Peak District Walk - Monsal Trail

A few pictures from following the Monsal Trail. It is a 10km circular walk (you finish where you start), with the starting point of Ashford-on-the-Water.

Monsal Viaduct

Sheffields Top Ten Takeaways

Best Takeaways in Sheffield

Do you enjoy a takeaway?

Your usual from the Chinese? Don't forget the prawn crackers! A pizza with friends? Or how about a kebab on your way home from drinks in town? Mobile technology and the internet is changing everything, this posts looks at how technology is delivering results for the takeaway business.

In collaboration with JUST EAT, here is a run down of Sheffield's Top Ten Takeaways...

Technology - smartphones

Over the past 100 years technology has increased at a significant rate, queue the Moore's law reference.

I do stop and wonder, where will it take us in our lifetime - let's say by 2085.

Let's start with Smartphones....

Smartphones
Smartphones are they good or evil? Very useful or the loss of all privacy? 😨

Combining cameras, satnavs, video cameras, the family pc, entire cd or vinyl collections, photo albums, phone books, maps, all under one roof is pretty impressive. Voice commands and being waterproof take them up a notch.

But phones pick out trends and analyse data, data about you. From telling you how long a commute may take to showing you where you parked your car. (no input from yourself, it has this information readily available)

In a race of intelligence, I think smartphones have now overtaken their owners.

Without your phone could you...
- List phone numbers of loved ones? tell me the quickest way to Eastbourne, direct me there and keep me updated with the best route? Could you also list the birthdays of your friends and family along with ages? Or answer questions from knowledge, rather than suggesting Google it? What is a rock hopper penguin?

Smartphones are constantly evolving both through the handset technology but via the software and app stores. In contrast games consoles  are released in generations, years apart - with big differences when compared with the previous model. With smartphones it is a blur and very clear when you change phone or upgrade. In 2 years time, 4 or even 10 years time what will your phone be capable of?

The next steps
- Flexible handsets (like paper)
- Personal assistants (like the film Her?)
- IoT (Internet of things) - complete control of your home and possessions
- Less input from the user will be required , as the phones continue to collect and analyse the data about you - more and more information will be presented to the owner. Predictive text may be exactly that...
- Health apps and sensors
- Daily routine mapped out and controlled, from being woken up by your phone, which controls the Internet of things devices in your home. From opening the curtains, to preparing your breakfast and morning coffee, maybe even pulling your on demand car or driverless car round to the front of your house. Probably briefing you on your day, the latest news, birthdays and reminders or to what you missed whilst you were asleep. Everything will be synced and tailored to your routine and the data you generate.

A step beyond this and a more extreme step, is integrating technology into the human body. Chips and sensor implants. The topic of the next call of duty game. No doubt in testing in labs around the world. If you could upgrade your vision, memory, knowledge - would you?

So where do rock hopper penguins live again?

Exploring The Snake Path

Hayfield to Hathersage (almost)

Having explored Mam Tor (Castleton), various towns and villages and going for a long walk from Edale, it was time to take the next step toward becoming Bear Grylls / exploring the Peak District. This was a 13km walk into the unknown starting from Hayfield.

I found "The Inn Way to the Peak District" on amazon by Mark Reid, it is proving to be an excellent purchase. It acts as a well written guide to exploring 84 miles (135km) over 6 days. It also features maps, points of interest, tips on places to stay and a guide to the 51 pubs along the way. For this walk we followed the books route for Hayfield to Hathersage - but we only ventured half way before returning to Hayfield.

This is an activity you really need to be prepared for - Mark's book highlights safety measures and tips. Waterproof boots were essential - the route included crossing streams and muddy bogs, having warm clothes and waterproof clothing, have a planned route - if you get lost - head back the way you came. Pay attention to the weather - before and forecast during the walk. If the area has been subject to heavy rainfall for the past few days - river levels will be high and the ground boggy, if not dangerous in places. Keep your eye on the time and know how much daylight you have left. You shouldn't rely on smartphones or GPS. You should also let someone know where you are going and what time you should return.

Looking back towards Hayfield

The Snake Path

Surprise View, Peak District

Sorry to ruin the surprise, but heading back to Sheffield we stopped off at a car park which was signposted for surprise view. This is the view!

