According to data collected by the Music Venue Trust (MVT), in 2023 Yorkshire and the Humber lost 16 grassroots music venues - 13% of all closures across the UK. Sheffield, a city with a storied musical history, is feeling the impact. Our vibrant music scene is at risk, and these closures serve as a stark reminder: if we don’t rally behind our venues and the incredible talent they showcase, we could lose them forever.
To help you get the most out of Sheffield's nightlife, Sheffield Magazine is spotlighting some of the city’s most exciting venues - starting with what appears to be Paolo Nutini's favourite spot in the Steel City if recent evidence is anything to go by, The Dorothy Pax.
Nestled on Victoria Quays, The Dorothy Pax is not just another venue; it's an experience. This distinctive spot is housed in a building that once served as a dental practice but now radiates maritime charm with its boat-like structure, paying homage to a real barge that once sailed the nearby waterways. Since The Dorothy Pax dropped anchor in 2017, the area has blossomed with six new businesses springing up around it, making it one of the city’s brightest rising stars.
The Dorothy Pax is where music, art, and craft beer come together in a laid-back atmosphere, featuring a superb PA sound system that attracts outstanding artists and a diverse crowd. The venue buzzes with life, offering everything from local bands and folk nights to jazz sessions and DJ sets. Recently, it came alive with a fantastic gig featuring New York’s “King of anti-folk” Lach, local acoustic talent Searching for Lil, and a meet-and-greet with children’s author Paul Grimshaw, with all proceeds from that going to support local cat charities.
The venue's charismatic owner, “Rich Pax”, conducts our interview while proudly showcasing his recently acquired “fleet” of two milk floats which will ultimately operate as bars, which he jokingly refers to as “a drunken eBay purchase.” This eccentric owner is not only passionate about music but also understands the challenges facing venues and their customers today.
“The cost of living crisis has hit everyone hard, so we do what we can to keep nights out affordable,” Rich explains. With pints still priced at just £3.20 and 80% of their gigs and events free (donations encouraged), The Dorothy Pax proves that great nights out don’t have to break the bank. In September, highlights promise to be Folk /Americana York collective ‘Boss Caine’ (7th September), ukulele and double bass duo ‘Dead Man’s Uke’ (17th September) and Los Angeles rock band ‘The Falling Doves’ (19th September)".
When asked what it is like to run a venue in Sheffield, Rich replied “It’s wonderful. All the Sheffield venues help each other out. I would always tell you to visit some of the great places we have on offer – ‘Plot 22’, ‘Sidney and Matilda’, ‘The Hallamshire Hotel’, ‘The Washington’, ‘The Bath Hotel’ and ‘The Closed Shop’ – Sheffield is teeming with opportunities to watch live music in some great places; we just need you to keep showing up and pay what you can when you can”.
Ultimately, The Dorothy Pax is more than just a venue; it’s a cultural beacon in Sheffield, blending history, music, and a strong sense of community in a welcoming, one-of-a-kind setting.
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