By David Food 0 Comments

10 Best Restaurants in Sheffield City Centre

From breakfast, lunch, and even brunch. Whether you’re looking to eat on a budget or looking to break the bank, Sheffield has the perfect spot for you. This one of a kind city is filled with great restaurants that will guarantee the best possible experience for you and your family.

The restaurants are well balanced with cuisines from all around the world with mouthwatering dishes, impressive pastry, and the most popular fast foods. All that is left for you is to pick where you would like to have your meal today.

If that’s a challenge, here are the top 10 restaurants that are a must-visit when you’re in Sheffield.

  1. Forge Bakehouse

Forge Bakehouse started as a humble bakery but has grown into an impressive establishment known for its fresh bread and creative brunch menu.

The unique café goes as far as offering monthly supper clubs, burgers, shakes, and cocktails. While these other meals are enticing, the show stopper is their bread. It’s baked fresh every day and the perfect order to take home for your family. What’s more, don’t expect to spend a fortune here. The prices are budget-friendly with excellent well-prepared meals.

Why not also read: 7 Best places to live in Sheffield

  1. Joro

Considered the most ambitious restaurant in Sheffield, there’s plenty to be excited about when eating at Joro. The restaurant has engaging staff with hip hop pumping through the speakers. Before blowing your tastebuds with a succession of small plates, you will be served with complimentary snacks which include Scottish langoustine with spruce among others.

The eight-course meal is to die for and the ambience is perfect if you ignore the Krynkl Shipping container development. The lead chef and staff have worked tirelessly to turn this into an award-winning joint with proper preparation, cooking, and presentation of their meals.

When looking to it without watching out for your wallet, this is the place to be. All meals are made from locally sourced ingredients to guarantee freshness. Make a visit when you’re not watching your waistline and bring your stretchy pants ready for a hearty meal.

  1. Nonnas

When Nonnas first opened its doors in Sheffield in 1996, it was just another establishment fighting to get a piece of the action that Sheffield offers. Today, their £8 pasta plate flies off the shelves and is one of the main reasons why you should drop by to fill your tummy.

It is one of the best Italian joints to dine in when you’re looking for authentic Italian foods at a reasonable price.

The great food is part of the reason the restaurant has an upbeat and happy ambience. The customer-favourite bowls of pasta and the slow-cooked Italian sausages with tagliatelle are must-have. For great Italian cuisine on a budget, this is the place to be. You can save your money and pack up on quality, tasty food.

  1. Ashoka

Ashoka has been part of the Sheffield community from 1967. This Indian restaurant is a favourite for many and its dining room recently got a new dishoom-style makeover with wooden booths and vintage designs.

The scintillating kebabs are cooked in a charcoal-fired tandoor which goes to show the dedication the restaurant places in traditional methods of cooking that place emphasis on authenticity and the flavour of the food.

The restaurant as a broad offering with the main dishes costing as little as £10. Drop by for great meals on a budget.

  1. Steam Yard Coffee

For your morning dose of coffee, drop by the Steam Yard Coffee. The glorious courtyard is not only known for its great coffee but also for the great-tasting gluten-free baked goods.

It’s a great place for a casual meet up with plenty of doughnuts and cakes for you to munch on when on that morning or mid-morning break. The menu here is not exhaustive, but what they lack in quantity they make up in quality.

During summer, you can also enjoy a scoop of ice-cream from the Peak District Dairy. Even better, the ice-cream is inside the doughnuts making this the perfect treat to award yourself under the hot sunny outdoors.

  1. The Milestone

Looking for a great place to go for Sunday roast with the family? Look no further. The Milestone is known for its famous succulent Sunday lunch. They also do brunch, dinner and early-bird specials as well.

Prepare to meet plenty of locals here and many occasions are held here as well. They even have a unique graduation menu for the university students in the area and their own cookery school that teaches you to roast an entire pig in just a day!

  1. Tamper

You’ve not had great coffee until you let a mug of Tamper coffee pass your lips. Tamper is the perfect place for brunch and an excellent cup of coffee.

It’s run by two New Zealanders who stop at nothing when making you perfectly blended coffee to sip the afternoon away. Their coffee is award-winning and no doubt the grub compliments the perfectly blended aroma of the coffee and the taste.

Drop by for their Big Kiwi breakfast to drown any hangover and prepare for the hangover on Friday nights with a late boozy opening.

  1. The Porter Pizza Company

It’s hard to find enough kid-friendly joints especially when you’re visiting the area. The Porter Pizza Company prides itself in cheap, quality eats, casual dining that is friendly to kids. If you’re looking for a great place to grab a meal with the family, this is the perfect place.

The pizza here is cooked in the best method possible – using wood-fired ovens and slow-proved dough. You’re guaranteed of pizzas with a puffy cornicione crust and impeccable leoparding. What’s more, you have plenty of options to pick from.

  1. Kommune

Kommune is another kid-friendly eatery with a casual setting and is kind to your pocket. This is not a single establishment. Instead, it’s a communal food hall which houses street food traders. The trend is growing in popularity all over the UK. The food range here is enormous and you can have just about anything under one roof.

The food is really cheap but tasty and made with utmost dedication. If you’re looking for a casual setting to strike a conversation as you eat to your fill, this is the best place for you.

  1. The Cricket Inn

Ending the list of the best places to grab a meal in Sheffield is The Cricket Inn. The pub is popular for its dog-friendly policies because it’s located near one of the most popular parks. Whether you’re here after a quick jog or evening walk, there’s a hearty meal waiting for you.

The large charcoal ovens churn out lamb rump and beef short ribs large enough that you have to share. There are other meals like fried chicken burgers and beef shin and a pea pie for those that don’t stroll in with a huge appetite.

