day.”

The Flying Horse Lawn also boasts an e-conferencing suite alongside outdoor team-building activities.

Ms Huson said: “After the long period of lockdown, this is a perfect way to bring colleagues back together and start afresh.

"Equally, if working from home will now become the norm for your organisation, the suite provides a perfect spot to get together for board meetings and other essential face-to-face activities from time to time.”

Some may wish to take advantage of really getting back to nature by staying overnight in a yurt nestled in the trees, or a straw bale studio, or in a space connected to the main house.

In addition, there are educational opportunities for youngsters. The Flying Lawn allocates two-hourly, half-day or one-day slots, which can be booked on a recurring or one-off basis.

The four acre site is covered with fifteen different varieties of trees and includes a bothy for food and hot drinks, a "band stand" to take shelter, composting loos and fire pits.

For details and bookings at the Flying Horse Lawn, which can also be reached via the 51, X57 and 257 bus routes, contact [email protected] or phone 07389 835957.