The view overlooks Hope Valley. The car park is on the Castleton to Sheffield road (A625) - it is a pay and display (card only!) No toilets, but a great view!

Hope Valley, Peak District

Entrepreneurs Scrapbook

An Entrepreneurs Scrapbook

#whynot?

More soon....

Exploring the Peak District - Baslow

Baslow, Derbyshire

A few tweets from the Sheffield Telegraph @shftelegraph and +Lesley Draper inspired me to use the local bus services to further explore the beautiful Peak District.

We decided to catch the bus to Baslow (either the 215 or the 218) from the Sheffield bus interchange. I was expecting an old run down TM Travel bus to pick us up and maybe a few other passengers and slowly make its way out to the Peak District.

I was quite impressed when a modern bus arrived, not only does it include usb ports to charge phones, but the the bus journey is well illustrated down the length of the bus. I couldn't help myself walking down the bus to read about the different stops, maybe spotting ideas for another day out. The bus interchange is quite modern with plenty of reminders that apps are available to help plan your journeys. (The journey itself took around 40 minutes and cost less than £5 return)

The route of the bus journey also provided a chance to see parts of Sheffield I am less familiar with and to relax, with the added benefit of not having to worry about driving should we find a nice pub later on.

So, we hopped of the bus in the middle of Baslow. There is a notice board with a nice looking map, to help you find your bearings. I'd recommend heading to Baslow Edge (pictures below), but it was also quite nice not having a plan and just wondering around the village.

After admiring the weir (should have taken a photo...) we enjoyed some of these sights:

and relax...

crossing the bridge

Derbyshire / Peak District - walking towards Baslow Edge

Derbyshire / Peak District - Walking to Baslow Edge

Baslow Edge - shame about the fog

Having found some directions on Google to Baslow Edge, we enjoyed a slow walk up a steady incline. With nice views on the way and plenty of fresh air, the only downside was the fog - hiding the full scale of the views. There is a well positioned bench at the top - for those who like to sit and take in the view, or catch their breath....

Having been recommended:

• The Devonshire Arms, Baslow
• Rowleys, Baslow
• White Lion, Great Longstone

 After walking back down from Baslow Edge and into the centre of the village, we decided to try the Devonshire Arms. (You can see it from where the bus drops you off)

The Devonshire Arms is quite a large venue and seemed very busy on a Sunday. We tried our luck and managed to get a table for two with no trouble at all. The pub looks to be a successful business, with a busy bar, a stylish dining area and even its own coffee and cake shop.

I went for the 12 hour roast sirloin of beef (see below), it was also served with a selection of vegetables (red cabbage, peas and green beans.) The meals are well presented and I would class this as my first fine dining Sunday lunch. It was a delicious meal, served with a monstrous Yorkshire pudding (see photographic evidence below), the meal was perfectly accompanied with a pint of Chatsworth blonde (an award winner, don't you know.)

The Devonshire Arms - Sunday Lunch - 12 hour roast sirloin of beef

Cappuccuino

Chocolate brownie with chocolate ice cream

After such a nice lunch, we decided to fit in dessert as well. I went for the chocolate brownie and chocolate ice cream, delicious. But my partner found the real treasure - a peanut butter ice cream, which is actually made by the pub. Hands down, some of the best ice cream we have ever tasted. Compliments to the chef!

We had some hot drinks before leaving (around 0 - 4 degrees at the moment, feels like winter!)

So after a fun day out, some fresh air, great views (nevermind the fog) and enjoying some great food and drink - it was time to hop back on the bus and return to the City. The bus services run every hour and there are plenty of other destinations to explore, including Bakewell and Chatsworth House. We are looking forward to further exploring the Peak District, considering possible places to live and enjoying any pubs en route. Hopefully this blog post will encourage others to use the bus services on our doorstep, but ultimately to enjoy the adventures and delights of the Peak District.

If you have any favourites, recommendations or comments, please share them below. 