Sheffield is not short of places to eat. You have plenty of options to pick from each offering a unique experience and different cuisine. Most of the restaurants are walk-ins so you don’t have to worry about making a reservation.

Here at OCCO, we provide our commercial cleaning services across Sheffield and beyond, so get in touch with our team for more information today.

By David Tips 0 Comments

What is Spring Cleaning?

Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows you freshen your home and get rid of those winter blues. With a proper spring cleaning schedule, you can jump ahead of the busy spring and summer times and give your home the appropriate feel that comes with the warm days.

The spring cleaning tradition is deeply rooted in the Jewish, Iranian and Chinese cultures. In these countries, spring cleaning is more of a ritual to celebrate their new year than a requirement. They turn the homes upside down and scour every inch of the house include rugs and drapes and even bring fresh flowers into the house.

Once the house is vibrant and all specs of dust shaken down, the new year and spring can finally arrive. One thing that does get neglected over the year is your carpets, through the year they will be vacuumed but one thing a spring clean is good for is getting a deep carpet clean.

Why do we clean during spring?

Even though spring cleaning has numerous meanings in different cultures, there is a biological explanation of why people are compelled to clean in spring.

First, because of the shorter days and lack of exposure to light, the pineal gland produces more melatonin that makes you feel sleepy most of the time. You are less active and the cleaning is less thorough.

When exposed to sunlight, you naturally become more active and you have more energy. In your melatonin-induced stupor, it’s easy to let the house run down a bit. Once the rays of sun awaken you from your stupor, you definitely want to get things back in line.

Why not also read: How to get a tidy office in 15 minutes.

Your Guide to Spring Cleaning

Whether you have a small or a big house, without a proper plan of action, it easy to skip spots and end up with less than excellent results. Having a blueprint of how to approach the cleaning is critical in helping you make the most out of your cleaning time.

Make a cleaning checklist

Before you jump into the cleaning, start by making a cleaning checklist. While it sounds easier to jump into the thick of things, it will take you more time and you might even have to do repeat jobs because there are areas you didn’t consider when starting out.

A cleaning checklist allows you to have a more planned approach that will deliver the right results for you. Create an overview of what needs to be done. This will enable you to better plan and get the right supplies for your cleaning.

Declutter

Once the checklist is ready, the first step of spring cleaning should be getting rid of things you don’t need. There must be something you don’t use and you can bear parting ways with. Decluttering will make cleaning easier and create more space and airflow in the house.

Anything from food, clothes, furniture, wrappers of items you bought over winter and even electronics that are just collecting dust is considered clutter.

Work it room to room

Don’t let the excitement of finally getting to clean around get to you. To make the most out of your time, clean one room before going to the next. You can decide to start with the rooms that don’t require a lot of work or start with those that need a thorough scrub.

But, make sure you dust first. Dust is easily kicked up in the air and it will sit on the surfaces you just cleaned.

You can also decide to go task by task. You can dust the whole house first then choose another task and complete it around the entire house. Both strategies are great. It’s a matter of preference.

Go deep into the cleaning

Once you complete the regular chores, it’s time to dig your teeth deep into the spring cleaning. Your back will hurt after this, but once the warm rays of the sun hit the clean and fragrance filled surfaces and fabrics around the house, and radiate, it will all be worth it.

The bathroom, living room, and kitchen are some of the areas that call for a closer look. The bathtub, bathroom floors, and other areas need proper cleaning to get rid of the mildew that forms during winter.

You also need to get rid of the oil stains and built-up stains in your kitchen and sweep under the sofas in the living room.

Tips for getting spring cleaning done the right way

  • Get everyone involved – spring cleaning is best done by the whole family. It’s going to be easier and faster and the results are more impressive. Assign tasks according to age. To get the best results to choose tasks that interest different people around the house. For the young ones, decluttering and collecting papers sounds like fun!
  • Watch out on the cleaning products – just because it promises to leave your floors spotless doesn’t mean you have to get it. Stockpiling your arsenal of cleaning products only means you clutter your cabinets and closets. Get a good all-purpose cleaner that can address most of the surfaces and use that. It will save you money and space.

Benefits of spring cleaning

There are numerous benefits associated with spring cleaning. Most of them are self-evident and others go unnoticed.

You end up with a clean and comfortable home that smells excellent. By decluttering, you create more space to move around with plenty of peace of mind.

A clean home also means less allergic reactions particularly to people with asthmatic conditions and are allergic to dust and other allergens.

There’s a debate on whether the cleaning products used can also cause other allergic reactions to flare up. If you ever suspect this to be the case, you can easily counter it by using less aggressive cleaning products that you’re not allergic to. You can also try going for scent-free cleaning products.

The only drawback with spring cleaning is your aching back, after all, is done and dusted. You might have to deal with it for a couple of days, but the satisfaction of your masterful cleaning, the smiling sofas and flows that are finally free of the winter gunk will definitely have you smiling as you go to hit the bed at night.

We know that doing deep cleans are hard work, which is why here at OCCO we provide a wide variety of cleaning services.

By David Tips 0 Comments

How to Get a Tidy Office in 15 Minutes

Think about this. You open the door to your office at 8am. You have a meeting scheduled for 8:30 am that you had completely forgotten about. You have to impress the client but your office is a mess. You have papers littered everywhere, a dusty table and you don’t have a cleaning service that can help you get rid of the mess.

You need to get your office together ready for the meeting and you need a couple of minutes also to prepare. So, how do you go about it?

In this blog, we will share some tips on how you can get your office together in just 15 minutes and spare yourself some time to go over your notes and keynotes for that crucial meeting.

