The Old Shoe
The Old Shoe is a cosy bar in the heart of Sheffield, serving local cider, craft beer and coffee — plus vinyl records, books and art you can take home! It's the home of Exemption Ciderhouse cider which is produced on-site. Whether you're into music, making drinks or customer service, The Old Shoe offers a warm welcome and a buzzing place to learn about hospitality.
Business fact file
Sector
Food and Hospitality
Employees
13
Top jobs
Boutique Drinks Importer
As a Boutique Drinks Importer, you would track down unique drinks from around the world — like small-batch cider, special wines or rare soft drinks — and bring them to places like The Old Shoe. You would talk to producers in different countries, organise transport and check the quality of every batch. You would need to be adventurous, organised and always on the lookout for something fresh and exciting to share with drink lovers.
Cidermaker
As a Cidermaker, you would turn apples into delicious cider! You would pick the right apples, press them for juice, then carefully ferment and blend the liquid to make different styles of cider. You’d also check how it tastes, bottle it up and tell people what makes your cider special. It’s a hands-on role that needs patience, creativity and care — perfect for someone who enjoys working with nature and learning old-school techniques.
Drinks Journalist
As a Drinks Journalist, you would write fun and interesting articles about drinks, places and the people behind them. You might visit venues like The Old Shoe, interview cidermakers or wine buyers, then share their stories through blogs, magazines or social media. Your writing would help people understand where their drinks come from and why they matter. You would need to be a curious storyteller, with a good nose for what’s new and a passion for words and flavour.
Soft Drink Technician
As a Soft Drink Technician, you would mix up exciting non-alcoholic drinks — like craft sodas, cordials or seasonal specials. You would experiment with fruits, herbs and spices to create new flavours, or help carbonate drinks with just the right fizz. You might also test, tweak and bottle up your creations ready for customers to enjoy. This role would suit someone with a curious mind, attention to detail and a love of taste and science.
Sommelier / Wine Buyer
As a Sommelier or Wine Buyer, you would be in charge of choosing amazing wines that suit the style and flavour of the venue. You would taste and research different wines, work with vineyards or suppliers, and make sure each bottle on the list tells a story. You might even help customers pick a wine they’ll love. You would need a brilliant memory for flavour, a nose for quality and a real passion for helping people discover something new.
Fun fact: Not only had founder Mike Pomranz never worked in hospitality before opening his first bar, he had never even had a job where he had to use a cash register before.