We decided to head out for a relaxed midday meal and try somewhere different, settling on The Park at Hillsborough. We rang ahead and booked a table for three at 1pm, which felt like a sensible move given how busy pubs can get around lunchtime.
I arrived a little early, with the others still on their way, so I waited outside in the beer garden. It’s a simple setup, but on a warm day it works well. Sitting with a cold drink, watching people come and go, it’s an easy place to pass the time without feeling rushed.
Once everyone arrived, we headed inside. The pub itself is well kept, with a clean and tidy feel. Even though it was busy, it didn’t feel overwhelming. Staff showed us straight to our table, which had just been cleaned, and we settled in with menus.
The menu leans heavily on familiar pub classics, with enough choice to suit most people. As we had all skipped breakfast, we decided to go for both a starter and a main. After a bit of back and forth between options, I chose the crispy potato skins with cheese and BBQ pulled pork to start, followed by the chicken tikka masala for the main.
When we ordered, we were told to expect around a 40-minute wait. That felt reasonable at the time, and we weren’t in a hurry, so it gave us a chance to catch up properly over a couple of drinks.
In reality, the wait stretched to around 90 minutes before we checked in with staff. They apologised and explained there had been a large party in at the same time. It was understandable, but it would have helped to be told earlier so we could adjust expectations or order accordingly.
When the starter eventually arrived, it made a good first impression. The portion size was fair, and the potato skins were properly crisp, with plenty of melted cheese and BBQ pulled pork. It’s a simple dish, but it was done well.
Our mains followed not long after. The chicken tikka masala came as a full plate, with rice, poppadoms, naan, chutney, and a selection of sides including a samosa, onion bhaji, and spinach pakora. It’s the kind of meal that feels more like a mixed platter than a standard curry.
The curry itself was solid. The chicken was tender, the sauce mild with a bit of warmth, and the rice light and fluffy. Most of the sides worked well alongside it. The only part that didn’t quite land for me was the onion bhaji, which had more heat than expected. If you prefer milder food, it’s something to keep in mind.
Overall, the food quality held up, but the long wait did take the edge off the experience. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth allowing extra time, especially during busy periods.
To get in touch with The Park, you can call 0114 233 8293 or visit www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk. The pub is located on Wadsley Lane, Sheffield, S6 4EB.