What you will need

You can save time by going to the supply room and grabbing everything you need at once instead of making the back and forth trips every time you need something. Some of the things you will need include:

  • A box or bucket
  • A surface cleaner (preferably one with a pleasant scent)
  • Paper towels and cleaning cloths or wipes
  • Cleaning wipes that are computer-safe
  • Baking soda
  • A broom or vacuum
  • A mug or a pen holder to organize the pens and other small objects
  • Folders for the papers
  • Rubber bands or hair bands to organise computer cables

Declutter

Now that you have everything you need, you need a clear plan of action that will allow you to do each job only once without a redo.

Start by picking up papers, clutter and large chunks of dirt. Start from the back of the office working your way towards the door. If you can’t make up your mind on whether to throw something or not, keep it in a safe location to have a closer look at it later.

Why not also read: 10 Tips to Increase Recycling in your office

Vacuum or sweep

Once you have all the papers and litter around the office in the box, it’s time to get sweeping if you opted for a broom or vacuum.

The idea behind vacuum or sweeping first before cleaning other surface is to avoid a redo that would take up precious minutes. Be thorough with the groundwork and make sure that carpet is spotless. If the carpet has unsightly stains or has a bad smell, sprinkle some baking powder and let it sit for a while before vacuuming it up. It will freshen up the room and conceal the stains until you can get them properly addressed.

Wipe down the surfaces

Now that the floor is free of clutter, it’s time to address the surfaces around the office. Pick a cloth and wet it with some water and a mild soap solution. Wring it, so you don’t have to keep wiping the surfaces over and over.

Start with high surfaces working your way down. Leave your office table for last because you need a bit more time on it.

When you get to the office table, start with the table and designate a place where you will wipe down pens and other small items. Make sure you organise everything as you wipe it. The last thing you want is to try to figure out after what goes where.

Wipe down the laptop or computer screen on the table and finally wipe the dust into a box. As you walk out to throw the dirt, tie down the cables and open the windows for ventilation.

And there you have it! How to clean up your office in under 15 minutes. Now you have some time to sit down and polish up for the meeting to make sure it’s not only your office that takes the day but your presentation as well.

To avoid the same rush in the future, it’s a good idea to have a cleaning company that can help you keep the office in tip-top condition at all times. Most companies have a flexible schedule and will let you choose how often you want them to come to clean up. That gives the ability to budget and pick a schedule that works for you and the office.

Here at OCCO we offer our affordable commercial cleaning services that are bespoke for your business, get in touch with our helpful team today for more information.

By David Tips 0 Comments

10 Tips to Increase Recycling in Your Office

Choosing to recycle around the office is easily one of the best business decisions you can make. It not only helps an ailing environment but helps you to cut back on your overheads and makes it easier and more affordable to run affairs at the office.

With so many varying approaches to recycling, the only challenge is where to start. Luckily, it is just as easy to get this done. Here are some quick tips that will take the confusion out of recycling and help you hit the road running.

  1. Start small

When going green, you have many impressive ideas in your mind on how to reduce waste and cut back on expenses while improving the environment. But, even with the financial muscle to actualise your dreams, you should start small.

It’s going to be a new culture for the office and the employees and you need to give everyone time to catch up with the new requirements and sustain it.

By starting small, you reduce the pressure on your employees and give them a chance to embrace the idea because it’s doable. Start with no brainers like duplex printing. This will not only halve paper consumption but it doesn’t need any additional resources to carry out.

You can also initiate pull printing at the office to reduce printing volumes and make sure any work sent to the printer is collected and useful.

  1. Go for the organics

This tactic is often underused in most office spaces and you can’t afford not to pick it up. By picking up on organic materials and waste, you can increase your diversion rate and get closer to your goal of zero wastage.

Some of the organic waste is compostable and can be used to grow crops and revive nutrient-deprived land. Some can even be used to produce power. Some of the organic waste you can collect around the office include:

  • Paper towels and napkins
  • Compostable plates and cutlery
  • Food scraps
  • Tea bags and coffee grinds
  • Cardboard sleeves from hot beverage cups

  1. Have centralised recycling bins

To get the best effects, take away individual bins and have centralised recycling bins. By having bins in convenient locations, the employees have to sort out their trash. In the process, they become more away of what they are throwing away as opposed to just chucking it into a bin at the end of the desk.

This method also allows the employees to learn to sort out the waste properly and understand what goes where prevent stream contamination.

  1. Cut back on the take out coffee cups

It’s impossible to get employees to give up their morning coffee, but you can do something about the take out coffee cups. Think of the number of cups that are tossed in the waste bin daily. It’s a huge waste of resources and one that you can easily nip in the bud.

Replace the takeout coffee cups with reusable mugs and water bottles. This little change will drastically reduce the number of cups and plastic bottles filling up the system and will also help to cut back on expenses around the office.

  1. Reduce on the waste coming into the office

One of the key parts of recycling is reducing. You can reduce a lot of things around the office. From the consumption of power by switching off electronics and lights that are not in use to making sure the taps are not dripping.

You can also make your vendors aware of your recycling program and encourage them to only bring recyclable or compostable items to the office. If you can control consumption and what is coming into the facility, you can greatly reduce what goes into a landfill because your waste is recyclable.

  1. Go paperless

With the current technology trends, it’s possible to run your business on a paperless system. Send emails instead of fax and letters, save papers for only formal documents and make sure all internal communication is done by email or on an online message board.

To save even more, you can have all billing done online to save on paper. Also, let your customers and vendors know of your decision so they can adjust accordingly.

  1. Re-use

Some of the items around the office can be used multiple times. Things like packaging boxes and stationery items should be carefully stored so they can be used at a later date when the need arises. This saves you the trouble of buying new items and at the same time, you reduce what goes to the landfill.

  1. Post reminders

With so much going around the office, it’s easy for a few notes to slip through the fingers around the office. Make sure you have plenty of reminders to keep everyone on their toes about the new changes.

