The Blood Line: Q&A with Elm

In a city built on makers, metalworkers, and modern creatives, Elm has quickly become one of Sheffield’s most exciting spaces, part coffee shop, part restaurant, and entirely rooted in craft. We sat down with the team at Elm to talk about their journey, their philosophy, and why craftsmanship is the thread that ties everything together.

Can you tell us a little about Elm and what you’re most passionate about in your business?
Elm is a coffee shop by day and a restaurant by night, although the restaurant side has now happily spilled into our Thursday and Friday day service too. At the centre of everything we do is a deep respect for craft, whether it’s the beans we’re brewing first thing in the morning or the dishes we’re plating later in the evening, we lean heavily on locally sourced ingredients and the people behind them. Elm was built on the belief that quality comes from care, care for our suppliers, care in our preparation, and care in the experience we give every guest who steps through the door.

How did your journey with Elm start, and what has been a highlight for you so far?
Elm began in 2023 with a simple idea to create a space that champions local makers and producers while offering a warm, welcoming home for the community. We wanted to build something that felt rooted in Sheffield’s craft heritage, somewhere you can enjoy thoughtfully made coffee during the day and ingredient-led, ambitious cooking at night.

One of the biggest highlights has been hearing customers recognise the provenance of what they’re enjoying; when someone comments on the freshness of an ingredient or asks about its source, we know our commitment to craft and locality is landing exactly as we hoped.

How would you describe the ethos of Elm to someone who hasn’t been before?
Elm is guided by three values, craft, locality, and authenticity. We focus on ingredients with real stories behind them, work closely with regional suppliers, and approach every dish and every cup with intention. Nothing is rushed, our menu shifts with the seasons, and our philosophy is simple, good food and drink come from respecting the people and processes behind them. For us, Elm is a celebration of Sheffield’s makers, farmers, bakers, roasters, and yes, even potters (looking at you, Jon).

How did you first hear about GORAL, and what drew you to the brand?
We first discovered GORAL through Sheffield’s creative community, where their craftsmanship already had a strong reputation. What drew us in instantly was how closely their values align with ours. Every pair of GORAL shoes is handcrafted using time-honoured methods the team has relied on for more than 80 years. The fact that the final pair of hands to touch each shoe is the craftsman who made it says everything about their dedication and heritage. Their approach mirrors our own philosophy, rooted in tradition, intentionally made, and proudly local.

Are there any GORAL styles you’ve been particularly excited about or own yourself?
We’re lucky enough to own a few pairs. The Mellor II is a standout, beautifully crafted, incredibly wearable, and quietly confident. It represents that “quality without the flash” ethos we really connect with. We’re also hugely excited for the release of the Bradwell WW1 Replica Boot; we had the chance to try them on during the latest GORAL shoot, and they’re something genuinely special. The historical accuracy, the weight and feel of the materials, and the handmade finish all come together to create a piece that feels like owning a slice of Sheffield’s craft heritage.

Elm and GORAL share a common belief that great things are made slowly, intentionally, and with respect for the people behind them. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a hand-built pair of shoes, or a seasonal dish, craftsmanship is the thread that runs through it all. If you haven’t visited Elm yet, consider this your invitation, a place where Sheffield’s craft culture is alive, evolving, and served with care.