Three years in the making - why we can't wait to finally open our new Sheffield restaurant

The restaurant that we started planning nearly three years ago is almost a reality, write the owners of Hillsborough’s Orange Bird cafe.
By Angela Furniss
Published 11th May 2021, 11:07 BST
Updated 17th May 2021, 09:33 BST
Hillsborough and S6 property feature. Pictured are Anne Horner amd Matthew Duggan-Jones from The Orange Bird on Middlewood Road. Picture: Chris EtchellsHillsborough and S6 property feature. Pictured are Anne Horner amd Matthew Duggan-Jones from The Orange Bird on Middlewood Road. Picture: Chris Etchells
Hillsborough and S6 property feature. Pictured are Anne Horner amd Matthew Duggan-Jones from The Orange Bird on Middlewood Road. Picture: Chris Etchells

The Orange Bird will open to dining customers next week after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the next stage in lockdown easing.

Co-owners Anne Duggan and Matthew Duggan-Jones said: “We started by finding a suitable property amongst the many empty buildings on Middlewood Road. Finding the old electrical shop had been split into two units was perfect. Especially as the other half has become home to our lovely neighbours, The Pangolin craft ale bar. The properties are owned by Kell Brook, the boxer, who has been an extremely supportive landlord during the unexpectedly long lockdown.

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“Restaurants are about people. If the last year has taught us anything it’s that whatever experiences we have, they are vastly improved by being able to share them - with family, friends and strangers! So with that in mind, we can’t wait to share our modern South African menu with the people of Sheffield.

Anne, Matt and staff member Sophie Walton at The Orange Bird. Picture: Georgia Horn PhotographyAnne, Matt and staff member Sophie Walton at The Orange Bird. Picture: Georgia Horn Photography
Anne, Matt and staff member Sophie Walton at The Orange Bird. Picture: Georgia Horn Photography

“Matt grew up in South Africa and can’t wait to get started cooking over wood on our BBQ (built for us by Great British Menu chef, Nathan Davies who is not only a talented chef but also a talented metalworker).

“Opening our restaurant in Hillsborough where we both live, was always the dream. And the feedback we’ve had from the customers who’ve used our lockdown take out service, is that having great restaurants and cafes in the area, is their dream too.

“Six months after we opened - we’re finally about to open!

From Thursday May 20 it will be dinner service only until Saturday May 29 when we start both lunch and dinner services."

Related topics:HillsboroughOrange BirdBoris Johnson