Have stickers close to the switches to remind people to switch off the lights and electronics once they finish using them and at key points and send out email blasts to remind the employees of the recycling goals and the different methods you’re using to help increase recycling around the office.

  1. Make it a competition

You can make the recycling mission much easier with some healthy office competition. Competitions are a great incentive when you want people to participate in different activities. It makes the challenge at hand easier and more fun. After all, who doesn’t like winning?

Give your competition an interactive edge and keep constantly updating the teams on the progress and who is winning. If possible, set up a leader board so employees know what their current status is. Ensure there is a prize waiting for the winner.

  1. Buy recycled

Don’t aim to recycle only but also promote the recycling trade. Use recycled paper for printing and other items. Today, recycled products are no longer the low-end and poor quality products they once were.

There are ethical, good quality and you will be doing the environment a great justice by reducing landfills. In some cases, you will also be able to save some money by buying recycled products.

Increasing recycling around the office is not an easy task, especially for a big office with more than 50 employees. But, with these tips, you can improve and gradually achieve your recycling goals.

With OCCO Cleaning Services we can help you start to recycle more while providing our office cleaning services.

Why not also read: 7 Best Places to Live in Sheffield

By David Tips 0 Comments

Get Your Own Comprehensive Office Cleaning Checklist

As the leading office cleaning company in Sheffield, we know dirt and dust are part of every office space. Whether your office is located around a busy corner or tucked away in the outskirts of town, you will always have to deal with the dirt and dust.

Keeping your office clean is an uphill task. Various surfaces need attention and with so much that needs to be done, you’re likely going to forget a few surfaces that might be a turn off for potential clients.

If you want to keep up with the cleaning duties around the office, you need a comprehensive cleaning checklist for your office. It’s going to be beneficial and convenient for your workplace.

It will also cut down on cleaning time since you won’t be cleaning in circles and trying to guess what you missed.

If you don’t have the time to put together a cleaning checklist for your office, you’re at the right place. Here’s a quick and comprehensive one.

General Areas

General areas carry the most dirt. They include the breakrooms, office rooms, conference rooms, workstations and more. Such areas usually have heavy traffic and are highly populated.

Daily cleaning tasks: 

  • Clean seating areas or debris and dust
  • Tidy any papers littered around the office space
  • Remove cobwebs and dust the light fixtures
  • Wipe down doorknobs and horizontal surfaces
  • Remove rubbish and replace the bin liners

Weekly cleaning tasks:

  • Vacuum the floors and air vents
  • Clean glass surfaces and all the windows
  • Polish metal surfaces like door handles, window frames and grills

To keep the general and common rooms hygienic and sanitised, you need to schedule deep cleans once in a while. This will ensure the office is as clean as possible. The frequency of the deep cleans depends on the size and traffic of the office. At the very least, you should have a deep clean once every three months.

Washrooms

Washrooms are an integral part of every office space. They must be kept clean at all times to keep operations in the office running smoothly. For customer retention and employee satisfaction, washrooms should be given plenty of attention when it comes to cleaning.

Daily cleaning tasks:

  • Remove dust and cobwebs from light fixtures
  • Clean the toilets inside and out with disinfected
  • Clean the mirrors and glasses
  • Sweep and mop the floors
  • remove trash and replace the liners
  • restock amenities like toiletries, paper towels, and soap

Weekly cleaning tasks:

  • wipe the stalls down with a disinfectant
  • vacuum the air vents

Dining and Kitchen areas

The dining and kitchen areas are the most susceptible to get dirty around the workplace. Food residue from preparations and cooking and spills can make these spaces a haven for bacteria. To keep them clean and safe, you need to take extra precaution when cleaning these areas.

Daily cleaning tasks:

  • remove cobwebs from light fixtures and dust them
  • Wipe tables, countertops, and other horizontal surfaces. Tidy up the countertop by organising salt shakers and paper products
  • Wash dirty dishes and clean the sink
  • Wash coffee pts
  • Wipe down windows and glasses
  • Remove trash and have the trash liners replaced
  • Vacuum, sweep and mop the floors

Weekly Cleaning tasks:

  • Remove items that are more than a week old in the fridge and clean. Notify the employs of your intention to throw away old items other than regularly used condiments during the weekly cleaning exercise

It’s vital that you emphasise the need for your employees to keep a tidy workspace. This is even more important if they meet the customers around such spaces. They should keep the desks decluttered and reduce the number of personal items they have.

The employees should also be encouraged to keep the monitors and keyboards clean and sanitised. The cleaning staff should clean these items at least once a week.

Having a cleaning checklist will help to keep the office space tidy at all times. It will reduce the chances of missed spots and make it easier to assign cleaning duties even to the employees.

Why not also read: 7 Best Places to Live in Sheffield

By David City Guide 0 Comments

7 Best Places to Live in Sheffield

Are you thinking of moving to Sheffield? Or maybe you recently got transferred and are looking for the best neighbourhoods to start your life. Sheffield is home to over half a million citizens in a geographically diverse and very vibrant city. As the leading office cleaning in Sheffield we know the best places to live in Sheffield.

Depending on the kind of life you’re looking to lead, Sheffield has the perfect spot for you. It has areas that are awash with students, neighbourhoods perfect for young professionals without families and also areas for the family man looking for a quiet place to bring up children.

  1. Paul’s

St Pauls is not the place it used to be anymore. It recently got re-developed and has become one of the best cities to live in if you want a locality bustling with life and activity. St Paul’s offers its residents easy access to the largest market in the city ‘The Moor Market’ and it happens to be well connected to the larger city.

From St Paul, you can visit the Sheffield Cathedral and Peace Garden offering a rich cultural experience to anyone who decides to make this robust city their new home. The centrality of the city is something that students, young professionals and families will love about St. Paul. If you don’t have a car, St. Paul is close to Sheffield Station so you can make easy train connections to cities like Manchester and London. The train station is also connected to Manchester Airport.