The Devonshire Arms

Sumo San - Teppanyaki and Sushi in Sheffield

Website: www.sumosan.co.uk

Address: 16 Suffolk Road, Sheffield, S2 4AG
Tel: 0114 275 1118

Good for: Sushi, Japanese

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sumo16
Rating: 5/5

 

Mirpuri Dhera Indian Restaurant Review

Website:http://www.mirpuridhera.co.uk/

Address: 261 Staniforth Road, Sheffield, S9 3FP

Tel: 0114 244 9199

Price: £9.99 per adult, under 10's £5, under 3's free!

Good for: Curry!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murpsheffield

Rating: 5/5

Having stayed in Sheffield beyond my student years, Mirpuri Dhera is my most visited restaurant in Sheffield / South Yorkshire. It is a restaurant I have dragged friends to and continue to recommend to others. Almost to the point of singing and dancing that it is Mirpuri Dhera day.....

Once you have got the hand of pronouncing Mirpuri Dhera, it is an Indian / Pakistani / Kashmiri all you can eat buffet. Hold your initial thoughts, it is authentic, amazing value for money and most importantly delicious. We have almost given up on trying other Indian restaurants in Sheffield, because this is the one to beat. Although Urban Choola is also very good (London Road).

2015

Happy New Year & good luck for any resolutions you may have set for 2015. 

The blog has been quiet recently as I have focused on other things, mainly working, enjoying the festive season and thinking ahead to 2015. (As well as fixing I.T problems for friends and family and helping people pick new laptops)

The blog is an ongoing experiment and has exceeded 9000 views, which is good going. Individual posts are being views 100's of times - demonstrating the power of the blogger!

I have a few food posts pending, which will tie in with my recent #socialsheffield related post - as a number of Sheffield photographers and bloggers share the best of Sheff.

Last year I tried a number of side projects, a few of which didn't take off as I had hoped, but I am glad I tried. After a relaxing Christmas, it is time to start the new year full of energy and make the most of every opportunity.

2014 has highlighted just how difficult it is to gain momentum in a business idea, attract attention to a website, blog or other form of social media.

If anyone else is in similar boat, perhaps a budding entrepreneur, keen to try out a business idea of your own, why not comment below? It would be good to talk!

I have added some new photos to my instagram.com/theitguydoes recently, check them out!

-theitguy

Silversmiths Restaurant Sheffield with #socialsheffield

Social Sheffield Foodie Network Launch Event

What a difference an invitation can make. From sitting in queues of motorway traffic on a wet and foggy Monday, an invitation from @eatsocialshef resulted in networking with 15 or so editors, photographers, tweeters and bloggers - celebrating the launch of the Social Sheffield Foodie Network. 

One of Sheffield's leading independent restaurants - Silversmiths was the venue, but it is a restaurant that is full of character and has left me quite impressed with a number of its projects, a business that is clearly embracing innovation and technology. 

Meeting the owners and chefs makes a real difference, if they remain behind closed doors - diners miss the stories and personalities, but may never know about the exciting projects and the effort behind scenes.

Silversmiths, Sheffield

Napoleons Owlerton - Restaurant & Casino - Review - Sheffield

Location: Sheffield UK

Website: http://www.napoleons-casinos.co.uk/sheffield-owlerton/

Good for: Food, drinks and for when you are feeling lucky

Rating: 4/5

Visit: October 2014

Address: 17 Livesey St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S6 2BL

Phone:0114 285 5566

Modern meets traditional dining experience

A selection of Sheffield's top food bloggers were invited to a special preview night for the new look Napoleons Owlerton Casino & Restaurant. 

The venue has recently invested in a £2million refurbishment and extension, which will be officially opened on Thursday 16th October 2014.

Napoleons Owlerton, Oct '14

Sushi Express - Sheffield

Sushi Express Sheffield

Location: Sheffield UK

Website: http://www.sushiexpress.uk.com

Good for: Japanese / sushi

Rating: 4.5/5 

Visit: August 2014

Address: 8 Milton street, sheffield, S1 4JU

Phone: 0114 279 7669

I'm glad a friend introduced me to this restaurant. I've not heard of it before and it's location is hidden from the main streets.

The staff are very friendly and it is a spacious and well lit restaurant. It takes some time to work through the menu, as there is a lot of choice! Luckily the menu has useful photos of each dish.

