Looking for the perfect summer read? We’ve got just the recommendation, as we sit down with Sheffield-based author Jo Cheetham to chat about her debut novel, Love and Rent, along with her favourite spots to read, eat and relax in the city.
Originally from Rotherham, Jo returned to Sheffield a few years ago and has recently released her first novel: a warm, witty and thoughtful story that explores friendship, love, independence and the realities of building a life when money becomes a challenge.
Here, Jo shares the inspiration behind the book, why she wanted to write a different kind of love story, and what makes it an ideal addition to your summer reading list. Plus, she reveals her favourite Sheffield reading spot and where you’ll find her enjoying a glass of wine and a delicious meal in the city.
To celebrate the release of Love and Rent, we’ll also be running a special giveaway over on Instagram, where you’ll have the chance to win a copy of the novel along with a voucher for one of our favourite independent Sheffield cafes – the perfect place for settling in with a great book. Keep your eyes peeled!
Can you start by introducing yourself, including how long you’ve called Sheffield home, and what brought you to the city?
I’m Jo Cheetham, a writer from Rotherham. I grew up just outside Sheffield, studied here as an undergraduate, then spent a decade in London completing an MA and PhD in history of art at the Courtauld Institute. After that I lived in Kent, County Durham and Northumberland before moving back to South Yorkshire a couple of years ago.
My first book, Killjoy, was a memoir about my involvement in the campaign to end Page 3 in the tabloid press. Love and Rent is my first novel.
Your debut novel Love and Rent explores love, friendship, independence and the realities of trying to build a life while navigating financial pressures. Can you tell us a little about the story and what inspired Hannah’s journey?
At its heart, Love and Rent is about trying to build an independent life when money keeps getting in the way. I was interested in the economic reality of modern adulthood: how many people in their thirties and forties are living in flat shares, back with family or in temporary housing because that’s simply what they can afford.
Alongside that, I wanted to write a love story that wasn’t entirely straightforward. Oscar is wealthy and privileged in a way Hannah isn’t, and I was interested in how class and money shape the choices people make, particularly in relationships.
The book challenges the idea that a woman’s happy ending has to come from romance – something we see a lot in traditional rom-coms. What made you want to explore this theme, and what do you hope readers take away from Hannah’s story?
I’ve always been slightly suspicious of traditional romantic endings where a man arrives and somehow fixes everything. Hannah feels the same. I wanted to explore the idea that a happy ending doesn’t have to depend on romantic love.
Love and Rent is about lots of different kinds of love: friendship, family, romantic love and learning to accept yourself. Some of the strongest, most enduring relationships in our lives aren’t romantic, but we don’t often see them celebrated in fiction in the same way.
With summer reading season in full swing, what do you think makes Love and Rent the perfect summer read?
Although it deals with some serious subjects, I hope it’s ultimately funny, warm and hopeful. It’s for anyone whose life hasn’t turned out quite the way they expected, and who’s trying to work out what a happy ending looks like from there.
I’d also like to think Hannah and her best friend Kiera would make excellent holiday companions. They’re funny, loyal and have conversations about Viennetta and anal bleaching.
How has the journey of writing Love and Rent differed from your first book?
My previous book, Killjoy, was a memoir, so the experience of writing fiction felt very different. In some ways it was more freeing because I could invent people and situations rather than worrying about representing real lives accurately. There’s a wonderful freedom in asking, ‘What if…?’ and simply following where the story goes.
What books are on your summer reading list this year?
This summer I’m reading books about women artists who studied at the Slade School of Art. I’m particularly enjoying Celia Paul’s beautiful Letters to Gwen John and the letters of Dora Carrington, which offer such a vivid glimpse into the wonderfully complicated, intertwined lives and loves of the Bloomsbury Group.
And where are your favourite places in the city to settle down with a book?
My favourite place to read is my friend Anna’s garden in Ranmoor, surrounded by her chickens, who make wonderfully soothing clucking noises and take micro-naps under the hedge. I also seem to read a lot in the Showroom Café while waiting for heavily delayed trains.
