Sheffield art gallery and coffee shop closes after being 'hit hard' by the pandemic

The Bessemer II art gallery and coffee shop located on Ecclesall Road between Endcliffe Park and the Botanical Gardens closed its doors this month as the Covid-19 pandemic made the business untenable.

The gallery combined contemporary art and craft with a dedicated, in-house art cafe serving home-made cakes with vegan and gluten free options.

They stocked a large range of original artwork, photography, sculpture, fine jewellery, glassware, textiles, ceramics, home-ware, giftware, cards, wrap and stationary.

A note by The Bessemer II left at the premises for customers to read, said: “Sadly after almost 20 years we have had to take the very difficult decision to close the gallery. Unfortunately Covid has hit us hard and it’s just not viable to continue.

"Thank you for all your support, we will miss you all.”

Closer to Hunters Bar, another former art business is set to take on a new purpose.

The former Peter Hill fine art shop, located just up from Endcliffe Park, is the subject of a planning application for a new hot food takeaway and restaurant with outdoor seating.

It is not clear from the proposals what kind of cuisine it will focus on but there are several restaurants nearby.

Plans have been submitted to Sheffield Council for consideration but a decision has not yet been made.