#shefftech Sheffield Technology

#shefftech

Technology is advancing very quickly and I believe Sheffield could and should be making more of the digital age and the untapped potential that the city has to offer.

With two Universities, developing transport links and lower house prices - it is a shame that the tech giants perhaps overlook the city, or that the startups have not been encouraged or supported enough to grow.

I picked up my information technology degree in Sheffield & have lived in the city ever since. In the years that have followed, course mates have eventually left the city for jobs elsewhere or to return home during the search for work.

Having worked in the computing and technology industry for a few years, I can summarise the following:
- companies in the Sheffield area struggle to recruit employees with technical computing skills (especially networking, servers, information security, service desks)
- a high number of employees commute outside of Sheffield for computing work, but would much rather work in the city!
- the computing / technology job market in Sheffield seems limited and sadly...
- computing and technology jobs gravitate around London (higher living costs and the tube...)

I have more to add on the topic, but in the meantime #shefftech

I'd like to introduce #shefftech to help network computing and technology students, employees and employers - via Twitter and even in the comments section below. Once there is interest there can be events and even new opportunities. Don't be shy, if you want to get involved use #shefftech

-theitguy

Smoke Barbecue Sheffield

Good for: American barbecue food

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Location: Sheffield, U.K

Website: http://smokebbq.co.uk/

A welcomed addition to the steel city is the Smoke Barbecue restaurant. I stumbled across Smoke on Facebook and was impressed by the photos and comments to date. I understand the owners of the restaurant were inspired by Man vs Food, flew out to America to learn how to BBQ, before opening a restaurant in a prime Sheffield location (city centre and across the road from Sheffield Hallam University)

A runners mindset: 10 Minutes To 10km

Here is a guest blog post I wrote for the new ukrunchat website, it has received some very positive comments already and it is a post I am rather proud of. Hopefully it will serve as some useful inspiration if you are a runner, or perhaps help explain the mindset of us runners. If this does inspire you, let me know! Or feel free to share you story via a link or post below.

http://www.ukrunchat.co.uk/10-minutes-to-10km/

I'd recommend following @ukrunchat and participating in the #ukrunchat hour held Sun & Wed 8pm-9pm GMT. It is great to have found a running community, ukrunchat are very supportive and have really impressed me with their new website. All the best guys!

#ukrunchat - can you make it to the finish line?

Baan Thai Review Sheffield

Location: Sheffield UK

Website: N/A

Good for: Thai food

Rating: 4/5 (depending on dish!)

Visit: Early 2014

Address: 1 Ecclesall Rd, Sheffield S11 8HY

Phone:0114 275 4800

Having passed Baan Thai countless times and wondering if it is any good, I thought it was about time to pay a visit and see. The Baan Thai website seems to have gone offline, so I did wonder if the place was still in business!

I found a number on Google and sure enough, managed to book a table! 

Baan Thai, Sheffield, UK

Moor Market Sheffield, the Steel City's £18 million market

Sheffield's main market has recently moved from its old run down home at Castle Market, to a brand new £18 million home on the Moor, featuring around 90 stalls and 12 cafés.

Open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm

The Moor Market, Sheffield

3D Printing

In 2012 I supported a science challenge at Sheffield City College, where I spotted a stand on 3D printing.

Since then I have been intrigued by 3D printing and have been keeping an eye on the topic. Friends and colleagues have looked at me in disbelief when I have talked about this topic. I think it's fair to say that the technology is gaining momentum, but few people are aware of it. So here are a few points that may surprise you:

What is 3D printing?
Using an electronic file, but instead of printing to paper a 3D printer can produce an item in 3D from a variety of materials.

Mud Crab

Location: Ecclesall road, Sheffield, UK (Also Didsbury, Manchester, W.Bridgford)
Website: http://www.mudcrabindustries.co.uk/
Good For:  Burgers
Average price per person: £15 - £25
ITG Rating: 3/5
Visit: November 2013

Having moved away from Ecclesall Road it is surprising how much it has changed, in what seems to be a short amount of time. There are a few places that stand out and I'm hoping to visit each of them at some point. Enter the Mud Crab....