Finally, we’d love to get to know your Sheffield top spots! If you were planning the perfect day in the city, where would you go for a coffee, a place to relax, a little treat, and a great meal – and what do you love most about Sheffield?
The best thing about Sheffield, for me, has always been the people. It’s one of those places where it’s completely normal to end up chatting to someone at a bus stop, and many of my best friends live there. Some of the most memorable nights of my twenties were spent at Sheffield house parties.
I don’t often go out for coffee, as I need to drink two full pots before I’m capable of leaving the house, but if I’m meeting someone for a glass of wine, I’d choose Hideaway or Pearl. A treat for me would be a trip to Chatsworth via the farm shop at Pilsley, where I usually spend a billion pounds on tiny savoury biscuits and chunks of cheese. And for a great meal, I love Sunday lunch at The Mowbray.
If you’ve ever said, “I can’t draw,” then Sheffield-based artist Gabriella Papa would love to prove you wrong.
Founder of Can’t Draw Club, Gabriella is on a mission to help people reconnect with their creativity through welcoming, judgement-free abstract painting workshops that are as much about relaxation and self-expression as they are about creating art.
Combining two decades of painting experience with years of producing creative events, she’s created a space where everyone is encouraged to embrace the process and let go of perfection.
With upcoming workshops THIS WEEK at The Botanical Arms and Marmadukes’ Sorting Office (full details below), now’s the perfect time to give it a go. Better still, you can enjoy 20% off tickets using the code CLUB20.
We caught up with Gabriella to chat about her journey, the inspiration behind Can’t Draw Club, and why creativity really is for everyone.
Can you start by introducing yourself?
I’m a freelance artist, specialising in abstract paintings for people’s homes as well as working with interior designers on bespoke commissions. I’m also an events producer and have recently launched Can’t Draw Club– a creative workshop for all abilities focusing on abstract painting.
I was brought up in Sheffield and, after a brief hiatus living in London for work, I’ve returned home. I couldn’t keep away from the beautiful Peak District and the friendly North for too long!
I have Italian and Irish heritage, so I was brought up with a passion for almost everything – food, music, art, culture and community. My family are incredibly enthusiastic, and that’s definitely been passed down to me. I love bringing people together through events, and I adore painting, so combining the two just made total sense.
So, how and when did the idea for Can’t Draw Club begin?
I started Can’t Draw Club because I’ve been producing events for other brands in the lifestyle and design space for the last eight years, but I’d never created an event for my own art brand.
I contacted a few venues to get started and, before I knew it, people were reaching out wanting to collaborate. I’ve been painting for over 20 years, so it’s been a long time coming. I’ve spent years honing my craft, learning from others and building up the experience I needed so that, when I finally launched, I felt completely ready, confident and comfortable teaching.
I now run a range of workshops, including Travel Diaries, which focuses on abstract landscape painting, Botanical Abstract Painting, and Still Life Supper Clubs, combining food with creativity.
Each workshop is about so much more than the finished painting. It’s about getting paint onto the page and expressing yourself creatively. I always begin with quick warm-up exercises to help people loosen up and get out of their heads, with 10 to 60-second sketches, so everyone creates at least five paintings within the first five minutes.
There’s so much research showing that spending just 45 minutes doing something creative can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. You don’t have to be good at it to experience those benefits. We’re the only mammal that uses creative expression to tell our story, so it’s a fundamental part of being human.
What inspired the workshops, and what did you hope to achieve?
I’d organised lots of art workshops in the past for other artists and brands, and I’d seen first-hand the positive impact they had on people. Guests would arrive stressed after a busy day at work and leave feeling relaxed, calmer, with a new friend and the confidence that they’d tried something new.
I loved watching people lose themselves in a painting, put their phones down, and completely forget about their stress for an hour. That feeling of flow is something I experience when I paint. It’s the ultimate in relaxation and mental freedom, and I realised I could share it with others.
The best part is that it genuinely doesn’t matter whether you’re good at painting or not. You still feel the benefits.
Whatdo you love most about running Can’t Draw Club?
Watching the transformation people go through. So many people walk into my workshops saying, “I’m rubbish at painting” or “I’m not going to be able to do this,” and then leave feeling proud of themselves simply for giving it a go.
They might not absolutely love everything they’ve created, but nine times out of ten, they surprise themselves with what they’re capable of. Helping someone feel more confident in just a couple of hours is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced.
And what have been the highs of these workshops – any challenges too?
One of the biggest highs has been being asked to run a workshop for a major brand. That was one of my goals, and I couldn’t believe how quickly it happened. It’s amazing what can happen when you simply ask!
As for the challenges, there honestly haven’t been many. If anything, it’s wishing there were more days in the week to run even more workshops. Balancing Can’t Draw Club with my other events work can sometimes be a juggling act, but I’m incredibly grateful to have both.
How have your recent workshops been received?
My most recent workshops took place at a gallery in London called The Artists Cup, alongside my first gallery exhibition in the city, and they were fantastic.
Hosting the workshops surrounded by art was such a special experience, and both evenings sold out. It was everything I’d hoped for – art, wine, nibbles and great conversations.
What can people expect from a Can’t Draw Club workshop?
Can’t Draw Club isn’t a sip-and-paint, and it isn’t an art class designed to perfect expert skills. It’s a place to create without judgement in a welcoming, relaxed and fun environment. I’ll give you techniques to help you get out of your head and into the creative process, while offering guidance throughout.
Lots of people come on their own, so it’s also a brilliant place to meet new people. Come and try something different, embrace not being perfect and discover just how creative you really are.
BE THERE…
Gabriella’s next Can’t Draw Club workshops are:
Wednesday 8th July – The Botanical Arms, 7pm Botanical Abstract Painting – using botanical plants as inspiration. All materials are provided, along with a drink included in your ticket. Book here.
Thursday 9th July – Marmadukes, The Sorting Office, 7pm Travel Diaries – abstract landscape painting inspired by holidays and travel. Magazines are provided for inspiration, but you’re welcome to bring your own photos. All materials are included, along with a drink. Book here.
Use the discount code CLUB20 to receive 20% off your ticket.
Sheffield Wine Week is back for 2026, and after the success of last year’s event, it’s set to be even bigger and better than ever….with an extra large measure of sunshine, we hope!
Bringing together some of the city’s best independent wine spots, the week-long celebration spotlights Sheffield’s growing wine scene, with special events and tastings at venues across Sheffield, plus a huge outdoor festival finale at Bolehills Park in Crookes.
Co-founded by Tenaya Wine owner Virginia Myers, Sheffield Wine Week was created to help people discover great wine locally while supporting passionate independents. And, with the likes of The Old Shoe, Elm, Gills & Co, Barks Wine and many more on the line-up, it’s clearly going to be an absolute corker!
Ahead of its return this June, we caught up with Virginia to chat about her vision for the event, what’s in store for 2026, and why this is one summer event wine lovers – and indie business supporters alike – won’t want to miss.
Can you start by introducing yourself?
Hi! I’m Virginia, owner of Tenaya Wine in Crookes, Sheffield. I live in Crookes with my husband and our eight-year-old son. We moved from California five years ago to be closer to family. We’re not originally from Sheffield (I grew up in South London), but we loved how connected it is to the outdoors, and how happy and friendly the people here are.
After completing a degree in Geography, I got into the wine industry and have spent most of my career in it since. After years managing wine retail shops in the UK, and then working on the winemaking side in California, opening a drink-in wine shop seemed like a great next step. Back in 2022, when the shop opened, there wasn’t really a hybrid shop/drink-in wine spot in Sheffield, so it felt like a gap in the market. Honestly, I also wanted somewhere to drink great wine myself!
Since then, the wine scene in Sheffield has changed quite a bit. It’s been great to see more places to drink delicious, well-made wine popping up across the city over the last few years.
So, where did the idea for Sheffield Wine Week come from?
The idea came about a couple of years ago with Mike at The Old Shoe, as a way to spread the word about where to find great wine in the city. In the past few years, quite a few new spots have opened, so it was a way to support those businesses and help people discover places to buy and drink delicious, well-made wine in Sheffield.
Initially, in the first year, it consisted of events held in wine venues across the city, with a map to guide people around them. I’d been missing the outdoor-focused events I used to enjoy so much in California, so the idea for the Wine Festival came about last year as a closing event for Wine Week.
Being such an outdoorsy city, it felt right to hold a big event in Bolehills Park, where the views of the hills are such an amazing feature. Bringing all of Sheffield’s wine spots together also felt like a great way to bring everything into focus at the end of Wine Week.
What was your inspiration for the event, and what did you want to achieve?
With Wine Week, seeing new wine-focused venues popping up around the city made me feel that showcasing Sheffield’s wine scene would benefit everyone involved and help people discover good wine locally. Sheffield has historically been a real beer town, which is great, but it felt like the growing wine scene needed a little boost.
As for the festival itself, I was lucky enough to enjoy events like this while living in California. I lived near wine country, where the outdoors is really embraced and utilised all the time, and I really missed that. With Sheffield being such an outdoor city, it feels wonderful to bring people together in a beautiful setting to enjoy everything the city has to offer in wine during the summertime.
What’s been your favourite part of making your idea for Sheffield Wine Week a reality?
Helping people discover wine in different corners of the city, and helping independent businesses promote themselves and find new customers who may not yet have discovered them.
During the festival, it’s wonderful bringing all these Sheffield businesses together and sharing wine with the people of Sheffield. There were so many happy faces on the day – people genuinely had such a lovely time.
And how have you found getting an event like this off the ground – the highs and lows?
A definite high last year was seeing the festival come together and seeing how much people enjoyed it. Watching people discover so many new wines in one place, and seeing these passionate independents have such a successful day meeting new faces and sharing their favourite wines in the sunshine, was incredibly rewarding. Everyone just had such a lovely day.
The biggest challenge was really the amount of work involved in organising the festival. I was figuring it all out from scratch last year, having never done something like that before, while also running my business. We’re volunteering our time for this, so it’s a huge commitment alongside everything else we already do.
How did last year’s event go?
It went really well! Sheffield Wine Week helped people discover great venues in the city that they didn’t previously know about. The festival attracted around 1,000 people, and I still have people coming up to tell me what a wonderful day they had.
It was also really family-friendly, so people were able to bring their children along and enjoy the day while the kids took part in the activities I’d organised for them. It turned out exactly how I’d hoped, really.
Of course, I’ve learned a few things for this year! We’ll be making a few tweaks to make things a little easier and smoother behind the scenes.
What can people expect from Sheffield Wine Week 2026?
For Wine Week, expect special offers across Sheffield’s wine venues, along with some fun in-store events too. Check out our event page in the run-up to the week beginning June 22nd to find out what’s happening. For the festival on June 27th, more of the same, really! Not too many changes, but more vendors, more wine, more food, and the same great vibes. Tickets are available now and are currently at early-bird pricing. It’ll be a wonderful day in Sheffield: fun, relaxing, family-friendly, with beautiful views and the perfect way to discover all the wine Sheffield has to offer. Bring your friends!
Finally, what will we find you ordering at the bar?
Rosé in the sunshine, please!
BE THERE…
Sheffield Wine Week takes place from Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th June at venues across the city (follow on Instagram for announcements), with Sheffield Wine Festival taking place on Saturday 27th June at Bolehills Park in Crookes. Buy tickets for WineFest26.
For our 2026 International Women’s Day event, we brought together five inspiring South Yorkshire-based specialists in women’s health and wellbeing to share their hugely valuable expertise, insights, and advice.
Covering everything from hormones, mindset and fitness to skincare and sex, each brought a wealth of knowledge – and bucketloads of passion – to help inform and empower fellow women on how they can better take care and advocate for themselves when it comes to their mind, body and any health concerns they might be facing.
There were no lectures, judgment or awkwardness. Nor were there suggestions of soul-sapping diet plans or unachievable exercise regimes. Instead, a room full of women supporting women (our favourite!), engaging in real, honest chat, resonating on shared experiences and holding space for themselves and each other.
It was a chance to hear from those who know best what’s “normal” and what isn’t, why, as women, we face a colossal imbalance in healthcare, and what we can do when we feel we need help, support, or simply someone who listens… and who gets it.
Those who were there on the night know how warm, open and supportive this panel was…and for those who weren’t, we’re introducing you to them here. So, you can learn more about what they do, absorb some of their advice, and, if it’s what you feel you need in the place you are currently, utilise their services. We’re so fortunate to have these exceptional women here in Sheffield.
Dr Laura Cawley – GP & Menopause Specialist
“You won’t always feel like this – there is support available, and so much can be done to help.”
Can you give us a brief overview of your background?
I’m a GP specialising in women’s health and menopause, working in both the NHS and private practice with Menopause Care. I also teach and lecture at Sheffield University Medical School. Outside of work, I love open water swimming and taking on new challenges.
How long have you been in your current role, and what led you to this area?
I’ve been a doctor for 20 years and began specialising in women’s health in 2013. I saw many women struggling with perimenopause and menopause, and felt my training hadn’t fully prepared me to support them. That led me to pursue further education and become a BMS-accredited menopause specialist.
What are the main areas you help women with?
I support women across all areas of health, including menopause, problematic periods, PMS, PMDD, endometriosis, fibroids, and pelvic health concerns like vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence.
Why are you passionate about women’s health?
Early in my career, I often felt unequipped to fully help women, which motivated me to deepen my expertise. My own hormonal experiences after having children also gave me a personal understanding of how impactful these symptoms can be.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Creating a safe space where women feel heard and understood. Working together on a plan and seeing someone feel like themselves again is incredibly rewarding.
If you could change one thing to better support women, what would it be?
Making menopause care and treatment more accessible to all women.
One piece of advice, woman-to-woman?
You won’t always feel like this – there is support available, and so much can be done to help.
Dr Naomi Sutton – Sexual Health Consultant & Sexologist
“The more we talk together about what we want, what we desire, and what we deserve, the more we will empower one another.”
Can you give us a brief overview of your background?
I’m a sexual health consultant, qualifying from Sheffield Medical School in 2003. I’ve worked in the field for nearly 20 years, but one of my most influential experiences was being the doctor on the E4 TV series ’The Sex Clinic’ in 2019 and 2020, which deepened my interest in the psychological side of sex. I later trained with the ESSM (European Society of Sexual Medicine) and subsequently qualified as a sexologist. As a mother of two teenagers, I bring both professional and lived experience to my work, understanding how sexuality evolves across different life stages and relationships.
How long have you been in your current role, and what led you to this area?
I’ve worked in sexual health for almost two decades. Wanting to better understand the emotional and psychological aspects of sexuality led me to further training and ultimately to becoming a certified sexologist. I’m deeply passionate about empowering women through accurate, compassionate education and advocacy, helping them to feel informed, confident and connected to their bodies.
What are the main areas you help women with?
I support women in understanding their bodies, navigating sexual wellbeing, and accessing accurate, shame-free information – focusing on both health and pleasure.
Why are you passionate about women’s health?
Female sexual pleasure has long been overlooked or shaped by stigma. I believe it’s a vital part of wellbeing, self-connection, and empowerment – not something frivolous.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Normalising conversations around sex and creating a safe space for women to ask questions, unlearn stigma, and reconnect with themselves.
If you could change one thing to better support women?
Improved, inclusive, stigma-free education from an early age and throughout adulthood.
One piece of advice, woman-to-woman?
Talk more! As women, we often struggle with ideas about what we should or shouldn’t be doing – wondering if we’re doing things the ‘right’ way or if we’re even ‘normal’. In reality, many of us are carrying similar worries. When we share these concerns and connect with other women, something powerful happens – we feel lighter, understood and safe enough to laugh, giggle and be honest. The more we talk together as a community about what we want, what we desire, and what we deserve, the more we will empower one another.
Rebecca Elsdon – Skin Health Expert & Clinic Owner
“Helping someone feel comfortable, understood, and empowered in their own skin is something I never take for granted.”
Can you give us a brief overview of your background?
I’m a skin specialist and clinic owner, focused on skin health, education, and long-term results. I help women understand their skin, address problematic skin concerns, and rebuild their confidence through personalised treatment plans.
How long have you been in your current role, and what led you to this area?
I’ve worked in the industry for over 20 years and run my clinic for around eight. I was drawn to skin health after seeing how deeply skin concerns can impact a woman’s confidence, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing.
What are the main areas you help women with?
I support women with concerns like acne, rosacea, pigmentation, and sensitivity, alongside the emotional impact these conditions can have.
Why are you passionate about women’s wellbeing?
Skin is closely linked to hormones, stress, and lifestyle. Supporting women holistically – not just aesthetically – is incredibly important to me.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part is seeing women regain confidence in themselves, not just in their skin. Helping someone feel comfortable, understood, and empowered in their own skin is something I never take for granted.
If you could change one thing to better support women?
Less misinformation and quick-fix marketing, and more honest education around skin health. Women deserve clarity, personalisation and realistic guidance rather than feeling overwhelmed or misled.
One piece of advice, woman-to-woman?
Confidence comes from understanding and self-compassion – not perfection. Be kind to yourself, seek support when needed, and never compare. We are all individual, and that in itself is beautiful.
Dr Pretty Basra – Optometrist, Entrepreneur & Mental Fitness Mentor
“Many of the women I work with are capable and ambitious but feel stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected.”
Can you give us a brief overview of your background?
I’m an award-winning optometrist, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and mental fitness mentor. I’ve built and scaled multiple businesses in healthcare, including an optical practice and a medical aesthetics clinic, while also mentoring women to build confidence, resilience and leadership from the inside out.
How long have you been in your current role, and what led you to this area?
I’ve worked in healthcare for over 20 years, moving into mentoring more recently. My own experiences with burnout, failure, rebuilding businesses, and balancing motherhood with ambition led me to realise how vital mindset and mental fitness are for high-achieving women.
What are the main areas you help women with?
I support women with confidence, self-belief, burnout, boundaries, and the pressure of ‘doing it all’. Many of the women I work with are capable and ambitious but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves despite outward success.
Why are you passionate about women’s wellbeing?
Women are incredible at caring for everyone else, often at the expense of themselves. I’m passionate about helping women recognise that their wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation for their health, leadership, relationships and fulfilment.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Seeing women reconnect with their confidence and stop doubting themselves is incredibly rewarding. When someone realises they don’t need to be “fixed”, just supported, everything shifts.
If you could change one thing to better support women?
Normalising mental fitness and emotional wellbeing earlier, before burnout becomes the norm. We need systems and cultures that support women to thrive, not just survive.
One piece of advice, woman-to-woman?
You’re not behind, broken, or failing – you’re human. Trust yourself more than the noise around you, and remember: you’re allowed to want more and take care of yourself at the same time.
“There is no replacement for strength training to combat muscle mass and bone density loss.”
Can you give us a brief overview of your background?
I’ve always loved sport, but my path wasn’t straightforward. After studying English Linguistics and working in marketing, I rediscovered fitness during a challenging time in my twenties. That journey – alongside lessons around balance and wellbeing – led me to pursue a career helping others through fitness.
How long have you been in your current role, and what led you to this area?
I’ve been coaching for nearly a decade. I realised I wanted to combine my love of fitness with helping people, creating a more meaningful and supportive approach to health. I love fitness and how it’s the vehicle to give us so much more from life.
What are the main areas you help women with?
I support women at all stages – whether starting out, returning to fitness, or progressing further. Common challenges include a lack of time, confidence, and feeling overwhelmed by the fitness industry. What I love is showing them that all of these things are changeable. Your fitness journey should be infinite, always evolving and changing with you as you grow through seasons. With the right support, structure, and a great coach in their corner, they go from doubting themselves to stepping into a new version of themselves.
Why are you passionate about women’s wellbeing?
Women are incredibly capable but often held back by limiting beliefs. Fitness can be a powerful tool for building trust, confidence, and connection with yourself. I think there’s no better tool to learn more about yourself, trust yourself, and come back to yourself than fitness.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Seeing the ripple effect – improved confidence, better health, and positive changes that extend into careers, families, and everyday life.
If you could change one thing to better support women?
I’d love to see a world where strength training is as normalised for women as cardio, Pilates, or Yoga has been, where we celebrate what our bodies can do rather than just how they look. There is no replacement for strength training to combat muscle mass and bone density loss. If we want to be strong, mentally and physically, we need to prioritise this.
One piece of advice, woman-to-woman?
It’s never too late to start. Your body is capable of more than you think – and you deserve to discover that.
Sharing our passion for bringing women together for moments of connection, honesty and upliftment, we’re thrilled to shine our City Spotlight on The Mum Club Sheffield host, Jessica Avill.
Keen to better connect mums of the city and create space for belonging, surrounded by fellow females who just ‘get it’, mum-of-two Jess seized the opportunity last year to start running her own franchise of national event brand The Mum Club, here in Sheffield.
Unlike other ‘parent and baby groups’, these events are very much focused on filling mums’ cups rather than babies’, providing an opportunity to get out of the house (and the joggers!) and have conversations that go both ways.
From relaxed brunch and coffee club meets, complete with guest speakers and goodies, to feel-good fitness sessions you can attend with bump or baby, there’s something for everyone in a space that’s always pressure and judgement-free.
Here we hear from host Jess on how The Mum Club Sheffield community is blossoming, the goodness it’s bringing to those navigating motherhood, and what she’s got in store for 2026.
Can you start by introducing yourself?
Of course, I’m Jess, a mum of two boys, aged 7 and 4, and I own The Mum Club Sheffield, where I host social events for mums to meet, connect and enjoy a bit of time for themselves with their babies.
I grew up and live in Hathersage, and like so many mums, I found the early days of motherhood amazing but also quite isolating at times. Before starting this, I was always passionate about bringing people together, and now I get to do that in a way that truly matters.
Why did you want to bring The Mum Club to Sheffield?
After I had my boys, I realised there wasn’t really anything local that felt like it was for mums. Somewhere you could go that wasn’t just baby-focused, but where you could enjoy yourself too. I wanted something social, welcoming, and a bit more uplifting. That’s when I discovered The Mum Club and decided to bring it to Sheffield so other mums could have that space I felt was missing.
What have been your main achievements and challenges since you started running the events?
A huge high has been seeing events sell out and the amazing feedback from mums who say it’s helped their confidence or made them feel less alone, which never gets old.
A low has probably been the moments of self-doubt, especially in the beginning, wondering if people would come or if it would work. Running your own business alongside motherhood isn’t always easy, but those challenges have made the wins even more meaningful.
The events have been amazing. We’ve had such a lovely mix of mums attend, and the atmosphere is always really warm and welcoming. A standout moment is always when I see returning faces bringing new friends along; it shows the community is growing naturally.
Feedback often mentions how relaxed and friendly the events feel, and how nice it is to do something that feels a bit more like a treat.
And what can people expect from the 2026 Sheffield events you have lined up?
For 2026, I want to make the events even more special – beautiful venues, great food and coffee, and that same supportive, friendly atmosphere. Whether it’s brunches, fitness sessions, picnic and walking clubs or wellness events, there’ll be something for everyone. I’m also very excited to organise our first evening event, a chance for mums to get the night off with a wine or two, maybe!
Why would you encourage Sheffield mums to come along?
If you’re a mum looking to meet others, have a chat, and enjoy a bit of ‘you’ time without any pressure, these events are exactly that. It’s about connection, confidence, and community.
Everyone is welcome, whether it’s your first baby or your third, or you’re currently pregnant. Whether you come on your own or with a friend. The whole idea is to create a space where mums can show up exactly as they are and feel comfortable. There’s no pressure, no expectations, just a really lovely community.
If it’s a brunch event, I’m definitely a coffee-first kind of person, usually an iced flat white! Food-wise, it has to be something sweet, like a pancake stack or some French toast. YUM!
JOIN THE COMMUNITY…
Follow The Mum Club Sheffield on Instagram to be part of this beautiful community and discover what events are coming up in the city next.