  1. Fulwood

Located just 3 miles west of the city centre is a suburb that was once known as home to the steel magnates of the 19th century. This low-key neighbourhood is perfect for families and people that want to lead a quiet life. It is packed with greenery and just a stone throw away from the countryside. It gives a unique balance between city life with its amenities and the greenery and clean air give it that touch of the countryside life.

The suburb has plenty of pubs, live music joints and local brews to keep residents who are looking for some occasional fun and action occupied and hooked.

Notable features around here include the Peak District National Park with plenty of activities like hiking, camping and cycling.

With prestigious schools, golf and tennis clubs this is the perfect part of the city for residents who love spacious living with easy and fast access to central Sheffield.

  1. Dore

Dore is one of Sheffield city’s most beautiful and historically affluent suburbs. Real estate prices have kept most of Sheffield residents away from this beauty. If you have some money to splash, this would be a great place to spend it.

It’s about six miles west of the city centre and just 15 minutes from central Sheffield. Until the early 1930s, it was part of Derbyshire.  Since then, it has grown to become quiet with a small-town feel. It’s the perfect place if you want to rub shoulders with the elite in Sheffield. While here, you have access to a broad range of facilities for all ages and interests. You have access to a train station which makes it easier to access other nearby cities.

  1. Crookes

Want to live in Sheffield’s most vibrant location? It doesn’t get better than Crookes. It’s suited close to the University of Sheffield so it’s frequented by students with the feeling of a quail and tranquil location. It has a web of leafy trees lining the streets and an elevated altitude.

The large student population means clubs, restaurants, and bars. It also means that Crookes if livelier and more vibrant than most of the other places in Sheffield.

As a resident of Crookes, you will be surrounded by singles, young professionals and students. You will not be short of amenities. What’s more, it’s just a 20-minute walk from Sheffield City Centre. Proximity to the Crookes Valley Park and the Botanical Gardens, both of which are favourite weekend getaways are other reasons why you should consider Crookes as your new home.

Why not also read: 7 Best Restaurants in Sheffield

  1. Broomhill

Familiarity is the most appealing thing about Broomhill. Even though most people living here eventually cross over to Crookes, Broomhill has its own collection of the features that will have you hanging around. It has a variety of appealing eateries, the convenience of numerous supermarkets, fashion outlets and pubs.

Compared to Crookes, Broomhill offers more spacious living making it catchy for not only students but also young professionals who are branching out.

  1. Upperthorpe

For potential residents looking for a vibrant neighbourhood without as many students, Upperthorpe is it.  It’s down the hill from Crookesmoor and adjacent to the Ponderosa Park. There are many families here who have made this their home but, you will also find a sizeable student community.

Houses here are cheaper and bigger compared to Crookesmoor and there are plenty of shops and takeaways from the person looking for a simple but fast life.

  1. Ecclesall Road

Ecclesall Road is rich with pubs and cocktail bars which are synonymous with student populations as you would guess. Living here means you’re spoilt for choice. The Botanical Gardens and Endcliffe Park are just around the corner and both offer plenty of relaxing natural spaces where you can go to unwind or have some fun with your family.

In this locality, lavishness and convenience live in unison. Everything you need is probably within a 10-minute stroll making it the perfect place to be for anyone that loves the proximity to amenities.

Living in Sheffield comes with a wide range of benefits. Being here means you can enjoy different cultures and neighbourhoods. It’s like being in a small country in each of the different areas. With so much to choose from, make sure you take time when picking the best place for you to live in Sheffield.

By David Food 0 Comments

7 Best Restaurants in Sheffield

Sheffield is known for a lot of things. The lovely accents, a great university and while here, you can’t run out of things to do. What’s usually under-appreciated is the range of independent restaurants catering to all types of palettes. As the leading commercial cleaning company in Sheffield, we know where is good. Whether you’re looking to spend a small fortune on a meal or to get your fill on a budget, Sheffield has an impeccable collection of restaurants that never disappoint.

If you happen visit, here are seven restaurants that are sure to be worth your time and money.

  1. Forge Bakehouse

This is the best place to be if you’re looking for freshly baked bread and an out of this world brunch menu.

What began as a humble bakery has rapidly grown to have monthly supper clubs, shakes, burgers and cocktails but, their bread always steals the show. You can get their loaf of sourdough in-house or take the treat home for the rest of your folks to enjoy.

  1. Joro

Lovers of fine dining, this is your stop. With an eight-course meal made from the best and fresh local produce, the menu at Joro is a tantalising experience. It has a modern British finish to it and is one of the swishest places to eat in Sheffield.

The prices here are not for the faint-hearted but for those with deep enough pockets, the experience and quality of the meals are definitely worth the price tag. The plates are beautifully presented and food is made from local ingredients so you’re always assured of freshness.

  1. Nonnas

Nonnas is known for its authentic pasta. The joint was opened in 1996 and has quickly become a favourite among Italians cuisine lovers. What’s more, their Italian dishes are served at a reasonable price opening the doors for anyone who wants to try out new things.

Their most popular meal is the eight-hour slow cooked Italian sausage with tagliatelle which is the real highlight. If you happen to drop around and want to have a world-class Italian meal on a budget, Nonnas has your back. And you don’t even have to worry about compromise on quality. After all, they cook sausage for over eight hours. There’s no better commitment to quality.

  1. Steam Yard Coffee

For coffee lovers, a visit to Sheffield is not complete without a stopover at Steam Yard Coffee. They have spectacular coffee and the courtyard is breath-taking with lots of greenery. Their gluten-free baked products are perfect with the coffee.

