‘Children, dogs and muddy boots welcome’ proclaims a sign at the door of this handsome old stone pub in a leafy Sheffield suburb. The flagship of a group set up by local restaurateur Richard Smith
(Artisan et al) and Jim Harrison from Thornbridge Brewery, The Cricket is a warm, comfortable retreat away from the city’s urban sprawl. There are roaring winter fires, panelled walls and flagstone
floors, but the food is a stylish step up from local boozer: grilled Welsh rarebit with sticky onion jam or home-smoked beef brisket with Henderson’s Relish jelly and a black pudding fritter might
open the show, ahead of steak and Thornbridge ale pie, fish and chips or Quicke’s Cheddar macaroni cheese. Blackboard specials add to the choice, and the kitchen turns out a very good Yorkshire
curd tart with nutmeg ice cream.