Brown Bear pub Sheffield: Bosses confirm when historic local will re-open following closure last month

The Brown Bear, on Norfolk Street, closed last month, after the previous landlord and lady left the post for another job – and worried drinkers arrived at the venue to find the doors locked and no sign of life.

The landmark venue has been a grade II listed building since 1972, and real ale pressure group CAMRA says there has been a pub on the site for over 200 years. But customers were surprised to find it closed, and it emerged the previous landlord had left for another job.

A new manager had been found to run the inn – and today bosses at Samuel Smith Brewery confirmed when it is re-opening.

Spokesman Christian Horton told The Star: “The Brown Bear in Sheffield is now due to reopen week commencing July 17. The new managers are currently on our training course.”

Last month he told The Star there had been a general shortage of staff facing the industry since the Covid pandemic.

The pub will re-open as it is at present, with no changes inside the building planned. He said the previous manager had moved to a new post.

CAMRA says the Brown Bear was bought by Sheffield Corporation in the 1930s and survived the Sheffield blitz and planners in the 50s and 60s.

In 1981, when the lease was up for renewal, a stipulation was included that the character of the pub could not be altered. It was taken over by John Smiths in 1955, and then by Samuel Smith.