When you’re looking for a casual place to have a hot mug of coffee, this is the perfect place. Their menu is not as robust, but the décor and ambiance more than makeup for this. If you drop by during summer, you can enjoy some ice cream which you can have stuffed inside their freshly baked doughnuts which is quite the treat.

Why not also read: How Much Does Office Cleaning Cost?

  1. The Milestone

Drop by The Milestone on Sundays for their signature Sunday roast which is quite popular around Sheffield.

It’s a popular joint for its succulent Sunday lunch but they also do brunch, early-bird specials and dinner as well.

The restaurant is so popular with the locals, especially for special occasions. They even have a graduation menu for the university students that drop in the area. It has gone a step further in equipping the community by starting a cooking school where you can learn roasting in one day!

  1. Tamper

The Tamper is run by two New Zealand natives and they swear their restaurant serves the best coffee that will ever pass your lips. They have perfected the art of brunch making Tamper the best place for an afternoon meet up with friends or family.

True to their word, their coffee is award-winning and they have the best grub in town. Go for their big kiwi breakfast to stifle any hangover and on Friday nights you have the chance to prepare for the hangover with a boozy opening.

  1. The Vintage Pantry

The Vintage Pantry is just as the name describes. A quaint little café filled with tranquillity right at the top floor of the Sheffield Antiques Centre. They have a delicious sponge cake served with mismatched teacups.

While here, you can also try their freshly baked scones with jam or clotted cream. If you prefer a more classic pick, their sandwiches will take the craving out of you. Their menu also includes salads, toasties and classic jacket potatoes.

There you have it. Seven great restaurants to keep your stomach and your taste buds happy while you’re in Sheffield. There are plenty of other places you can go to which are just as great. But, if you don’t want to spend too much time hopping from one place to the next trying to find the perfect balance, these seven will do just fine.

How-Much-Does-Office-Cleaning-Cost
By David City Guide 0 Comments

How Much Does Office Cleaning Cost

For any business, the cost of hiring an office cleaning service is their primary concern. While keeping the office space clean is necessary, if the price is not right, the business can think of alternatives that are cheaper even though the results might not be as pristine.

As the leading commercial cleaning company in Sheffield, most potential clients will ask how much office cleaning costs before they can proceed to vet the qualities of the service.

Typically, each office cleaning service has its rates. But their quote is usually affected by a number of key factors that they have to consider to make the business feasible for them and provide you with quality services. These factors include;

Size of the office

The size of your office is the primary factor when quoting the cost of office cleaning. Large offices will cost more because they have more space that needs cleaning and usually, they tend to hold more equipment, which also needs attention.

Some larger offices even have bathrooms which increase the floor space that needs cleaning not to mention additional services like restocking the toiletries. In most cases, the cost of cleaning is divided depending on the size (in square feet) of the office.

A smaller office takes less time to clean with fewer areas that require attention. As such, smaller offices are generally cheaper to clean.

Some of the more prudent cleaners will charge per square foot. On paper, this might look like a more expensive approach, but it makes sure that a foot paid for is a foot cleaned and might result in significant savings for the client.

The time it takes to clean the office

The time it takes to clean your office will also affect the cost. Most professional cleaners charge by the hour. You can mitigate the time it takes to clean the office by choosing times when the cleaning crew is not strained and doesn’t have to share the floor space with your workers.

If the cleaning crew comes to clean on during your staff’s working time, the cost might be higher because they will take more time to get their job done. Choosing office duty time means both workers and cleaners are disrupted. It’s best to choose after hours. In most cases, cleaning contractors will get the job done in a shorter time saving you some money.

The amount of work needed

When was the last time your office got a good scrub down? Have you had the windows, table tops, common areas and desks cleaned recently? If not, the cost of office cleaning will likely be higher. Having a regularly cleaned office might save your cleaning budget significantly.

Dirtier offices require more time and resources to clean compared to regularly cleaned offices. That’s why the cost of cleaning such an office can be higher.

Why not also read: Top 10 Things to Do in Sheffield When It’s Raining

Frequency of Cleaning

Professional office cleaners will charge more if you only want a once-off cleaning service. For clients looking for regular long term cleaning services, the rates can be lower making it cheaper to have the office cleaned.

Quality of Service

The price charged is not always a reflection of the quality of service you will get. There are professional services that might charge you more and offer less than desirable services, while smaller more vigorous and satisfactory companies might charge you less.

Before hiring, make sure the company is a professional cleaning company with a good reputation and enough reviews. If possible, opt for services that offer free quotes with satisfaction guarantees. That way, you’re protected against any shortcomings.

Also, companies that offer full written contracts and protect themselves and your company from liability are the best options. A quick chat with their customer support is a great hint at the quality of service you should expect going forward and finally, check if the cleaner is a registered business entity and is licensed.

things to do in sheffield
By David City Guide 0 Comments

Top 10 Things to do In Sheffield

The fourth largest city in England has more to offer tourists than its history in the steel industry, as an office cleaning company in Sheffield, we love our hometown!. Whether you’re looking to tour on a budget or ready to spend for an exceptional experience, Sheffield has plenty of options that you can consider and ones that will make you want to keep coming back.

The only challenge is going to be choosing which ones to consider and which ones to visit at a later date. But, let’s save you the time and highlight some of the top 10 attractions and things that you can do in Sheffield.

Things to do in Sheffield

  1. Sheffield Botanical Gardens

It’s not every day you make time to go and see a garden full of flowers and plants, but with this 19-acre garden, it is an experience well worth the time. It was established in 1836 and has more than 5,000 different species of plants. When here, the glass houses which house the temperate plants from South Africa, Asia and Australia are a must see as well we the Four Seasons Garden and the Victoria Garden.

Spring is the best time to visit when most of the plants are at full bloom and the kids can run around as they look at the colourful gardens and catch a glimpse of the friendly squirrels. There are also many events staged on the grounds mainly musical and theatrical and they have a café on site just in case you get hungry while on the trip.

