Favourite Things: Rachel’s here for Sheffield's urban-country mix

During her career, Rachel has worked in news reporting, commercial writing, PR and editorial features, including six years as features editor for a top wedding blog and bridal magazine.

The 34-year-old has recently set up her own freelance copywriting business - Here For It - offering content creation and marketing services to independent companies within Yorkshire and beyond.

Having moved to Sheffield in 2013, Rachel has grown to love the city for its perfect mix of country and urban elements.

Today she lives in Greystones with her husband Andy and their sassy Miniature Schnauzer, Bella.

Visit www.hereforit.co.uk for more.

Exercising outdoors

Sheffield offers the best of both worlds in terms of country and city, which, for me, is one of its top qualities. Having previously been a gym-goer, my move to Sheffield made me realise the joy in exercising outdoors.

From walking our dog Bella to Forge Dam and running with my older brother through Limb Brook, to heading further out into the Peak District with my husband Andy, I feel fortunate to live in an area with so much natural beauty on the doorstep.

Tramlines

I’ve loved attending Sheffield’s annual music festival almost every year since it began. The event has provided me with so many great memories of time spent with family and friends, enjoying the city and all the fantastic acts.

For me, highlight performances include Public Enemy on Devonshire Green in 2014, Basement Jaxx at Ponderosa in 2015 and Chic featuring Nile Rodgers at Hillsborough Park in 2019. Fingers crossed Tramlines can return soon!

Creatives and independents

There are so many fabulous entrepreneurs and independent businesses in Sheffield. From working in the wedding industry, I know we have some true supplier talents here in the city: dress designer Kate Beaumont, accessories by Debbie Carlisle, S6 Photography, Jessica Flinn Jewellery and stationers Bonny & Clyde, to name but a few. For homeware and fashion, I love Collard Manson and Moonko on Divison Street as well as Harpers Fashion and Mookau on Ecclesall Road. We are also totally spoilt when it comes to artisan bakers and treat makers thanks to the likes of Cocoa Wonderland, Forge Bakehouse and Eve Kitchen.

Seven ways to brighten your days

Parks

Said to have more trees per person than any other city in Europe, Sheffield’s plentiful parks add to its exceptional outdoor offering. Favourites of mine include Endcliffe Park, Botanical Gardens and Weston Park, as they hold special memories, including forming the setting for close family and friends’ weddings. During the series of lockdowns throughout the pandemic, such spaces have been appreciated all the more by the city’s residents, serving as havens for fresh air, stretching legs, chats with friends and playtime for children.

Kelham Island

This industrial area of the city has enjoyed a fair bit of regeneration over the years, turning tired, derelict buildings into cool urban bars, coffee shops and restaurants. It’s also home to Sheffield’s fabulous Peddler’s Market featuring local street food vendors, artists and musicians. Before the pandemic, it’s an area where we would often meet with family and friends for food and drink. Cutlery Works food hall has a fantastic atmosphere and culinary options for all tastes; Pina serves up the best tacos and margaritas in the city; Domo is a must for lovingly home-cooked Sardinian cuisine, and the tasting menu at Joro offers a gastro experience unlike any other. My heart goes out to those in the hospitality industry who are currently unable to do what they love most. Here’s hoping we can be back at their amazing establishments in the not-too-distant future.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor