Café

Relax in our Café

Take a break and refuel at the Museum Café. Offering a cosy family-friendly atmosphere, our café serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, freshly prepared snacks, and delicious treats. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee before your museum visit or enjoying a light lunch after exploring our exhibitions, the café provides a perfect relaxing spot. We cater to various dietary preferences and welcome everyone, from museum visitors to those just passing by.

Discover a warm welcome and a slice of history at the Museum Café. Its three cosy seating areas are the perfect spot for everyone.

Sit downstairs by our crackling log burner (weather and time of year dependant) for a relaxed atmosphere with easy access to the museum’s galleries. Or, head upstairs to the former hay loft, where you can unwind on the sofa while enjoying views of the museum’s charming cobbled yard and ambulance exhibition. Our newest addition is our combined café and community space in the former ladder repair shop, inviting you to enjoy your drink surrounded by the rich heritage of this Victorian building.

Each seating area is decorated with hints of the museum’s exhibits and stories, with a taste of the fascinating history of our emergency services even as you relax. Come for the history, stay for the atmosphere!

Bring your own food

We know that sometimes, bringing your lunch or snacks is the way to go. That’s why we’re happy for you to enjoy your own food in our café space during your museum visit. While we offer a selection of tasty treats in our café, we understand that everyone occasionally loves a little food from home.

So, whether you’re bringing packed lunches for the kids or a snack for yourself, please feel free to make yourself comfortable in our café area.

Bring your own cup

We’re passionate about sustainability. That’s why we’re offering a 50p discount on any hot drink when you bring your own reusable cup! It’s a small step that makes a big difference in reducing waste.

Our café is open to both museum visitors and anyone passing through the area, so whether you’re here for an exciting day at the museum or just in need of a coffee while out and about, we’d love to welcome you. Enjoy a delicious drink, save money, and do your part for the environment – all at the same time!

Family-friendly Cafe award

Did you know that our museum café is recognised as a family-friendly café by the charity Kids in Museums? This means families can enjoy a welcoming, inclusive space with facilities designed to make visits with children easier, more relaxed and enjoyable.

Hire our spaces

Make your next event unique by hosting it in the historical setting of the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield. Our preserved spaces offer a distinctive backdrop, adding character and charm to any meeting, networking event, or community gathering.

Our café and community rooms are versatile and can be adapted to accommodate a range of group sizes, making them perfect for business meetings, networking events, small conferences, workshops, and social occasions.

Buffet and Catering Services

Our museum team is delighted to provide delicious buffet options catering to all dietary requirements. From vegan to gluten-free, we ensure everyone can enjoy our in-house catering.

Why Choose the National Emergency Services Museum?

A historic and unique venue that sets a memorable atmosphere
Flexible and customisable spaces suited to your event’s needs
Experienced team on hand for setup and coordination
In-house buffet options catering to all dietary preferences
AV systems, including facilities for hybrid meetings

Contact us today to discuss your requirements, check availability, and discover how we can make your event exceptional at the National Emergency Services Museum.

Our Café spaces

Our café seating and serving areas are spread across several rooms on three different levels. Please note that there is no lift access to the Hayloft areas of the café.

The Hayloft

Our historic building was once a bustling hub of activity. With horses playing a vital role in the station’s daily operations, this space was originally used as the hayloft above the police stables. Today, it has been transformed into a cosy, barn-style space in the heart of the city centre.

Cosy seating

Next to the Hayloft, you’ll find a relaxing seating area with sofas and low chairs overlooking the Cobbled Courtyard. Storybooks are also available, giving the whole family a chance to pause their adventure and relax together.

The Tack Room

Located on the ground floor, set back inside the building near where the stables once stood, the Tack Room is another welcoming café space. Originally, this area, complete with an open fire, would have been used to dry wet tack from the horses. At certain times of the year, our log burner is lit to keep you warm and cosy.