  1. Graves Park

This is an excellent spot for some family time. It has a little bit of everything for everyone. For the kids, there is the Graves Park Animal Farm where kids can see rare breeds of farm animals like Llamas and donkeys and when they want to burn off some calories, there are two playgrounds and little trains.

The park which also happens to be the City’s largest public green space has other activities ideal for all like sports which include tennis and soccer and for some bonding, there are nature trails and fishing on site. You can also indulge yourself in a meal at the on-site café in case the hunger pangs catch up!

  1. Visit the Museums and Galleries

Sheffield has so many museums and galleries you will be spoilt for choice. Each of the museums has something different to offer, so the experience is always different. You can start by visiting the National Emergency Services Museum which is considered the world’s largest museum of its kinds. They have more than 50 vintage vehicles which include fire engines, ambulances and police cars all waiting for you to see them.

Why not also read: Top 10 Things to Do in Sheffield When It’s Raining

You can also visit the Graves Art Gallery and Millennium Gallery both of which promise a one of a kind experience. The Graves Art Gallery was opened in 1934 and features English art from the 18th century. The Millennium Gallery, on the other hand, is for art lovers. It features metal works, design exhibitions and contemporary art. For more art events, you can also pay the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Galleries a visit.

  1. Sheffield Town Hall

This iconic Victorian Hall was built in 1897 and remains the most notable structures in Sheffield. It’s a great place to start your tour. The impressive neo-renaissance building is surrounded by plenty of other attractions at a stone throw distance.

The most exciting features of this Victorian Town Hall building Is the 193-foot high tower with a figure of Vulcan (the blacksmith god) which represents Sheffield’s illustrious past in the steel industry.  Form the town hall, you can easily make your way to a number of museums, the Sheffield City Hall, theatres, and shopping centres.

  1. Go Water Skiing

Sheffield might not have those clear blue beaches, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a little wet when you want. The city has plenty of water to bring on board the same experience that cities with access to coastline can offer.

The closest experience is the Rother Valley Park where you can learn a variety of water sports like water skiing, knee boarding, and wakeboarding. If water sports are not your thing, then you can enjoy a variety of other activities in the park like fishing, sailing, model boating, and archery to name a few.

  1. Go to the Sharrow Lantern Carnival

Now, this is not an experience you would want to miss when you pay a visit to Sheffield. The event only happens once a year, so your timing has to be right if you’re visiting from another city or country. The theme for the lanterns is set before the carnival and on the set date, the lanterns light up the skies of Sheffield.

People in their thousands stroll the streets of Sheffield with workshops held to help people design and make their own lanterns. If you love a good community event, there’s nothing better and more fulfilling than the lantern carnival in Sheffield.

  1. Visit the Peak District

The Peak District is just a 20-minute drive from the city. But, once there, you might think the city is hours away. It’s an immersive countryside filled with lots of greenery and rocks. While here, there are plenty of activities you can take part in. You can take walks, take swims in the wild, visit the country pubs or sit there and take in the therapeutic and breath-taking scenery.

  1. Mingle in a Festival

There are numerous festivals in Sheffield and you’re bound to find one you like. They range from music, literature, and even beer festivals. The most popular is the Tramlines Festival but, if you miss that, there are other worthy alternatives like the Off the Shelf events which is a festival of words that runs for almost an entire month and the Sensoria Festival or the Celluloid Screams which is a horror films festival.

For the foodies, there is the Food Festival as well as a variety of beer festivals. The festivals are so many all you have to do is time the one you’re most interested in and get as much information about it as possible.

  1. Catch a Movie

Like most cities of its stature, Sheffield has a number of cinemas where you can catch the latest acts from all around the world. The best place to catch your favourite film is perhaps the Showroom Cinema which offers a rich variety all year round.

If you prefer something more profound and small scale, the Magic Lantern Film Club, the Five and Dime Picture show and the Handmade Cinema Club are some of the alternative options you have. Each has a unique screening, so you never miss anything. And the Film Unit puts on a second run just in case you didn’t get enough from the first screening.

  1. Sample the Cuisine

Your trip around Sheffield is not complete until you have tried some of the local and fine dining cuisines the best spots in the city have to offer. You might want to take in the experience in bits to avoid being overwhelmed or missing out on the best.

The best place to get local produce is Henderson’s Relish, Cafeology, Seven Hills Bakery and Catherine’s Choice to name a few.

If you’re interested in something a little more complex for your palette, Rafters is the place to be! It’s one of the best fine dining restaurants in the city and their meals are perfectly paired with wines for the full experience.

Sheffield has plenty to offer to both the locals and visiting tourists. It has a little bit of everything that you could be looking for in a fun day out. Whether you’re looking for sports, adventure, knowledge or even bonding, rest assured you will find that and more within the walls of the ‘Steel’ City of Sheffield.

things to do sheffield when raining
By David City Guide 0 Comments

Top 10 Things to Do in Sheffield When It’s Raining

OCCO Services has headquarters in Sheffield and we love our hometown! Did you have an action-packed day planned out with the family but the rain rudely interrupted? Don’t let all that planning and the expectations go to waste.  The rain is a little hump on the road and in Sheffield, you can quickly get over it. There are plenty of indoor and other activities that you can consider if it’s raining outside to keep the family bond going.

Whether you’re an adventure junkie or a movie buff, there are plenty of things you can do in Sheffield when it’s raining without getting yourself wet in the process. Here are some of the best!

Countdown of Things to do in Sheffield When Raining

  1. Museum and Galleries Hop

This is the perfect way to spend your time in Sheffield if it’s raining outside. The city is awash with exciting galleries and museums that will keep you entertained and away from the wet outdoors. Top on this list should be to visit the Graves Gallery which is above the Central library. This particular one is free to enter and you can enjoy numerous exhibitions from events all through the year.

Five minutes away from the Sheffield train station you will find in the Millennium Gallery next to the Winter Garden. It plays host to some of the most intriguing arts and designs from local and international artists. Just in case all the art gives you an appetite, you can stop by the Gallery Café for a quick bite before you head off to the next stop.  Some of the top-rated museums you can visit include the Weston Park Museum, National Emergency Services Museum, and the Magna Science Adventure Centre.

  1. Laser Quest Sheffield

Want to soak in some action instead of the raindrops? Stop by Laser Quest Sheffield for your dose of adrenalin pumping action. The facility is open to visitors of all ages and features one of the most exhilarating experiences. Each player suits up in a futuristic suit and carries a laser gun. The games are played in the labyrinth which has catwalks, mazes, fog, music and lights to give you a first-hand battlefront experience.

You can come with your family and friends because the teams can be as big as 24 players and you compete in 20-minute sessions. If you’re alone, don’t worry, you can still have plenty of fun at the Laser Quest since there are formats suitable for all kinds of players.

  1. Thunderballz Limited

This is one of Sheffield’s best-kept secrets. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon away from the rain and even break a sweat. It’s a great place to be if you love contact sports. Generally, the company offers a variety of activities that revolve around orbs made from clear plastic. On a shiny day, you might be lucky to roll down a hill.

But, at Thunderballz, they have an indoor facility that works more like human bumper cars. You wear the orb over your torso and randomly run into other people. It can be a lot of fun when you form teams and try to take each other out.

  1. Go to the Movies

You can never go wrong with a bucket of popcorn, a giant-sized screen, ground shaking sound and a good movie. It’s the perfect way to spend a day when the outdoors are wet. The Light Cinema in Sheffield offers an unbeatable movie watching experience. You can choose from a wide range of theatre, opera and ballet performances through live screenings and recordings. If you’re a lover of arts, this is also going to be the best place for you to be with lots of action, drama and romance in one box tied up with a neat bow and ready for you to enjoy.

You can watch classics like Romeo and Juliet to the most recent and most captivating movies in cinemas from all around the world. If Light Cinemas is packed or doesn’t have what you fancy, you can always check out Odeon Sheffield.

  1. Ponds Forge

Want to get wet away from the rain? The Ponds Forge is the place to be. This one of a kind indoor water sports facility features an Olympic size swimming pool and a surf city leisure pool. To make sure the little ones are not left behind in the fun, they also have a children’s pool.

If you’re not a swimmer, you can go and enjoy the different competitions that take place in the Olympic swimming pool. They also have other exciting activities like aqua aerobics and aqua fusion. Just be sure to check the swimming timetable before you leave to be sure they are accommodating the type of activity you have in mind.

  1. Paradise Island Adventure Golf

This is the perfect place to be if you’re looking to squander away an entire wet afternoon without keeping track of time. The Paradise Island Adventure Golf facility has two adventure courses covering over 14,000 sq. /ft.

An afternoon at this facility will take you from the Caribbean Quay boards, through the sea caves before dumping you on an island desert that filled with palm trees and ruins of the jungle. The courses are littered with exotic animals, statues and carvings, and as if that’s not enough, you still have a golf game to win!

There are two levels of the course and you can decide if you would like to play just one course or go for the kill and enjoy both. If it’s wet outside, this adventure golf course will make sure your day out and about doesn’t go to waste.

  1. Go Out Shopping

The rain can be the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe or go out gift shopping for your friends and family. Lucky for you, if you share this brilliant idea, there are plenty of shopping malls in Sheffield and you will be spoilt for choice.

Some of the most popular shopping malls in Sheffield include Crystal Peaks Shopping Mall and Retail Park, Orchard Square Shopping Centre and Meadowhall.

With so many options to choose from not too far away from each other, you will be spoilt for choice and variety. The sheer size of these facilities will ensure you casually take hours and don’t even notice the rain go down. If you’re a spendthrift, you will be making it rain inside the stores.

  1. Awesome Walls Climbing Centre

If you can do something outdoors, in Sheffield, there’s a fair chance that you can also do it indoors and that is what Awesome Walls is all about. The centre offers an adventure and sweat packed experience that will have your blood pumping and your adrenaline running.

The humongous climbing walls with a wide variety of angles and different styles of climbs will keep you occupied for hours as you try to overcome the various challenges. The best part is, you don’t have to be here to compete. You can just come and have fun. But, if you’re also interested in some healthy competition, they have something for you as well.

  1. The Great Escape Game

Here is something you don’t get to do every day. The Great Escape Game is all about putting your mind and teamwork to the test. It is a live escape room experience that blurs the lines between reality and film-like settings with advanced themes that are thought-provoking and extremely pulsating.

You can choose from a variety of iconic rooms to escape from like Alcatraz and the Homicide room. However, it’s important to note that while this is a fascinating place to be, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But definitely, a great place to be!

  1. Spa

So you’re not in the mood for some adventure or sporting action. You don’t feel like taking your mind on a TV-like escape journey and swimming pools are just not for you at the moment. But, it’s certain that you don’t want to stay indoors even with the rain outside. Why not treat yourself to a spa then? The Spa 1877 particularly will pamper you, get you to relax and let the therapeutic sound of raindrops smacking the tarmac add to the spoils of the experience.

The range of services include massages, saunas, tanning, tinting, and a variety of beauty therapy procedures. It’s just what the doctor ordered when you want to sit back, relax and unwind.

As you can see, there’s plenty to do if you’re in Sheffield and the weather is working against. All you need to do is pick out your activities for the day wisely, so you minimise your time outside getting rained on and make the most of your day having fun.